What does it take to replace a torn or a damaged roof? Apparently it takes nothing. In case you are confident to scale the roof height and do some help to your own roof, go ahead and do it. It is however advisable to take an opinion from an experienced roofer.

As per the doityourself.com, it is a basic operation to replace a shingle and takes approximately 5 minutes. I tried it and as it turned out, it was not so simple. First, it requires some expertise to align at the right angle on the roof to do a good job. This is a very important aspect of the repair as the person attempting the repair has to be positioned comfortably and securely. A drop from the roof is not the best of things to happen! Once the person has secured himself or herself to a respectable and comfortable position, it is time to start handling the tools. The tools required for replacing a shingle are as follows:-

• · Flat pry bar to lift the shingle
• · Hammer
• · Nails
• · Razor Knife
• · Adhesive

That’s it! The procedure was simple once I was positioned comfortably on the roof. It is illustrated below:-

• · Lift the shingle tab of the shingle two rows above the shingle I wished to replace shingle.
• · Remove the nails from around the shingle tab
• · Use the flat pry bar to lift the shingle and keep it securely at a place from where it will not slide down.
• · Use the hammer claw to remove all nails around the shingle such that the shingle or a part of it can be removed with ease.
• · Place the new shingle in place of the old one and fix the new nails at a place where there is no hole from previous fixings.
• · Apply adhesives to the required place.

Certain precautions to take while replacing a new shingle are as follows:

• · Choose a shingle of a similar shade when replacing it.
• · When installing a new roof, keep at least 20 shingles for such conditions of replacements.
• · Don’t replace the entire shingle when only a part is to be replaced. Cut the bad part and put a new one over it.
• · Don’t lean on the edge of a roof while replacing a shingle close to the gutter.
• · In case there is a requirement to install a shingle near the edge of a roof, use a ladder or scaffolding.
• · Consult an experienced roofer prior to starting work. This will also ensure that you don’t do more damage to the roof.

Shingle replacement is an easy operation and can be attempted by a person after taking the requisite precautions. It is however advisable to take assistance from an experienced roofer. Once you get the hang of it, its simple and easy.

How to Replace Damaged Roof Shingles 

A Homeowners Guide To Replacing Roof Shingles 

When it comes to replacing roofing materials, you don’t have to be a professional , however there are a few things that you are going to need to be aware of before you get started. Roof shingles, roof cleaning repair, roof cleaning or roof maintenance regardless of what your goal is.

How to go about it in case you’re going to be working on replacing roofing shingles, here’s how to complete it. To begin replacing roof shingles you need to put in an initial strip that is basically just a backing to the first visible row of shingles and that serves the primary purpose of stopping water from getting through to the roof at the gaps between the shingles. There are starter strips cut in pre-cut shapes, but you can also reduce the tabs of the entire shingle.

There are many styles and sizes available. This is contingent on the kind of roof that you have. Roofs should be cleaned prior to installation. If there’s too much dirt or debris on the roof, the shingles will not stick well. The next step is to begin shingling. Take off the adhesive underneath the old shingle, and then remove it. Put a unused shingle in its place . This will allow you to replace roof shingles.

How to Determine If Your Asphalt Roof Shingles Need Replacement 

Most people don’t think about their roof until they have a security breach or water seeping into their home. Be sure to be prepared and don’t be caught unaware. Here are some suggestions that can help you identify the possibility of a roof issue.

1 It may sound obvious, however make sure to look for missing shingles. While the roofing contractor who was previously employed ought to have put up an extra layer of protection made of tar paper or ice-shield, it doesn’t provide the strength to withstand the elements for a long period of time.

2 Look for cracks, curls or buckles. This can be caused by poor ventilation or old age. If your shingles don’t sit flat on the roof the tar strip that lies beneath them is not functioning properly. These shingles are very susceptible to wind and can easily be blown off. A roofing professional can inform you if you have an issue with ventilation and how to address it.

3 – Look at the amount of grit you have on your shingles. Roof shingles with smooth black on the bottom suggests that the granules of the shingles are loosening, which exposes the tar layer of the shingles. You should also examine your downspouts and gutters to determine if you are losing the granules. If you find a lot of particles in these areas the roof shingles have lost their protective coating and are nearing the point of expiration in their life span.

