Shingle Repair - The Early Bird Trick

If you have a shingle repair to make, this little trick will make it a lot easier.

You have probably heard the saying: "the early bird gets the worm". But you may not know that being an "early bird" will make a shingle repair much easier. Let me explain...

Asphalt shingles have a temperature-sensitive tar strip that seals them together. It helps to keep them from blowing off in high winds.

In the afternoon, when they are warm or hot, the tar strip is stuck fast. That makes them nearly impossible to get apart without tearing. But first thing in the morning, when the roof is still cool, the tar strip is somewhat brittle. At that time, you can separate them with a flat pry bar, or paint scraper.

If you ever have to do a shingle repair on a hot afternoon, you can throw a towel soaked with ice water over the area for a few minutes. That usually lowers the temperature of the roofing enough to do the trick.

Once they are popped loose, it's a simple matter of pulling out the roofing nails. Keep in mind that you also need to remove the nails from the course directly above the shingles you want to remove.

When finishing the repair, be aware that the tar strip may not reseal effectively. That's not a big deal though, just spread some flashing cement over the old tar strip. That can be done with either a trowel or with a caulking gun. It's also a good idea to seal the old nail holes.

There is one caveat about doing a shingle repair first thing in the morning: The roof may still be wet and slippery from dew or an overnight rain, so be careful up there!

For more shingle repair information, check out a new roofing guide called "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!" by John C Bishop. Chapter Four explains how to fix almost any roof leak for under $20. For details, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

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