Asphalt Roofing Repair Tips - Bethany Beach, DE

Today's asphalt shingles are manufactured with the latest advancements in weather and wind resistance, fire safety, and long-lasting performance.However, even the best manufactured shingle types can develop problems over time. An asphalt shingle roof is probably the easiest type of roof covering to repair, since curled shingles can be flattened and re-secured, and old shingles can simply be replaced. Additionally, asphalt shingles make the warning signs of a serious roofing problem readily apparent. IF you would like the help of a professional roofing company LBS Construction would be happy to help.Below are some key areas to look at when attempting to repair a leaky yourself.

Accurately Locate the Water Entry Points on Your Leaking Roof

If you discover that your roof is leaking, most likely evident by water stains on the ceiling, note the leak's location, then go outside with a good pair of binoculars to find the roof leak. Look to see if there are any curled, cracked, or missing shingles. Leaks can occur at any point where shingles butt, or where caulking and flashing have been compromised. Check valleys for missing shingles or debris deposits.End caps, the tent-shaped shingles that cover the angular peaks of the roof, can also be the source of leaks, so check those as well.

Secure Visibly Curled Shingles

Curled-back shingles, for example, can be re-secured by brushing on a coating of asphalt roofing cement or finding its equivalent compound in tubes for use with a caulk gun. When repairing a leaky roof, you'll want to apply a generous amount of roofing cement to the underside of the shingle to make certain that the edge and corners are re-secured properly.Make sure to press firmly to allow the cement to take set.Note that shingles will be more pliable in warm weather than when it's cold, so consider that factor when resolving problems.

Replace Damaged or Missing Shingles

If shingles are cracked, missing, or rotten, replacing them may be another simple fix for repairing a leaky roof.Keep in mind the color of new shingles will not match the faded shingles on the roof.To remove a damaged shingle, lift the edges of the surrounding shingles and carefully remove nails with a pry bar. Once the nails are removed, the shingle will slide out with some manipulation. Scrape away any of the residue cement from the roof and level or remove protruding nails.

Before you attempt to replace a new shingle, round the back corners with a utility knife. This will make it easier for you to slide the shingle under the one above and align it with those on either side. Once you have it in position, lift the corners of the overlapping shingles and fasten the top of the new replacement with 6d galvanized roofing nails. Be sure to secure with nails in each corner. Last, cover the nail heads with roof cement and smooth down the overlapping shingle edges.

Fix Flashing Around Chimneys, Dormers, Skylights

To repair leaks caused by metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and dormers, simply reseal joints using a caulk gun filled with roofing cement. If you see damage to joints previously sealed with a line of roof cement, apply a fresh new coat with a putty knife.If the deterioration is too bad to correct with caulking the flashing may need to be replaced.This is more difficult task and LBS Construction would be glade to provide help with this.

If it's necessary to replace an entire row of shingles, or if you find that shingles lift off from the roof too easily, it may be time to call LBS Construction to inspect the situation. Spot repairs will not extend the life of a roof in need of total replacement.LBS Construction is happy to meet with you and provide a free estimate for asphalt shingle repairs or total asphalt shingle roof replacement