The Best Way To Repair A Broken Roof Shingle

Is your roof leaking? If it is, you are probably looking for an easy way to repair the roof on your own so that it will stop leaking. Even if your roof is relatively new, it is still a good idea to learn how to repair a roof shingle because it is not uncommon for a roof to leak in one or more spots before the entire roof needs to be replaced. Homeowners who are skilled and have the proper tools can repair a broken shingle and save money by not having to hire professional recommended roofers.

When there is a small leak in a roof, it is generally localized to one area of the roof. The usual culprit of the leak is a broken or shingle. This type of repair can be completed rather quickly and easily. As a matter of fact, the hardest part of the repair will be for the homeowner to locate where the leak is coming from. After that, fixing the individual shingle is easy.

How To Find The Leak   

In order to fix a broken shingle, you must first determine where the source of the leak is coming from. Inspect the area of the roof where you believe the leak is. You will then want to check that area for broken, curled, missing or damaged shingles. Look for areas on your roof where two different surfaces meet. Check to make sure that there are no broken shingles or missing caulk in this area.

After you have determined where the leak is coming from, you can begin the process of repair. For example, if the leak is coming from a shingle that has curled into itself, you can easily repair the shingle by applying roof cement or caulking to the shingle and reattaching it to the roof. This repair will work effortlessly in the warmer months, but in the colder months the shingles could be less flexible.

Other Types Of Shingle Repairs

If the shingles on your roof are torn, broken or dry rotten, they cannot be repaired. The shingles will need to be replaced. The old shingles must be removed so the new shingles can be installed. You can pry the old shingles off with a pry bar or a nail puller. These types of tools will help you remove the nails from the shingles before removing the shingles.

Once the nails have been removed, the shingle should move freely. Make sure that you also remove any cement that has dried under the shingle. Even if a shingle was blown away due to high winds, the old nails should be removed before a new shingle is installed.

The new shingle can then be installed where the old shingle once was. Ensure the shingle stays in place by aligning it with the other shingles and securing it with roofing nails. The heads of the nails will also need to be covered by the cement.

Fixing a broken shingle is not a difficult DIY project. However, only complete the home improvement project on a day when the weather is clear and sunny. Also make sure that you have on the proper safety equipment and follow all safety rules.