How to Fix Roof Shingles
Once roof shingles have been put on a roof, you should ideally not have to replace them for around 15 to 20 years. However, it is common for some roof shingles to get damaged from strong winds or animals. When roof shingles get damaged or come loose, you can usually just fix them instead of replacing them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Prybar
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Roofing nails
- Roofing tar or cement
- Putty knife
Instructions
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Inspect the shingle for damage. You will want to look over your shingle for any damage. If the shingle is damaged, you may need to replace it with a new shingle. If there is only damage on one of the tabs, then you can simply use your utility knife to replace only that tab.
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Fix a damaged tab on the roof shingle. If you have a shingle that only has some damage to one of the tabs, you can use an utility knife to carefully cut away that damaged tab. There is no need to replace an entire shingle if you don't have to. Take a new shingle, cut out a tab, and replace it on the roof where you cut away the damaged tab. Be sure to apply some roofing tar or cement under the tab to help it stick. Also, apply some around the edges to prevent water from getting under it.
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Fix a loose shingle. If you have a loose shingle, you can easily fix it with some roofing nails or some roofing cement or tar. You can add additional 1 3/4-inch roofing nails to the shingle. You can also use a prybar to carefully lift the shingle without damaging it and apply some roofing tar or cement to the underside and press it back into place. For good measure, apply some additional roofing tar or cement along the edges of the shingle to keep it in place and prevent water from getting underneath it.
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Fix a fallen shingle that is reusable. If you have a shingle that has fallen it will probably have some holes where the nails used to be. If there are no large rips you can reuse the shingle. Remove the nails from the roof where the shingle was. Using your prybar, carefully lift the tabs of the shingle above it so that it will not be in the way. Apply some roofing tar or cement to the area where the shingle goes and press it into place. Apply your four 1 3/4-inch roofing nails back into the shingle, but not in the same nail holes. Then, put roofing tar or cement in the old holes, around the perimeter of the shingle and at the top of the shingle where the tabs of the shingle above it will lay. This will help to keep it in place prevent water from getting under it.
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Fix a shingle that is not reusable. If you have a roof shingle that is damaged beyond repair, you will need to replace it with a new shingle. Remove the old nails from where the damaged shingle lies with a prybar or hammer. Be careful not to damage any adjacent shingles or to leave a large tear in the underlay. If there are any large rips in the underlay, you should apply some roofing tar or cement with a putty knife in a thin layer. Using your prybar, carefully lift the tabs of the shingle above it so that it will not be in the way. Lay your replacement shingle with four 1 3/4-inch roofing nails. Put some roofing tar or cement around the upper perimeter of the shingle and at the top of the shingle where the tabs of the shingle above it will lie. This will help to keep it in place and prevent water from getting under it.
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