Shingle Roof Repair: How to Fix Shingles, Tips for Resealing Them

Your roof protects you from the elements, such as rain, snow, and sun. To ensure that your shingle roof lasts a long time, you need to keep it in good condition. Roofs are the most important part of any house, keeping you dry when it rains, roofs keep your house cool in the summer, and they can make or break a sale. The roof is to your home what the skin is to your body, protecting your home from elements on the outside. If you see signs of a leak or cracks in your shingles, get them repaired as soon as possible. A shingle roof can be challenging to repair, but it could save you from replacing your entire roof when you have problems with your roof if you take care of it now. Some helpful tips for shingle roof repair and protect your home from further damage.

Signs that Your Roof May Need Repair

With a mild summer and even milder winter, your roof is usually very dry. A shingle roof needs to be primed or sealed every summer or fall, but you may need to do it sooner rather than later. If you see signs of moisture in your shingles, such as leaves or sticks sticking out or dark spots on the shingles, it's a good idea to have them repaired or replaced. If you spot brown spots or marks on your shingles that look like patches or uneven sections, you're probably due for a repair. It's also possible that your roof is getting damaged by birds, squirrels, or other animals who build nests on it. These animals leave their feces and bird or squirrel ashes on your shingles, and a combination of those two things often causes a leaking roof.

What to do before you call a roofer

In case your roof is leaking, there are some factors you need to consider before you call a professional roofer. Before you call a professional, make sure that your shingles are still in good condition and that you have a tarp, like a tarpaulin, to cover them. Don't try to fix the roof yourself. Repairing a damaged shingle is not for you. It may take days or even weeks, and if you do it yourself, you may damage your roof with your hammers, so always make sure you have a tarp to cover the roof. If you have a cracked shingle, you will need to get your roof repaired. If you only see damage in certain places of your shingle, but the rest of the roof is okay, you can repair them yourself with a tarp.

Tips for shingle roof repair

1. Use preventative measures

Preventative measures help you to fix a leak before it starts. The cost of hiring someone to fix a leak may be too high. You can cut the leak in half by setting up a leaky roof preventative system. In this way, you do not have to keep your roof leaks to yourself.

2. Check for cracks and leaks

The next step is to check the roof to see if there are cracks or leaks. Also, check the gutters for clogs or debris, such as leaves or dead branches. This way, you can avoid a major disaster.

3. Inspect your roof annually

We recommend getting an annual roof maintenance inspection done in the spring, not in summer, because the roof can be scorching in that season. Also, it is common for repairs and changes in the weather to make the roof leak.

The benefits of a shingle roof

One of the most common complaints homeowners have about their roofs is the general shoddy state of their roofs. The roof can appear weak, damaged, or even missing and can be very unpleasant. However, the roof does provide some genuine benefits to homeowners, and a roof's ability to protect your home will not replace it with something else shortly. Here are the most important reasons you should consider replacing your roof: A roof is the most critical part of a house to keep the inside and outside safe from the elements in a natural disaster. In the best-case scenario, a shingle roof is almost maintenance-free. When replacing a shingle roof, you will not be replacing the shingles but rather the roofing membrane. Fibreglass shingles are more efficient and durable than steel.

Tips to keep your shingle roof in good condition

If your roof has damage or holes, you should fix the problem and use a roofing contractor to restore your roof to its best condition. Shocking as it may seem, there are things you can do yourself for your roof repairs, but it is essential to remember that they are a temporary solution, and you should look for a contractor to deal with the rest. We also recommend having your gutters & eavestroughs inspected for fixes and repairs to keep moisture off your roof.

What Is Resealing? Resealing refers to the process of taking a thin layer of mortar that is already on the roof to fill in those holes or cracks. Resealing is more efficient than replacing shingles or new shingles altogether, and it is usually an easy and cost-effective solution. Resealing and repairs are why you should start doing it right away. Keeping your shingle roof system in good condition means you don't have to ask yourself if you should repair the roof or replace the entire roof. It also prevents leaks that would otherwise end up destroying your walls and flooring and requires hiring a professional construction contractor to fix everything.

What to do if you see cracks in your shingles

Conduct an inspection or hire a roofing contractor to inspect the roof. Check that no nails are holding the shingles in place. Check for water accumulation. If you see any cracks in your shingles or if you see wet shingles on the ceiling of your garage, you should fix it now before the heat of the summer. Try to fix the leak or cracks while they're wet. The cracking of shingles under moisture is because humidity makes the shingles heavier, and it's not easy for you to remove them without causing additional damage to your roof. If you have shingles with cracks, patch it with tape first, and put in flashing if you can. Should you have to repair a shingle roof, your roofer will recommend you to use metal flashing to hold shingles in place.

FAQ

Q: What are the different types of shingle roofing?

A: Shingle roofing systems are typically cedar shingles or vinyl and shingles. Wood shingles are made from a timber of your choice and have a natural grain. Vinyl shingles are much like asphalt shingles and contain tar and tar paper. Asphalt shingles come in several types and thicknesses. Various types of shingles are available. Sometimes you may find cedar shingles too. Roofing systems can find both asphalt, vinyl, and wooden shingle varieties.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a roofing contractor?

A: When choosing a roofing contractor, you need to ask them what type of roofing they offer. If the roof is leaking, it will most likely need repairs from a professional roofing company.

Conclusion

Even if you are in a tight situation, you have to give the roof a little bit of TLC. Damage to your shingle roof can make it impossible for you to sell your home. Many companies specialize in shingle repair and may be able to do it for you. Roofing issues are one of those repairs that can be expensive, but sometimes the investment is well worth it. Protect your home or rental. If you need some repairing of your roof, the professionals at URE: United Roofing & Exteriors will ensure your roof gets fixed correctly.