If you’ve got a broken roof shingle and want to repair it yourself, it’s not easy. You must have the right tools and understand which process to follow. In this article, we’ll share the tools you require and the five effortless steps you should follow to fix roof shingles efficiently. We’ll also explain how to fix cracked shingles and which adhesive is the best.
Is it possible to replace a few shingles?
Yes, it is possible to replace a few shingles from your roof. You can remove just a few shingles and leave the rest of the roof intact to replace them. This process requires a few steps, which you will find listed in this article.
Which construction tools are essential for fixing roof shingles?
Some of the most essential construction tools for fixing roof shingles include:
- Roofing nails
- A flat pry bar
- A caulking gun
- New shingle (if required)
- A utility knife/putty knife
- Roofing sealant
- A ladder roof hook
Which 5 steps should you follow to fix shingles on a roof?
Here are the steps you should follow when you need to fix damaged roof shingles or replace damaged shingles quickly and efficiently
Step 1 – Remove the damaged shingle
To remove missing or damaged shingles, use a swivel bar. If the shingle is old, prising off the damaged shingle shouldn’t be complicated or require much effort, as the glue will not be as strong.
Remember that the shingles are connected to the ones above and below it, so use the swivel or flat pry bar to separate it. Begin by sliding your pry bar beneath the shingle, and the entire process is more straightforward in cold weather.
Step 2 – Remove the roofing nails from the roof
Use the flat pry bar to prise the roofing nails (including the adjacent nails) from the roof once the damaged shingle is loose. Take a lot of care not to damage the surrounding shingles as you remove the roofing nails, which can lead to other missing shingles that you’ll need to replace.
Once you have prised the nail and reveal the nail head, use the flat bar to pull them out completely. Use a downwards force to pry upwards.
Step 3 – Slide the new shingle in place and hammer it in place
Get your replacement shingles and ensure the asphalt shingle is identical in size. Slot a new shingle into the space where you’ve removed the old one.
Get a set of roofing nails and ensure you’ve placed four nails above the place where the following shingle overlaps. Ensure you’re hammering into the top edge of the shingle underneath it.
Step 4 – Fix and replace the roofing nails you’ve removed from other surrounding shingles
Ensure you replace the roofing nails you may have removed from other places. Never hammer directly into the same place as the last nail when replacing the nails. Leave a small gap between the previous hole, so you know the new site isn’t compromised.
Step 5 – Reseal your shingles with some adhesive
To replace asphalt shingles and ensure they remain in place, reseal your shingles with some adhesive. Shingle cement is one option that you can apply with a caulking gun.
Which adhesive is best for fixing roof shingles?
To replace damaged shingles, the best adhesive is shingle cement. However, you’ve got the option of buying shingles that have adhesive strips attached to them. These adhesive strips enhance the waterproof quality and seal the upper shingle flush against the existing shingles underneath.
Which process should I use for repairing shingles with a crack?
You may be considering if you need to replace a cracked shingle, and the answer is no, replacement isn’t required – you can restore it with roofing sealant. Just use a putty knife to apply the sealant beneath the crack, then press the shingle down and follow this by applying more sealant above the break.
If you want to conceal the repair work, you can gather the granules that have broken off from the shingle and cover the crack with them.
Which material can I overlay onto shingles to prevent leaks?
Some of the best materials you can overlay onto shingles to prevent leaks include silicone roofing sealant, roofing tar or polyethylene plastic.
Fix a broken shingle with the right tools
Fixing a broken shingle or adjacent shingles begins with an inspection, which requires the right tools. Whether you need a ladder roof hook, safety equipment or roofing materials, ensure you get the right equipment for the job. Reach out to us to get the materials you need. Alternatively, a professional roofer can help with your roof repair, and they will fully understand how to replace all the shingles that require fixing to fix the entire roof.