A wild storm or even a heavy downpour can sometimes leave your roof shingles in a bad state. Repair maybe necessary and for this you don’t need to depend on roofing companies as it is pretty easy and you can easily fix it yourself. You will need a few common items that can be easily found at a nearby hardware store. These common items are roofing nails, bucket, rope, hammer, shingles, fulcrum used for prying and a caulking gun with roof tar tube. Damaged roof shingles can be replaced by following the steps described below:
1. Purchase new shingles for your roof
The first step towards replacing your damaged roof shingles is buying new shingles. Make sure that you carry the broken or damaged shingle alongwith you so that you find matching shingles. You will have to buy some extra shingles as it is always advisable to keep extras instead of making another trip to the hardware shop. So, purchase atleast a bundle so that you have enough in case you break a few in the process of replacing the damaged ones.
2. Plan a day for the set up
Choose a warm sunny day to start with your work. This is because a very hot day will make your shingles crumble and an extremely cold day will make them crack. It is also pleasant to work on a sunny day as most of your work will require you to be outside in the sun.
3. Understanding your work
You will need to have a basic knowledge about how the shingles are placed and what is the process of removing the damaged ones. Refer to some pictures of shingles which will be available on the internet. You need to have good idea about shingles before you actually start with the fixing work. Shingles usually come in strips of about 3 feet by 1 foot. They are secured by tar and roofing nails, which have big heads. Shingles also overlap so that water runs off the roof instead of accumulating.
4. Removing the nails
First of all, you will need to determine the number of nails that come with each shingle. You need to be very cautious when you are prying up the shingle to get at the nail. Try prying with a screwdriver first before you use a crowbar. Don’t bend the shingle too much as it will cause further damage. Pull out any other nail that you see which has been exposed due to the damage.
5. Take out the shingle
Take out the shingle by carefully pulling it down the roof. Make sure that you don’t try doing it in a horizontal or upward direction. If you find the shingle stuck in a corner then try prying out the next shingle. This can ease out your problem. You will know that you are prying it too fast if you hear a ripping sound. If you notice that the shingle you are trying to pry out is stuck to the above one, then you will have to remove that too else your roof will bulge at that spot.
6. Place the new shingle
Place the new shingle and make sure that it is lined properly. If you discover nailheads which are not covered by anything then make new holes to hold the shingles. Then apply the tar by first melting it. You can melt the tar by placing it infront of a heater or in the sun. Apply the tar wherever the shingles are lifted up.
7. Check your work
After you are done with the fixing job, check your work the next day. Make sure that the tar has held the shingles in place. You will know that you have done a great job if you can’t distinguish between the old ones and the newly repaired ones.
This work will be a little exerting, so be prepared with the idea that you will need to remain under the sun for atleast a couple of hours. Take necessary precautions while you are at the site of work. While lifting the shingles make sure that you have a helper who will tie and secure the shingles properly when you are hoisting them up. Pull only one at a time and you are sure to make no extra damage. Be a little patient with the shingles as they are prone to damage easily. Carry a bottle of a cool drink and belt it to your pants. This will keep you hydrated. Also, wear a hat and shades if you are not very comfortable with heat.
