Do you want to learn how to repair roof shingles? High winds that accompany storms often blow off shingles. It is important to replace these shingles in order to protect the interior of your home. Damaged shingles can be removed and new ones secured in their place and any that are missing can be filled in. If you have spares from when the roof was installed, you can use those. However, sun and weather can cause the existing shingles to fade and you may be disappointed that the new ones won’t match. Depending on how visible the replacements are, you could lose some curb appeal.
Tools You Will Need
The basic tools include a ladder that will get you onto the roof safely, a pry bar or something that will remove the old nails, hammer, utility knife, nails, and, of course, shingles.
Identify any damaged shingles and using the pry bar remove the nails and the shingle. Some shingles are secured with a sealant. If so, slide the pry bar under the shingles, edge and carefully break the seal. If you are doing this in cool weather, the seal is more easily broken but the shingle itself will be stiffer. In warmer temperatures, the sealant will be gooey and more difficult to remove, but the shingle will be more flexible and easier to work with.
If the shingle is missing, remove any debris or nails that may still be there. Most shingles are secured with four nails, two on the damaged shingle and two holding the shingle above it. You will need to remove all four nails. The nails from the upper shingle will be gone only temporarily so that you can slide the new shingle underneath. Never place a new shingle over the one above it since this will only allow moisture to enter the structure. It may be necessary to adjust the shingles on either side of the damaged one as well.
Materials You’ll Need
Carefully slide the new shingle under the one above it, being cautious to avoid damage to that upper shingle. Nail the replacement in place with four nails. Move on to the next. Finish with a sealant to keep the shingles tighter in place.
There is an alternative to roofing nails, which is adhesive strips. Some shingles are made with these strips attached to the bottom. When properly in place, this will create a waterproof seal without the need to poke holes with a nail.
Finally, you may be wondering why these shingles came loose or were damaged in the first place. There are several possible culprits. The shingles could have been installed improperly at the outset. If the nails are too high instead of on the nailing strip, the shingle could tear. It could also be that the initial installer did not have the necessary four to six weeks to fully set. The most common cause is that the roof has simply aged. Time, temperatures, and weather conditions, especially if your area is prone to high winds, will decay the roof and need repairs and replacement.
If you have any concerns, call a professional like Vanity Roofing to make the repairs for you.
