How to Repair a Shingle Roof

Over time, even the best constructed shingle roofs leak due to the ravages of time and weather. Fixing a roof is an important job, and should always start with a thorough check for any roof damage that may be causing the leak. This damage could include broken, curled, or missing shingles. Also, the roof should be checked for signs of broken caulking or flashing or roof cement gaps.

Those that are really looking to take on this project themselves should first get a detailed set of instructions from the roofing manufacturers. This set of instructions is strictly to get an idea of the process. We are not responsible for any accidents, warranty voids or mishandling. We highly recommend allowing professionals, like ourselves, to replacing your roofs. We offer the best warranties and coverage, aside from manufacturers, for replacement roofs that are available to homeowners in the New England area.

It is extremely important that homeowners have a thorough check done on their roofs to find weak areas that may be difficult to detect. If ignored, these could become much more serious over time. If no roof damage can be found from a cursory inspection, professionals such as those at United Home Experts should be called in. Please note that we do half or full roof replacement and do not do spot repairs unless you are under warranty from work performed by us.

Roofing Supplies

Here is a list of some of the most commonly used supplies that will be needed for any shingle roof repair:

•  6d-type roofing nails that are galvanized
•  Asphalt roof cement
•  Hammer
•  Pry bar
•  Replacement shingles
•  Scraper
•  Trowel
•  Utility knife

Repair the Roof

Curled shingles can be reapplied with asphalt roof cement by using a caulking gun. When the outside temperature is warm, curled shingles can easily be flattened. When it is cold outside, shingles get very brittle and have to be softened with a propane torch before it is possible to flatten them out.

After putting a generous amount of cement at each corner, press the shingle firmly into place.

Any broken, rotted, or missing shingles need to be replaced by new ones. It is easy to tell these shingles from the ones that are intact, because if not already missing, they lift right off the roof with very little effort.

If a roof has a very large number of rotten shingles localized in a single area, this is an indication of a more serious problem. Total roof replacement will need to be done. Homeowners can get a free estimate for this job from the United Home Experts.

To replace damaged shingles:

• Step 1: To get rid of a faulty shingle, raise the edges of the shingles around it and remove nails with the pry bar. Any nail that does not stick up can safely be left in place. Slide the old shingle out, and scrape away any loose roof cement.
• Step 2: Slightly round the back corners of any new shingle with a sharp utility knife to make it easier to put into place.
• Step 3: Slide the new shingle into the space left by taking the old one out, aligning its front edge with that of the shingles on either side and its back edge under the shingles in the row above it.

• Step 4: Lift overlapping shingle corners and secure the top of the new shingle with four roofing nails at each corner. Apply roof cement to the nail heads, and then smooth down the shingle edges that overlap.

Please note that roofing repair can be very dangerous. For more intrepid homeowners embarking on such a project themselves, here are just a few safety guidelines to keep in mind before tackling a roof repair project:

•  Always do repairs on sunny days with a completely dry roof, since wet roofs can be slippery.
•  Always use safety ropes when working on a roof.
•  Always wear rubber-soled shoes for best traction when working on a roof.
•  Always know the location of power lines.

Since roofing repair is such a hazardous project, and so important to get right, homeowners should not attempt to try it themselves without first consulting the United Home Experts. It should also be kept in mind that if manufacturer’s specifications are not followed to the letter, any warranty available for roofing supplies will automatically be avoided. In trying to do roof repair themselves, homeowners often make mistakes that would not have occurred had a professional handled the job.

For these reasons, while roof repair is not necessarily beyond the skill level of some homeowners, it is a good idea to consult professionals with strong roofing experience before undertaking any project of this magnitude. Homeowners in New England can contact United Home Experts for a free estimate concerning any roofing replacement project.