A Homeowner’s Guide to Roofing Repair: How to Repair Shingles
July 11, 2022
When you make a significant investment – like buying a home – you understand intuitively that maintenance is part of the dynamic of homeownership. Sometimes, a roofing repair will require a roof shingle repair. Seeing problems inside the home is easy, but locating them on the roof is challenging if you don’t know what you’re looking for. A Toronto roof repair is essential to protect your family and your home or business; that can encompass a flat roof repair in Toronto or a commercial roof repair. Keeping the shingles in a good state of repair keeps large outlays of cash on roof repairs at bay. The shingles are your first line of defence; if they become breached, the erosion is quick without notice, and the problems pile up. When shingles become dislodged from your roof, water leaks in and comes through the spaces that aren’t covered. Trying to determine the life of a shingle roof depends. It starts with the material the shingles are made from, the weather and whether you keep up with regular roofing system maintenance. Wood rot and mould are infectious to decking and trusses that hold up your roof, and the structural integrity will suffer when compromised by leaks. Maintaining your home is simple – keeping your roof in good condition starts with a professional roofing contractor performing biannual inspections to catch problems early. A simple shingle repair is an ounce of prevention that saves a pound of cure. Maximizing your roof’s lifespan saves money and protects your home from untold damage from the weather and water leaks.
Inspect Your Roof
Keeping a close eye on your roofing system is simple. You can make a visual inspection with a ladder to look over your shingles. You will see missing shingles and shingles that are askew, and the problem might be just a loose roofing nail, an easy repair. As a caution, don’t ascend the roof; get a professional to deal with cracked or curled shingles; why? Because that is their business.
Repairing A Roof Shingle
Replacing roof shingles is a process unto itself, and the costs depend on the kind of shingles and the number of shingles required to make the repair. Roofing cement is used to keep shingles in place, and you need the services of a professional roofer with the tools and know-how to remove cemented shingles when a repair is required. If your roof has metal shingles, they are laid tightly with fasteners that need a specific installation. If you don’t get it right when making a DIY repair, you have created an opening for water to leak in. It is better to leave it to a roofing contractor who has the experience and is familiar with the installation/repair process to conduct the work.
Tips for Roofing Repair
Replacing Roof Shingles
Replacing shingles is commonplace; wear and tear and age contribute to the maintenance. When shingles are missing, they need to be replaced. First, inspect the area to see if a partial shingle is left; if not, obtain a bundle of three-tab shingles that are as close to a pattern match as the current shingles. Tools: a hammer, flat pry bar, utility knife, 1.25” nails. Start by removing the shingles over the area where the shingles are missing using the pry bar to lift the course of shingles over the area with no shingles. Then use the pry bar to lift what’s left of the missing shingle; once you have lifted .25”, then push the damaged shingle down and remove the nail. Once the shingle is loosened, it should be free from the adhesive strip line and come off the roof quickly. Repeat the pry bar process to get the other three nails that secured the damaged/missing shingle, then move on to the shingle above the missing shingle and repeat. Once the nails are dislodged, the damaged shingle should be free to remove.
Fix Curled Roof Shingle Corners with Caulking
To keep shingles from curling, you can use roofing sealant to glue down the corner to arrest the shingle curling. Use a simple masonry brick to hold down the corner that has been glued, it should work to adhere the shingle back down, and voila, you have affected a roof repair.
Cracked Roof Shingles Repair
For cracked shingles, roof sealant will do the trick. Lift the shingle, and apply sealant underneath it. Push it down onto the roof surface, use a bead of sealant along the crack, place a weight on the cracked shingle to hide the repair, collect some granules from your eavestrough and liberally sprinkle them over the crack to camouflage the repair work.
Dos & Don’ts of Roofing Repair
Do Use Matching Shingles
You don’t want mismatched shingles; they look like a patchy haircut, not for your head or roof. You want to be consistent in matching hue, texture, and style, especially if you have clay or slate tiles.
Don’t Leave Exposed Nail Heads.
Exposed nail heads are for hanging paintings/pictures, not roof repairs. An exposed nail head causes two problems, it breaks the watertight seal, and the nail will rust.
Do Maintain Your Roof.
Annually, clear the cobwebs from soffits and roof vents, recaulk areas where caulking gas failed or shrunk, and inspect flashing for rust – paint the flashing if corrosion is evident. Ensure gutters are clear of debris, keep the water moving and leaks to a minimum.
Don’t Hesitate to Call a Roof Shingles Repair Contractor.
If the problems on your roof are outside your abilities, don’t hesitate to reach out to a roofing professional. Call a professional immediately if you see signs of water marks/stains in your attic. Your roofing system is under threat, and a professional can reverse the problem with a timely repair.
Do Remember That People Notice
If your roof is in disrepair, it can be seen for miles around. The optics don’t bode well. Curb appeal is important; 40 percent of the view of your home is the roof. When selling, a roof replacement is an excellent, low-cost home upgrade and, in some quarters, returns over 50 percent of the cost on resale.
FAQs
What Should I Do If My New Roof Leaks?
If you notice a leak on your new roof, contact our roof shingle repair experts immediately. Leaks can stem from various issues, including poor installation or damaged shingles. We will assess the situation and provide prompt solutions to prevent further damage.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Roof?
The duration of roof shingle repair depends on factors like the extent of damage, weather conditions, and roof size. Simple repairs may take a few hours, while more complex issues might require a day or two. Our team will provide an accurate time frame after inspecting your roof.
What is the Best Shingle to Use on My Roof?
We offer a range of high-quality shingles suitable for flat roofs in Toronto. Our experts can recommend the best option based on your budget, climate, and aesthetic preferences, ensuring optimal durability and performance.
When Should I Use a Shingle Underlayment?
Shingle underlayment is crucial for preventing leaks and enhancing the lifespan of your roof. It’s typically installed beneath the shingles as an extra layer of protection against moisture and other elements. Our professionals will determine if underlayment is necessary during the repair or installation process.
What If I Use Staples Instead of Nails to Install My Roof?
We recommend using nails instead of staples for roof shingle repair or installation. Nails provide better holding power and are less likely to cause damage to the shingles. Our company adheres to industry best practices to ensure the longevity and integrity of your roof.
Spot Roofing Repair Is Not Always Enough
