You’re noticing some wear and tear on your asphalt shingle roof, but you don’t know whether it needs to be repaired. Is it time for an asphalt roof repair?
You want to ensure the roof is in good condition but don’t want to spend money on an unnecessary roof replacement..
What if you could quickly identify when your asphalt roof needs repair and even do the repair yourself? With just a few simple tips and tricks, you can save time and money with DIY asphalt roof repair.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to identify when an asphalt roof needs repair, plus three bonus tips for making quick and easy repairs yourself!
Signs That Your Asphalt Roof Needs Repair
Before you make any repairs, it’s essential to identify if your asphalt roof needs it. Here are some of the signs that you should look out for.
Curling or Missing Shingles
One of the most obvious signs that your asphalt roof needs repair is if you have any damaged or missing shingles.
Asphalt shingles can become brittle over time and easily curl, warp, or even fall off due to age or weather conditions. If this happens on your roof, you’ll need to replace the damaged shingles.
Cracked or Damaged Shingles
Cracked shingles differ from curling or missing shingles in that they may not be as obvious. If you see any cracks on your asphalt roof, regardless of how small they are, they need to be repaired.
Over time, these cracks can lead to larger leaks and damage if left unrepaired.
Leaks
You may not have to go up on the roof to identify when an asphalt roof needs repair. If you notice any water spots on your ceiling or walls, that could be a sign of a leak in your roof.
This could mean that one or more shingles are missing or damaged and must be replaced.
3 Steps To Asphalt Shingle Roof Repair
Here’s what you will need to do to repair your roof.
Step 1: Identify Damage and Prepare Your Materials
Before you begin the repair process, it’s crucial to inspect your asphalt roof thoroughly and identify any damaged shingles or roofing material. Make a list of needed repairs and take photos for reference.
You will typically need the following:
- New shingles or roofing materials that match your existing asphalt roof
- Roofing nails
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
- Gloves
Also, ensure you have the proper safety equipment, such as:
- A ladder
- Safety harness
- Non-slip shoes
Step 2: Remove Damaged Shingles or Roofing Material
To remove any damaged shingles, start at the bottom of the roof and work your way up.
Carefully use the pry bar to lift the shingles and expose the fasteners holding the shingles in place.
Remove the damaged shingles by gently prying out the nails, taking care not to damage any adjacent shingles or roofing components. Shingles that have been installed correctly have nails in the nail line as well as nails in the upper portion of the shingle from the nail line above.
Remember to dispose of these materials properly, as nails and sharp edges can pose a hazard.
Step 3: Install New Shingles or Roofing Material
Now that your roof is prepared, it’s time to install the new shingles.
Starting at the bottom edge of the roof, slide the new shingle under the existing shingle directly above the bare area, ensuring it aligns correctly.
Then, secure the new shingle with roofing nails, ensuring it’s attached to both the roof and the shingle above.
For optimal asphalt shingle repair, nail placement should be in the designated nail line for the shingle. Nail lines differ across shingle manufacturers, but you can find installation instructions for the shingles on the wrapping of the shingle bundles. Remember to re-seal any broken seal tabs on original shingles in order to prevent wind blowoff in the future.
3 Bonus Tips for Asphalt Roof Repair
We won’t leave you hanging — here are some bonus tips for asphalt roof repair.
Tip 1: Trim Overhanging Trees
If you have trees near your house, trim any overhanging branches regularly.
This will help keep leaves, pine needles, and other debris from clogging gutters or getting on the roof — which can cause premature damage to the shingles.. Low hanging trees can scrape the shingles off the roof and create roof leaks.
Tip 2: Inspect Flashings and Sealant for Damage
Flashing and sealant are two components you should check for damage when performing asphalt roof repair.
These materials help protect areas of the roof where two different materials meet, such as around a chimney or wall.
If these components become cracked, loose or worn, it could lead to water seepage and other damage.
Tip 3: Check for Rotten Roof Decking
You should also check for damage to the substrate of the roof roof, which indicates that there are more severe roofing issues to repair. .
If you notice any rotten roof decking, contact a roofing professional to help prevent further damage from occurring and impacting how long your asphalt roof lasts.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Repairing an Asphalt Roof
Since you’re taking on the repair process yourself, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes that can occur during the asphalt flat roof repair process.
Some of these mistakes include the following:
- Not ensuring all shingles are adequately nailed down
- Cutting your shingles too small or too large for a proper fit
- Using improper sealing techniques
- Not checking for rotten wood around the roof
By familiarizing yourself with these mistakes, you can avoid them when repairing your asphalt roof.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Asphalt Roof Repair Service
Of course, nobody wants to risk further roof damage by attempting the repair themselves.
Hiring a professional service is the best way to ensure your asphalt roof is repaired correctly.
It’s More Cost-effective
Professional asphalt roof repair services have the expertise and tools to do the job correctly.
Hiring a professional will save you money in the long run since your roof will be repaired correctly the first time.
High-quality Repair Equipment
Not only will a professional service have the proper tools and materials to completely repair asphalt shingles, but they also use high-quality products that can withstand wear and tear in all weather conditions.
This will ensure your roof is repaired quickly and correctly — from start to finish.
Safety Measures Are Implemented
Repairing your asphalt roof can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
Professionals will take all necessary safety measures to ensure everyone is safe while performing the repair.
This includes protection from falls and injuries due to debris or sharp objects such as nails and screws.
Save Yourself From Long-term Roof Damage Today With Master Roofing Utah
Asphalt roof repair can be daunting, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can complete it efficiently.
It’s essential to watch for signs of damage, such as missing or curled shingles, so you can identify any issues before they worsen.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — contact Master Roofing Utah today if your asphalt roof needs repair.
We have extensive experience repairing asphalt roofs and will provide you with high-quality service and equipment that will last for years.
Get a free quote and save yourself from long-term roof damage!
