Short Guide to Fixing Damaged Roof Shingles
Whether your roof shingles are missing or lifting, here’s what you can do to fix them yourself or avoid them altogether.
Keeping your roof in good condition is crucial to prolonging its lifespan and securing your home. So, it’s important to regularly check the roof shingles to ensure none of them are damaged. If they are, don’t worry too much. Fixing them yourself is quick and easy as long as you know what you’re doing.
How Do You Fix Damaged Roof Shingles?
The method you’ll use for fixing damaged roof shingles will largely depend on the type of damage you’re dealing with. Fixing missing shingles will, for example, be more straightforward than fixing shingles that are lifting away from the roof or fixing them on a steep roof.
How Do You Fix Missing Shingles?
If you notice that shingles are missing from your roof, the sooner you can do something about it, the better. Missing shingles can weaken your roof which could, eventually, cause it to cave in.
To fix missing roof shingles, all you need to do is put your replacement shingle in place of the one that’s missing. Then, nail it into position using roofing nails, following the pre-cut holes in the shingle if there are any. To avoid the shingle coming loose again, apply small spots of shingle cement under the tab and press firmly.
How to Fix Lifting Roof Shingles?
The older your roof shingles are, the more likely they are to lift and curl at the corners. When it comes to fixing roof shingles in this condition, you’ll need a caulking gun filled with shingle cement. Use it to apply dabs of the cement under the shingle’s curling corners.
Once you’ve applied your adhesive, you need to weigh the shingle down. Simply applying pressure with your hand won’t cut it. Instead, you’ll need to use a brick to push it down flat and leave it in place for at least 24 hours. After that time has passed, climb back up to the roof and, if the sealant is dry, remove the brick.
How to Fix Shingles on a Steep Roof?
Fixing shingles on a roof is harder to do if your roof is steep. To do so on a stable surface, you’ll require additional equipment, namely a roof jack.
A roof jack is a secure way of attaching a plank of wood to the roof so that you can work safely. Simply hammer the jack into place, ideally over a rafter, using 16d nails rather than roofing nails. Then, insert a wooden board that fits inside the jack, making sure it overhangs by around six inches. Secure using a drill.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Roof Shingles?
Fixing damaged roof shingles doesn’t have to cost a lot. If you do it yourself, you’ll only have to pay for things like replacement shingles, which are cheap, shingle cement, and a caulking gun. You may also need to invest in a roof jack if your roof is steep. However, these costs will mount over time.
How to Avoid Damaged Roof Shingles
The best way to avoid damaged roof shingles is to get a roof installed that requires no maintenance. Dry fixed roofing, for example, does not degrade over time like traditional wet mortar roofs do, even in adverse weather conditions. So, in the long run, a dry fixed roof could save you time and money.
Fixing Damaged Roof Shingles
It’s easy enough to fix damaged roof shingles yourself, whether they’re missing, lifting, or on a steep roof. But, to avoid them altogether, you’ll need to invest in better quality roofing from the outset.