Prepare the Roofing Job Properly
Preparation is more than half the battle. Get some matching shingles from the hardware store and gather your tools and materials. You will need a ladder, a flat nail bar, a hammer, some roofing nails, and a caulking gun with a tube of asphalt cement. Try to accomplish the repair early in the day before the sun heats up the roof.
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Step-by-Step Roofing Instructions
Follow this advice to get your roof repair done properly:
- Gently pry up the shingles above the damaged one(s) and bend them back.
- Remove any broken pieces of shingle and any visible nails.
- Insert the new shingle (putting a dab of asphalt cement on the underside) and nail it in place. You may have to trim the top edge to get it to line up properly.
- Re-nail the shingle in the row above, and put a dab of asphalt cement under its lower edge.
- Repeat procedure number 4 until all of the missing or damaged shingles have been replaced with new ones.
Now your roof is once again secure.
Of course, if the damaged area is too large, or if your roof has a very steep pitch, or if you just aren't comfortable working at heights, you may want to contact a licensed roofing contractor to do the job for you. As always, get references and check with the Better Business Bureau and your local Contractors Board.
About the Author
Roger Diez is a freelance writer and a veteran of countless home repair and improvement projects.
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