How to Repair Roof Shingles
Year in and out, Texas brings a range of weather situations that can affect the structure and integrity of a home’s roofing system. As the outermost protective layer, roof shingles endure severe weather conditions and, consequently, may need repair.
When neglected, damaged shingles can lead to a host of other problems, such as leaks and water damage. Regular visual evaluation can alert you about roof repair needs, and fortunately, many damaged roof shingles can be repaired easily.
When cracked or worn down, homeowners can typically access what they need for roof shingle repair in Austin and surrounding areas. Here we’ll cover some ways that you can tackle this Texas roof repair job on your own.
Steps to Fix Roof Shingles
Damaged, broken roof shingles bring an unsightly appearance to the home and can lead to leaks or attract some unwanted visitors. Repairing or replacing these roofing components is essential and can help you save money down the road. As with any Texas roof repair job, we always advise to use common sense and caution.
Before beginning, gather the following materials:
- Ladder
- Replacement shingles
- Roofing cement
- Roofing nails
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
- Trowel
- Small towel or rag
Once you have all the supplies, you’re ready for some DIY Texas roof repair.
Step 1: Remove damaged shingle
The first and likely most obvious step is removal of the damaged shingle. You can remove the shingle with pry bar. Simply slide one end of the pry bar under the shingle and press the bar downward to lift the nails and shingle away from the surface of the roof. Pull nails as you go and remove the damaged shingle. Clean the surface of any debris before replacing with a new shingle.
Step 2: Replace with new shingle
Rounding the corners of the new shingle can help make installation smoother. You can use the utility knife and round the back corners of the shingle. Align with nearby shingles and slide the new shingle in place below the neighboring top shingle. Gently lift the corners of the shingles to the left and right and secure with roofing nails. Apply roof cement to the nail heads and smooth with the trowel.
Step 3: Evaluate surrounding areas
While you’re up there, it’s best to look around for any other damaged areas. Scan for any other shingles in need of repair or replacement. If the home has a fireplace, check the flashing around the chimney. This is thin and metal and directs water away from the chimney. You can also find flashing around other structures on the roof. Check these areas for any damage as well. Apply roof cement to worn down or cracked areas and smooth with the putty knife. If exposed nail heads are present, apply roof cement and smooth.
Greater Austin Area Roof Shingle Repair
Homeowners in Austin and surrounding areas, such as Georgetown and Round Rock, know how severe wind and thunderstorms can wreak havoc on a home’s roof. When any component of the roofing system is compromised, a swift response can bring better results and help improve the longevity of a roof.
While there are a lot of do-it-yourself homeowners, DIY may not be for everyone. And in some instances, the extent of damage requires help that only a professional roofing company can deliver.
Texas trust Rebuild Texas. As a licensed and highly trained roofing and windows company, Rebuild Texas provides premium residential and commercial roofing repair and replacement for a wide variety of home and building applications. Our qualified team supplies reliable maintenance, repair, and replacement and can help you determine the best needs for your home’s roof.
People choose Rebuild Texas because of its reputation for quality work and excellent service. All work is backed by a Lifetime Guarantee and the in-house licensed insurance adjusters make every transaction as simple as possible.
Get in Touch with Rebuild Texas
For the best in roofing services, contact us or call today for a free evaluation and estimate. Customer satisfaction is our priority, and we commit ourselves to provide an honest, upfront service and only recommend the necessary work your roof needs.
