Replacing a few damaged asphalt roofing shingles doesn’t necessarily require a roofer if you have the necessarily home improvement skills. This is a simple process that can be completed by almost any homeowner when there is no damage to the underlying structure and no notable water damage. If your roof repair falls under this category, consider replacing the few bad asphalt shingles yourself.
It is always better to make repairs on shingles that look as though they might leak, rather than waiting for a leak to prove your concern to be correct. For this reason, check your roof regularly for split asphalt shingles or areas that the roofing is not laying flat. Shingles that seem to be different from the surrounding roofing in some way should also be replaced.
Don’t try to make repairs with just roofing cement on old asphalt roofing, it is if anything a short term fix that will not help the underlying problem. As tempting as it might be just to glue down a few cupping asphalt shingles, replacing them will stop the problem for good.
To replace asphalt shingles you must begin by pulling out the damaged panels. Start from the top panel that is damaged and work your way down if the problem covers several sheets of asphalt roofing. Wear work gloves for this step and be careful not to damage any panels from the surrounding area. Also, be careful that you are not off balance while pulling out the shingles.
Using a prybar remove all of the nail that were holding down the damaged asphalt panels. Carefully examine the layer of felt paper underneath the panels for any damage or holes. Holes and other damage should be addressed by carefully applying roofing cement.
Hopefully you have old panels from when your roof was last shingled or repaired to do this repair work. If this is not the case, take one of the damaged shingles to the home improvement store to be sure to get a proper match. Color match is not the only important thing to check for; you want asphalt roofing that is rated the same as the existing roof and have the same expected lifespan.
With the proper materials obtained to make a replacement, you should install the asphalt shingles using roofing nails. Start with the bottom row of asphalt panels and work your way up, stopping before you install the last row. The last row requires an added step; apply a line of roofing cement one inch below the top of the panel. Slide the final row into place underneath the undamaged shingles. To secure this panel, lift up the top of the shingles you have just slid the new panel under and nail them into place so when the shingles are replaced the nails are covered.
Replacing a few damaged asphalt shingles is any easy job for many homeowners. However, if you suspect damage is done to the underlying sheathing or there is any evidence of rot, call a professional who can evaluate the extent of the problems and make repairs for you.
