Know how to handle minor roofing problems yourself

Many roof contractors will balk at the idea of coming out to fix a handful of damaged shingles when such a small job is easily managed by your average homeowner. All you need to repair minor shingle damage is a couple tools, the right materials, and a little bit of know-how. Here is a simple list of do-it-yourself steps that will get you on your roof and fixing the damage in no time!

1. Gather the materials – You’re going to need new shingles, with any luck the contractor who installed your roof will have left some behind. If not, take one of the broken shingles to compare at the store so you can get ones that match. Other materials you may need are a ladder, putty, hammer, roofing nails, a crowbar, and a caulking gun with a roof tar tube.
2. Get set up – Preferably you’ll do the work on a warm sunny day. If it is too cold, shingles may crack and if it is too hot, they may crumble. When you are set up, use your putty knife to break the tar seal holding down the damaged shingle.
3. Remove shingle – Pry up the damaged shingle and be careful not to damage other shingles by bending them too far back. Remove all exposed nails. Pull the damaged shingle out down the slope of the roof, any other way may break other shingles. If a large piece of the broken shingle remains stuck to the shingle above, you will need to remove that one as well. The bulge will lead to other problems if you do not fix it.
4. Replace shingle – Place your new shingle and check to make sure it lines up properly. Keep in mind, shingles are supposed to overlap so that water will run off the roof instead of pooling and causing other water related damage. Secure the new shingle with nails.
5. Seal area – Once you have replaced and secured the new shingle, you will need to apply tar to seal the new shingle to the roof. You will want to warm up your tar tube either by setting it out in the sun or letting it heat up in front of a heater. Apply the warmed tar anywhere that shingles are curled or lifted up.
6. And you’re done! – You should come out the next day to give your roof a once over and check that the tar has held down the shingles. Once you make sure that everything looks right, you’re done!

What to do about major roofing problems

As important as it is to know how to take care of minor damage, it is equally as important to know your limits. It is always better to leave serious roof damage to the professionals. Contact Champion Roofing today to discuss your roof related problem. With over 30 years of experience, our team of seasoned roofers has all the experience you could hope for to tackle your re-roofing and roof repairs!