Statistics show that around 75% of roofing projects use asphalt shingles. These are the most popular roofing material choices across the US due to affordability, versatility, and durability.
However, even the most resilient roofs wear out due to natural causes or aging. If you’re also facing similar concerns, here’s how to patch your shingle roof!
1. Identify the Roof Shingle Damage Causes
Shingle damages can be caused due to varying reasons, such as:
- Hailstones and fallen branches cause cracks, punctures, and dents on shingles.
- UV exposure makes the shingles brittle and crack.
- High winds blow off shingles and cause leaks.
- Shingles curling from edges due to weakened sealants.
Locate the damage and understand the cause to approach the repair and patching situation effectively.
2. Evaluate the Damage
Observe the extent of the damage. Climb the roof on a dry afternoon. Avoid climbing wet, dewy, or ice-covered roofs to prevent cracks.
Check whether there are missing, cracked, and curled shingles. You must also check the places with overlapping shingles, as they are prone to leaks.
3. Collect Tools and Materials
To patch a shingle roof, you need to get the following objects:
- Replacement shingles of the exact color and style of the existing roof. Being one of the most popular roofing materials, you’ll easily find it in roofing stores.
- Roof shingle repair glue to stick the fresh shingles.
- Shingle roof patch kit, which includes most tools and materials for basic DIY repairs.
- Pry bar to remove nails and take off damaged shingles.
- Utility knife to cut shingles of the necessary size.
- Galvanized roofing nails to fix shingles in place and prevent nail rust.
- A caulk gun is used to apply a sealing agent around the patch edges.
- Putty knife to even out sealants and cements.
- Roofing cement for leakage.
4. Know How to Patch A Shingle Roof
Different shingle damages require different approaches, as follows.
a. How To Repair Shingle Roof Leak or How To Replace Roof Shingles That Blew Off
Whether you’re repairing wind-damaged shingles, leaky ones due to serious damage, or ones with holes, the approach is similar. Follow these steps accordingly:
Remove Damaged Shingles
Shingles are usually bonded to the nails with glue. Before you access the nails holding the shingles, you need to detach them from the glue. Slide a pry bar under the damaged shingles to do so. Next, gently remove each shingle from the adjacent undamaged shingles.
Then, try to remove both the shingle and the nail simultaneously. Carefully slide the pry bar to each nail and pry upwards. This will separate the shingles and the nails holding them down. Clean up the spot and remove any dirt, debris, and dried/gooey adhesive on the spot.
If there are any adjacent nails, remove them similarly. This will loosen the shingle completely, and you can remove it.
Attach New Shingle
If there’s a leak, evenly apply roofing cement for a waterproof barrier and let it dry. If there’s no leak, ignore this step.
Take a new replacement shingle and cut it into the appropriate size with the utility knife. Apply roof shingle repair glue on the underside of the shingle. Place it in the right position and press it down.
Use galvanized nails to fix it to the roofing deck exactly where the previous shingle was nailed.
With a caulk gun, apply sealant on the edges and make the shingle watertight. Even out the sealant using a putty knife.
Note: If you’re using a shingle roof patch kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
b. How to Fix Curled Roof Shingle
Over time, old asphalt shingles curl from the corners and edges. In this case, roofing sealant should be applied using a caulking gun under the curled corner.
Lay flat the curled shingle on the sealant, gently press it and place a brick over it for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the shingle dries and gets fixed in its position. You can remove the brick, then.
c. How to Repair a Cracked/Torn Shingle
If shingles are cracked/torn, many replace them. However, you can instead choose a quick fix.
Apply a thick roofing sealant bead under the cracked/torn area. Press down the shingle over it. Now, apply another sealant bead over the crack. Use a putty knife to spread it across.
To mask the repair, collect shingle granules from the gutter and pour over the sticky sealant.
5. Implement Miscellaneous Tips
Follow these additional tips regularly for effective repair.
- Ensure the ladder is sturdy to stay safe. Wear non-slip shoes and secure yourself with a harness.
- Only invest in quality-grade materials.
- Minor leaks, holes/punctures, flashing damage, and roof shingles repair costs are around $150-1500. Prevent this from escalating further with regular inspections and cleaning, especially after storms and high winds.
Final Words
With these tips, you will be able to effectively fix any shingle damage. However, if you’re not confident or the situation seems out of hand, it’s best to seek professionals like us at LA Roofing Materials.
With a range of quality roofing materials and a team of expert roofers, we’ll swiftly fix any roof damage so you can live under a strong roof for years to come!