Can You Repair Ripped Roofing Shingles On Your Own?
Posted on: 8 April 2020
If you are not ready to replace your entire roof at this point, then you may want to think about making some basic repairs. And, if you are seeing some ripped shingles across the roof structure, you may be wondering whether the shingles can actually be repaired on a short-term basis. Find out whether they can or cannot and if so, how you can make the repair.
Can Ripped Shingles Be Repaired?
The simple answer is that yes, ripped shingles can be repaired. However, the damage should be minimal and there shouldn't be a great deal of structural damage to the shingle itself. This means that you should be inspecting each ripped shingle closely to make sure that it is in the condition that a repair can be made. First of all, the rip itself should be pretty small and secluded to the edge or tab of the shingle. A one or two-inch rip can easily be repaired. However, if the rip extends vertically under the tab above it, then the damage is at risk of causing a leak.
Also, if you notice that the shingle has multiple rips and is starting to crumble, then this is a sign that the shingle should be completely replaced. The shingle no longer holds any structural integrity, and this is most likely due to years of sun and weather damage.
Keep in mind that you may want to forego a repair and replace the shingle instead if the granules are starting to break free from the shingle. This is another sign of an integrity issue.
How Can The Repair Be Made?
So, if you have determined that a repair is the best course of action, you will need some black roofing sealant or adhesive. The material should come in a caulk tube for easy application, so prepare a caulk gun as well.
With the caulk gun primed and ready to go, start by gently lifting up the ripped shingle. Place a long bead of the adhesive on the underside of the crack, making sure to cover the entire section of damage. Press the shingle down against the deck when you are done. Then, add a bead over the top of the shingle. Smooth this out with a putty knife or another type of spreading tool.
When you are done with the adhesive, you can move to other cracks along the roof. And, you should allow the adhesive to dry for 48 hours before checking to see if the shingle needs any more adhesive.
For professional assistance with roof repairs, contact a roofing company in your area.
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