There are numerous benefits to being a homeowner, but there are times when having to maintain your home can be a daunting task. If you aren’t the “do it yourself” type, you might have concerns when it comes to the upkeep of your home or making necessary repairs.
Keeping your house in the best condition possible is vital, but also might become challenging at times, depending on the situation. You may feel comfortable with simple projects and routine maintenance, but broader issues might seem overwhelming.
Your roof can be one of the more daunting areas of your home to maintain and repair. The height, slope, and the complexity of the roof probably dictate how comfortable you are addressing issues. And safety concerns must come into play in roofing work as well.
If your roof has damage, you might wonder how to repair roof shingles, or how to replace a roof shingle. If you feel like this type of project is out of your wheelhouse, Advanced Roofing and Siding is available to repair your roof. Our knowledgeable, professional experts will get the job done for you.
Maintaining your roof is an essential task. Damage to your roof can quickly lead to leaks which are inconvenient, stressful, and compromise the integrity of the entire roof. Whether a storm just hit your roof, or another factor has played a role in causing damage, repairing a shingle might be something you can handle on your own. Check out this step-by-step on how to replace a roof shingle and gain the confidence you need to make roof repairs yourself.
Prepare For the Task
First, it is essential to gather the necessary tools and materials you need to repair your damaged roof shingle. For this job, the tools you need are a hammer and a pry bar. As far as materials go, you’ll need the replacement shingles, shingle nails, and a good pair of work gloves, and you might throw in some protective eyewear for good measure.
Also Read: Winter Has Come: How to Avoid Roofing Storm Chasers
When you have what you need to proceed, it’s best to wait for favorable weather. Replacing shingles in the rain won’t be pleasant, nor will it be effective. A mild, temperate day is ideal. Too cold of temperatures can make the shingle prone to cracking, and too hot of temperatures make it difficult to break the shingle sealants.
Once you have your tools, materials, and some good weather, you’re ready to remove the damaged shingle and replace it.
Step One: Break the Shingle Seals Free
To begin your project, use the pry bar to tap gently underneath the damaged shingle to loosen the tabs. You’ll be looking for eight nails that are holding the shingle in place, four at the top and four at the bottom.
Make sure you are working with care, as you don’t want to tear the shingles. Just use the pry bar to loosen the tabs gently.
Step Two: Remove the Nails and Damaged Shingle
After the tabs are loose, remove the eight nails. Once again, it’s important to work carefully to avoid ruining the surrounding shingles. Instead of trying to pull the nail out of the top of the shingle, use your pry bar to slide underneath the shingle and pry the nails up. You can then push the shingle down gently off of the nail.
Once you remove the center row of nails from the bad shingle, lift the good shingle above it and delete the top row of nails. After you remove all of the nails, you can pull out the damaged shingle.
Step Three: Replace the Damaged Shingle
Now you are ready to put the new shingle in place. Place the new shingle in the correct spot, and hammer in the center row of nails first. You’ll want to hammer the nails in about a half an inch over from the original nail holes.
After nailing the center row of the new shingle, go ahead and fasten the center row of the shingle above it, hammering the nails at the top between the tabs, above the sealant strip. This process allows you to prevent a potential leak in your roof.
Bringing in the Professionals
Knowing how to repair roof shingles and being able to accomplish it yourself can be two different things. If you still feel you have concerns about how to replace a roof shingle and aren’t ready to take on this type of project yourself, leave the task to the professionals at Advanced Roofing and Siding. You can rest assured that with our expertise and experience we will fix your roof to prevent leaks or further damage.
Advanced Roofing and Siding specializes in not only roof replacement and vinyl siding installation, but roof repair and maintenance as well. Our clients are our primary focus, and we work to exceed their expectations when it comes to installing a new roof or making necessary roof repairs.
Also Read: 6 Winter Roof Damage Signs Every Homeowner Should Know
Has a storm taken its toll on your roof? Has it been years since an expert inspected your roof? Let our knowledgeable team assist you with a free inspection and evaluate if there are any problem areas in your roof. Whether you can see torn shingles or want to ensure your roof is in top condition, we can take care of any repairs you need to keep your roof free from leaks and damage.
If it’s time to replace your roof, we offer the best and latest in roofing materials to provide you with an excellent roof that will last for years and years. With our exceptional service, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship, we can repair or replace your roof promptly, with results you will love.
Treat your home like the investment it is, and contact us today for any necessary repairs or a free inspection. We are here to help you with your roofing needs and look forward to working with you. Keep your roof functioning properly with maintenance and care from Advanced Roofing and Siding. Your roof is an essential part of your house, and with some help from us, you won’t have to worry.