How To Do Roof Fixes & Minor Roof Repairs
Replacing A Damaged Or
Missing Shingle
If you need to replace a damaged shingle, note that it is easier to remove a shingle
that is cool. If the shingle you need to replace is not in the shade, you can cool
it down with cold water. After cooling, use a metal pry bar between the shingles
to separate them. The sealant should snap or pop loose. Remove the nails from the
shingle you are replacing, as well as from the shingle above it (since these nails
go through the shingle you are replacing also).
Replace the damaged or missing shingles with new shingles of matching color, following
the manufacturer’s application instructions. Hand-seal these shingles, since the
sealant may not re-seal after being broken.
For the proper shingle nailing technique, see our How-To-Video.
Replacing A Missing Hip Or Ridge Cap Shingle
When hip or ridge shingles blow off, they can leave your roof system open to water
or snow infiltration. This can allow moisture to infiltrate and potentially enter
your attic or rot your roof deck.
Replacing hip or ridge cap shingles requires removing any damaged pieces that may
have been left over. You may have to remove or loosen any shingles in the proximity
of the blown-off shingle to allow you to re-fasten a new hip or ridge cap shingle.
Always be sure to select a new hip or ridge shingle that matches your existing ones,
both in color and thickness. Install the new piece, making sure it fully covers
any existing ridge vent or other field shingles with the proper length fasteners.
Utilize any asphalt cement as directed by the manufacturer’s application instructions.
Replacing hip or ridge shingles requires working on some of the highest parts of
your roof—the hips and ridges. Always utilize proper safety equipment to prevent
falls or injury when replacing hip or ridge shingles on your roof. See our Safety section for more details.
Replacing Vents
Deciding on the proper vent and the amount of ventilation needed is critical. Always
consult your local building code for balanced attic ventilation requirements in
your area. Not following these requirements may lead to an inefficient system or
even weather infiltration. Once you decide on the type of vent that is needed and
how much to install, always ensure you install the vent as per written application
instructions. Be careful not to cut any attic rafters or wires, and always ensure
to properly fasten the vent to prevent blow-off or weather infiltration.
Replacing ridge vents requires working on some of the highest parts of your roof—the
ridges. Always utilize proper safety equipment to prevent falls or injury when replacing
ridge vents on your roof. See our
Safety section for more details.
Diagnosing A Leak
To find a leak source, you need to know what water is likely to do. Water will always
flow directly down with gravity. Obstructions, skylights and penetrations are the
most common leak sources. Start by examining chimneys, skylights, and plumbing vents.
Then inspect roof-to-wall transition areas where flashing takes the place of roofing,
such as dormers, valleys, and eaves.
Many times owners think they have leaks, when actually their roofs just do not have
adequate ventilation. Look for algae stains on interior plywood, soaked insulation
when it hasn’t rained, and black rings or rust around nails—the first sign that
moisture is condensing in attic spaces.
Always repair leaks promptly to avoid adverse effects, including mold growth.
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