Simple Roofing Repairs: A DIY Guide

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Part of being a homeowner or building owner involves the responsibility of maintaining your property and doing minor repairs when situations call for them. Since your roof is one of the most important elements of your home or building, it's essential to be prepared to handle any problems that may arise. Thanks to experts from the DIY Network, we've collected a few tips that can help you when it comes to roof repairs:

How to Replace a Tile:
If nails are holding your tile in place, start by removing those nails. Then, life the old tile free using a furring strip, and place the end of a new one over the furring strip. Any tiles that over lap or inter lock should be wedged up next to the damaged one in order to undo the interlocking joints and give you the room needed to insert anew tile. Once you've replaced the damaged tile, make sure that all tiles are secure.

How to Replace a Slate:
Start by removing any lose pieces of slate, and then cut away any nails that still remain. Next, nail down a strip of lead over the exposed joint between slates and make sure it is securely fastened to the the furring strip underneath it. Lastly, put a new piece of slate in the empty space, and bend the lead piece over the new slate to secure it.

Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How to Replace a Wood Shingle:
Begin by using a hammer and chisel to remove the damaged shingle. After, carefully using a hackshaw blade, cut through the shingle's nails to remove any that may be left over. Once you have removed the nails, place the new shingle into position and hold it down with new nails. Try to place the new nails as close as possible to the row of shingles above it. Don't forget to finish by using a sealant to seal the edges of the new shingle and the nail heads.

How to Replace an Asphalt Shingle:
To replace an asphalt shingle, use a pry bar to loosen the nails in the damaged strip and then remove it completely. It's also important to loosen the nails in the strip of shingles above the damaged one so that you can slide a new shingle underneath it. After it is removed, insert the new strip and nail it down.

For more information on repair projects including images to guide you, click here.

While some projects call for simple DIY repairs, others require help from a seasoned professional. That's where we come in! At Phil's Main Roofing, we are available to assist you with all of your roofing needs. From new construction to preventative maintenance and more, our licensed roofers specialize in both commercial and residential roofing and will install the top roofing brands to make sure your roof is built to last. For help, call us at (203) 838-4545 today!