How to Patch an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Patching a roof can help extend its life.

Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material. Over time, exposure to weather will wear them down. An asphalt shingle that crumbles instead of flexing is ready to be replaced. Fortunately, you can patch an asphalt shingle roof. Use a temporary patching technique to stop leaks in a roof that you plan to replace in the next season. Or, if your overall roof is in good shape, you can replace damaged shingles to fix problems areas. This approach saves you money and will extend the life of your roof.

Things You'll Need

• Corn broom
• Scissors
• Roofing tar
• Asphalt shingles
• Pry bar
• Nail remover
• Hammer
• Roofing nails
• Roofing cement

Instructions

Temporary Patch

1. Trim the bristles of the corn broom so they are short and stiff.

2. Pour some roofing tar on the area that needs temporary patching.

3. Spread the tar evenly using the broom. Work in a downward and sideways direction, taking care not to dislodge shingles as you go.

Replacing Shingles

1. Choose replacement shingles that closely match the existing shingles on your roof so that your repairs blend in.

2. Pry up two rows of shingles above the area that needs replacement shingles. Be careful not to damage the shingles. You just want to lift them out of the way so you can get at the nails holding down the damaged shingles.

3. Work the nails holding the damaged shingle loose with a flat-edged screwdriver or with a nail-removing tool, and then remove them completely. Do this for each damaged shingle. Once the damaged shingles are free, dispose of them.

4. Slide a replacement shingle into place, so the shingle above it will overlap it.

5. Secure it in place with a hammer and roofing nails. Use roofing cement on the top edges of each single for additional holding power. Continue placing all the replacement shingles, working downward. Replace the original two rows, starting with the bottom row.

References

• Hammer Zone: A Quick and Cheap Roof Patch with Tar
• Home Tips: How to Replace a Badly Damaged Asphalt Shingle