How To Repair A Cracked Roof Shingle

Removing 3 tab shingles using a flat bar to do a repair.

How to repair a cracked roof shingle.

Press the shingle down and apply a second bead of sealant on top of the crack. Some roof problems are clearly for experts but you should be able to fix minor leaks and broken shingles yourself. If a shingle is simply cracked or torn you don t have to replace it just repair it. Removing 3 tab shingles using a flat bar to do a repair.

Just like caulking it normally comes in a tube and is squeezed on top of the crack then pushed. Most home improvement stores sell repair cement that can be used on roofing tiles. Then repeat this with the shingles above the broken one. Find and fix the cracks.

When replacing a damaged asphalt roof shingle you can either replace the entire piece or cut the shingle into sections and replace just a single tab. Fixing cracks is another part of the process in which roofing sealant is immensely useful. Push the sharp end of the knife under the shingle s bottom end. A broken shingle is both ugly and a leak waiting to happen.

Asphalt roof shingles can be easily damaged by high winds and falling tree limbs. Shingles come in tabs of 3. Spread some sealant both underneath and on top of the crack. Sometimes you don t have to replace a roof shingle at all.

But as long as you can find matching shingles and you re not afraid of heights the repair is straightforward. Pick a day when the weather is moderate to do the repair too cold and the shingles can crack. Depending on the amount of damage you might only need to to find the cracks and mend them. Too warm and the shingle sealants are tough to break.

Holding the knife horizontally drag the tip across the shingle to free it from the roof. Start by applying a thick bead of roofing sealant under the crack. Then spread the sealant with a putty knife. If shingles become cracked or otherwise split because of falling branches or other types of damage consider using adhesive to repair them as best you can instead of removing them completely.

Each tab has a top and bottom square.