Construction & Contractors Blog
Have you noticed that the first row of your shingles is all damaged from strong winds? If so, you'll need to replace that row so that your roof has protection. Here is how this roof repair should be done.
Gather Your Tools
This type of roof repair doesn't require many tools. You'll need a thin blade scraper to help loosen the tar underneath the shingles and a pry bar to pull the nails out. A razor knife and straight edge, such as a ruler, will also be necessary for trimming asphalt shingles. You'll then need a hammer and roofing nails to put in the new row of shingles and roofing caulk to form a new seal.
Remove The Damaged Shingles
You'll use your scraper to break the tar seal between the first and second row of shingles, as well as the second and third row of shingles. You'll then use the pry bar to lift out the nails that are holding down the first row of shingles along the top edge, as well as the second row. Now all the nails should be removed where that first row and starter row of shingles will slide out. The second row should still be intact and usable.
Trim Your New Row Of Starter Shingles
One thing that you'll have to do is trim off the part of the shingle material above the tar strip for the starter row. How much do you trim? It really depends on the size of the shingles. Ideally, if you put the top of the shingle flush against the bottom of the second row, the shingle should overhang slightly past your drip edge, usually about half an inch to be safe. This will let you know how much to trim off the shingles. You can use your straight edge to create a straight line and run your utility knife along the edge. This will trim the shingles to the necessary length to fit on your roof.
Install The New Starter Row
Turn the shingles upside down so that the bottom of the trimmed shingle is flush against the bottom of the second row since you want that slight overhang. Then nail the starter row into the fascia board, using nail placement according to your local building code.
Install The New First Row
The new first row of shingles can now be placed on top of the starter row and slid beneath the second row. The edge of the first row and starter row should be flush with each other. Place nails directly into the first row of shingles according to local building codes, then place nails through the second row of shingles, which will also penetrate the first row of shingles beneath it. Finish the job by putting a bead of roofing caulk underneath the bottom edge of the second and third row of shingles.
If you are having trouble, contact a local roof repair service to get help.
Share11 May 2021
Construction contractors have a very important job. They literally build the structures we live in, work in, and entertain ourselves in. They have control over how these spaces look, and also over how safe these spaces are. Some contractors lay flooring. Others install flooring. Some are generalists and do a bit of everything, from roofing to painting. When you start to understand the nature of a contractor's job, you start to really appreciate all of the buildings around you. It's that appreciation that we really hope shines through as we write this blog to share with you all, our loyal readers.
