Issues with Roofs (Part 2)

In Part 1 I touched on issues related to flat roofs in northern climates, ice dams, and finding leaks in your roof.

Part 2 will touch on typical problems with shingles and what a homeowner can do about these problems.

The most typical problems homeowners face with their shingling involves those that have some buckling and those that are bubbled or mounded. Moisture is the primary culprit involved in creating both of these unsightly problems (problems that also affect the integrity of the roof’s ability to protect your home from leaks). What usually happens is that inadequate ventilation in the attic results in condensation and resulting pressure from moisture underneath the shingles. If the problem isn’t too serious, the affected shingles can be forced back down by using common plastic roofing mastic (glue). Before doing this, make sure that the surface under the shingle(s) is dry. After applying the material, use a weighted object to hold the shingle(s) down until the adhesive substance dries. Using a hair dryer to soften the shingle(s) can often speed-up the process.

Older roofs usually have their share of chipped, ripped and worn-out shingles. If this is apparent on most of the roof’s surface, hiring a professional to replace the entire roof is probably your best bet. If there are multiple layers of shingles, adding another layer may not be a good idea and you might instead opt for a complete tear down which involves having all the shingles ripped out and replaced with a new layer.

If you have a modest number of damaged shingles, you may want to do the fix up yourself. Hopefully, you can find shingles that match or are a close match to the existing shingles. Some minor cosmetic treatment will make these replacement shingles blend in to the existing shingles. The best way to do this is to use a solvent such as mineral spirits to lightly coat the replacement shingle(s). Wash off the solvent and some of the surface will be removed simulating the effect of weathering. A little trial and error may be necessary to get this right.

Remove the bad shingle(s) using caution not to damage adjacent shingling. If nails were used, carefully remove them. Starting with the bottom-most shingle(s), make sure the surface is completely dry and then use one inch or slightly smaller roofing nails to fasten the replacement shingle by nailing above the tabs. Use roofing cement for the top most shingles and pressing it into place, lift up the shingle immediately above it and nail down the replaced shingle.

While you’re on the roof, inspect the flashing around vents and the chimney(s). This area is frequently the culprit in leaking roofs. Chip out any cracked or loose cement and then put a fresh layer of roofing cement over the area. To be on the safe side, it won’t hurt to coat the entire flashing with cement just in case there are some hairline cracks etc.

To be on the safe side, if you have considerable roof work to do, use a rented scaffolding unit instead of trusting a ladder.

This brief article certainly doesn’t cover the entire subject of making roof repairs but it will help anyone with fairly minor problems that need attention.

Chuck Lunsford is the content manager for LightnBreezy.com, a well-known source for home improvement ceiling fans. If you have more questions about other home repair topics take a look at do-it-yourself home improvements and roof repairs.