How can you replace a damaged tile on your roof? How to glue a curved tile? What steps to follow to repair a cracked tile?
Keeping the roof in good condition is one of the main issues in any home: the roof helps keep all the inhabitants dry and warm, with everything else that is inside the house.
Any damage or sign of wear requires immediate intervention to help prevent any water seepage under the tiles and rotting the materials underneath.
If you ignore such a problem, however insignificant it may seem at first glance, it can accelerate the need to change the roof and can add a high monetary cost of replacing the roof entirely.
If the roof of your home is more than 25 years old and most of the tiles are worn or badly damaged, now is the time to replace it. But if the roof is in good general condition, you will probably be able to do all the repairs yourself.
In this article you will learn how to perform the three most common: replace asphalt shingles; stick a badly curved tile; and repair shingles that have cracked.
It's important to tackle these types of repairs on dry, downed afternoons, as shingles are more flexible now and less prone to cracking. Avoid under any circumstances climbing on a roof that is wet, icy, or covered in morning dew.
How to replace a damaged shingle
If a part of a tile is missing, you will have to replace the entire piece. The first step is to see if you have any more units from the last time your roof was worked (hopefully the roofer or builder who performed the tasks was able to leave a spare). If not, you will have to buy a new one. If you can't find one exactly the same, opt for a galvanized sheet that is as similar as possible.
To replace a damaged shingle you need a hammer, a flat crowbar, a utility knife, and some roofing nails.
Start by removing the first row of nails with the help of the floor under the tile immediately above the damaged one and gently lift it up to free it from the sealing strip.
As you slide the pry bar under the damaged shingle, you will need to pry up. When about 1 centimeter protrudes, remove the bar and press down on the tile to remove the piece. Repeat this procedure and then push the pry bar under the shingle until the entire unit is removed.
If your existing shingles are delicate, you may not be able to remove the second row of nails without breaking the shingle. You will then need to rip the damaged shingle and cut the V-notch in the replacement to make it fit properly. Put the new shingle in place and secure it with four nails.
How to fix curved tiles
As time goes on, the corners of the shingles begin to curve up or down. If you notice that a tile is starting to curl, you can prevent it from continuing to curl by gluing the curved section.
Use a caulking gun to apply a small amount of roofing sealer under the affected corner. Place a brick on top and let it sit for about 24 hours until the sealer dries. That's all!
How to repair a cracked roof tile
If a tile is only broken or cracked, it is unnecessary to replace it as you will only have to repair it. Start by applying a thick coat of roofing sealant under the crack. Press down on the shingle and apply a second bead of sealer over the crack. Then spread the sealant with the help of a spatula.
The good thing about using this method is that it is very discreet. Check the gutter for a build-up of colored granules that have come off the shingles and sprinkle a little over the sealer to mask the repair.
A new roof costs a lot of money, but with these simple tips you can keep your existing roof looking good for many more years.
