Most people leave repairing roof shingles to carpenters and other professionals. With the following methods though, you’ll be able to fix them yourself.
How to Fix Shingles
Required Tools and Materials
Roofing cement
Roofing nails
Putty knife
Hammer
Pry bar
Ladder (to climb roof)
Step 1
If the shingle has been torn apart, put a bit of roofing cement at the back of the knife. Apply this on the torn shingle. Join the pieces together. This will allow the cement to fuse the pieces. Moreover, the cement will stick the shingles to the one below it. Hammer it in place.
Step 2
To start repairing roof shingles that curl, you should put roofing cement on the afflicted area. Take some roofing nails and hammer them firmly.
How to Replace Roof Shingles
In some cases, you’ll need to replace the damaged shingles. Begin by getting the following supplies.
Required Tools and Materials
Shingles
Ladder
Caulk and glue gun
Sharp knife
Nail bar
Hammer (claw head attached)
Putty knife
Roof cement
Step 1
Ensure the roof is dry before you conduct any repairs. Climb the ladder and get on the roof. Carefully bend the shingles on top of the damaged one.
Step 2
To begin repairing roof shingles, use the hammer to take out the nails off the damaged shingle. Remove other damaged pieces as well.
Step 3
Cut a new shingle that is equal to the dimensions of the old one. Set the new shingle in place of the old one. Nail it into place. Put some roofing cement on the raised shingles. You can do this with the putty knife or the caulk gun. Remove any remaining debris.
Proper Maintenance
Asphalt shingles are good for 20 years if it’s well kept. Check the roof at least twice yearly so you can prevent damage from spreading. To make repairing roof shingles easier, assess the roof’s state after a heavy storm.
Tips
Count the number of damaged shingles before doing any work. This will allow you to get the proper amount of shingles. Mismatched shingles are unsightly and may be incompatible; to avoid mistakes, bring one with you to the lumber yard.
To get the best results, replace the shingles during warm weather. This will make the shingles supple. Warm weather also makes it easier to install and seal new shingles.
Warnings
Do not go up the roof immediately after a storm. Wait until the weather clears up. Make sure the ladder you’re using is strong and sturdy. Do not attempt to go up the roof if it is too steep.
Do not attempt this task if you are afraid of heights. While working in warm weather is recommended, do not try to work when the temperature is very high. You might end up getting dizzy on the roof. If there are several shingles that need to be replaced or repaired, get someone to help you.
Repairing roof shingles will be easier if regular inspection is done on the roof. This will allow you to fix any small problems and prevent them from spreading.
