About Shingle Patching
Shingle patching is something most homeowners can do, as long as they keep safety in mind. Patching damaged shingles will save a lot of extra expense later on. It is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home in the best condition possible. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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There are several type of shingles and there is a different method for patching each one of them. Asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles are the most popular and can be found on any type of house. Other popular choices are wood, tile and slate.
Features
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Asphalt and fiberglass shingles cab be patched with silicone caulk. Apply the silicon with a caulk gun. Take some spare shingles and scrape some of the granules off them into the silicone. With the edge of the spare shingle, work the granules into the caulk. Allow it to dry and you are done. Wood shingles can be patched by putting the two ends of the split tile together, nailing them to the roof and using roofing cement for a seal. Tile and slate roofs cannot be patched, the tiles need to be replaced.
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Prevention/Solution
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Most roofs will need to be patched at some point. But you can minimize the chances of it happening too often. Asphalt and fiberglass roofs get damaged by too much sun. Planting trees to provide shade during the hottest time of the day will help. All tiles can be damaged by falling branches. Make sure to keep the trees trimmed and remove dead limbs before they fall on the roof.
Warning
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Ignoring a small patching job is a big mistake. The roof protects the house from water damage. Water leaking in through a small crack will damage the roof decking and eventually leak into the living space. All roofs will need to be replaced at some time, but taking care of the small problems will make that time come much later.
Considerations
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If the damage is over a large area, you will need to consider replacing instead of patching the tiles. And when it reaches this point, you will need to consider replacing the whole roof. That much damage means the roof if reaching the end of its life. Start deciding on what type of new roof you are going to need before you need it. There are newer types on the market such as metal and rubber that have a life span of 50 years. The typical asphalt roof has a life span of about 13 to 25 years.
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