4 If you’re able to, inspect the underside of your roof sheathing. Check for water marks after a heavy rain. Also, look for damp or soft areas on your wood. Pay attention to chimneys, skylights, skylights, as well as plumbing vents. It is likely that water will find it way in at these spots.

5– Look in the attic to find the possibility of daylight. You may be able to see light coming from the lower part of the roof, which is where the gutters are. It could be due to excessive rain, snow or ice accumulation. It can be resolved with flashing or an water and ice shield. You should also check for holes in the roof flashing around skylights as well as chimneys. It can be repaired by some oil. If the flashing becomes decayed, it’s time to consider replacement.

6– Roof age – A properly installed 3 tab roof shingles lasts about 20 to 25 years. A roof shingle with an architectural design installed correctly should last about 30 years. A certified roofer will be able to identify any variables that could be able to add or subtract years from those figures. If you have 2 layers on the roof the roof is probably 20-25 years old.

Understanding the Basics of Replacing Roof Shingles 

A variety of tasks can be accomplished in the home, such as the replacement of roof shingles. Understanding how to repair the roof beneath the shingles might be necessary in addition to knowing how to replace the shingles, should they become damaged in the process. When it comes to when you should tackle this task, it is the moment you recognize that there is a problem because these issues can swiftly multiply if they are not addressed. This article will cover the fundamentals of replacing roof shingles enough to get you started with the task.

First, get on top of the roof in order to locate the source of the problem. Lift the lower flap of the shingles that are in the problem area in order to examine the nailing pattern employed when they were put up. This is usually where the problem lies, contrary to popular belief. The nail will usually be too high on the shingle creating lift. It could also be that they utilized too much pressure using the nail gun to drive the nail into the roof.

You begin the project of replacing roofing shingles by removing the highest shingle that needs to be taken off. There are tools specifically designed for this task available to assist you do this without causing damage to the shingle. To prevent damaging the shingles, remove them from the top and the bottom. You will usually be able to see the extent of the roof once you have it exposed.

The second thing you need to look into is how to fix the shingles after repairs to the roof have been completed. This can be done in the exact opposite manner that you removed them off. Begin at the bottom and ensure that the shingles are aligned properly before nailing them. Stick with any local regulations regarding the nail pattern is concerned, and only after you get one nail in place is it the time to move to the next one. To nail the last shingle, lift the lower portion of each shingle. It may also be necessary for you to nail another shingle over it to secure it correctly.

Many people hire contractors to replace roof shingles. Understanding your limits in home repairs is essential. There is no need to know all the details about how to fix the roof that is beneath the shingles, or replace them after it’s completed. This is a great weekend project and one you can be proud that you accomplished.

Roof Shingle Replacement FAQs

How should I know that I need new shingles?

You need new roofing materials when the current ones show evidence of curling, splitting and loss of surface granules. You also require new shingles when the current ones have broken down or are missing.

Can I re-roof over an existing layer?

Yes you can do it. Experts agree that there is no harm in putting a second roof over an original one. When putting the new roof you should ensure that the original roof provides a smooth nailing surface and there is no decay under the first roof.

You should also ensure that your structure can withstand the added load. When re-roofing, you should ensure that you replace all broken or missing shingles.

Although, it’s recommended that you re-roof over an existing layer, you should not do it more than once. This means that you should not put a third roof. This is because this will give your house a hideous look. The load can also be too heavy for your house to bear and as a result to collapse of your building.

Which quality indicators that I should look for when buying shingles?

The national roofing contractors association recommends that you should go for materials that comply with the American society for testing and materials (ASTM) standards.

Here organic shingles are identified as ASTM D 225 while fiberglass shingles are rated as ASTM D 3462. To be certain that you have bought the right materials, you should always talk to your roofer so that he/she can help you with the purchase.

Do shingle manufacturers provide warranties?

Yes they do. Warranties on asphalt shingles range from 20 to 40 years depending on the manufacturer. When buying the materials you should carefully review the manufacturer’s warranty stipulations and understand the responsibilities and financial obligations that they will assume if the materials fail to reach their expected lives.