Asphalt Shingle Roofing and Repair

Submitted by: twiseman

Asphalt Shingle Roofing and Folsom Roof Repair

Nearly four-fifths of American homes have asphalt shingle roofs--and for good reason. Asphalt shingles are economical and fairly easy to install and repair. The two basic types are composition and fiberglass-base shingles.
Composition shingles are made of organic felt manufactured from wood and paper fibers. Fiberglass-base shingles are made of manmade fiberglass mat. Both kinds are soaked in asphalt, but the fiberglass base shingles are more fire-resistant than the organic ones. Asphalt shingles have mineral granules embedded in them; when you find these granules washing away, it's a sign that you need to repair or replace your shingles
Although asphalt shingles may look like individual tabs, they are generally manufactured in 3-foot-long strips that are notched to look like smaller units. They come in a variety of weights. Generally speaking, the heavier the shingles, the longer they last.

Make roof repairs on a warm day, when shingles are more flexible (and therefore less likely to crack) and roofing cement spreads more easily.

Common Asphalt-Shingle Roofing Problems
Roofing problems make themselves known in the form of leaks and drips. Repair leaky roofs before ceilings and walls are damaged; better yet, check your roof at least once a year before the storm season (and after a major storm, if necessary).
Make your repairs when the weather is clear.
High winds can tear off shingles, particularly if they've become brittle with age. Ice and snow can cause shingles to crack, as can hot sun and heavy rain.

Check your roof regularly for bald spots, cracked or curled shingles, or an absence of mineral granules, usually exhibited by an accumulation in your gutters.
Bend any questionable shingles back to see if they have some give. If they crumble easily or appear gray and bloated, they may need replacing.

Replace existing shingles with any that remain from the original roof installation or buy new ones of the same type, color, and size if possible. Don't remove damaged shingles from ridges--instead, nail each corner of the existing shingle in place and cover with a new one.

Shingle Maintenance
Roofing cement can work wonders on an asphalt-shingle roof. If shingles are cracked or beginning to tear, seal the cracked or torn areas with roofing cement.
Also use roofing cement to press torn or curled shingles into place and to cover exposed nail heads.

Asphalt Roof Shingle Repair
Lift the tab above the shingle that has been damaged and pry out the nails that hold the one you want to replace.
Snip off the top corners of the replacement and slide it up under the existing shingles, being careful not to tear the roofing felt.
Nail on the new shingle, placing the nails under the shingle above. After driving in the nails, daub the nail heads with roofing cement.
While you are on the roof, check the roof flashing for corrosion or pinholes and repair with roofing cement (you may need to lift up a flap of shingles to get access to the flashing).
1) On a warm day, lift shingles to expose nails of damaged one. Pry out nails.
2) Slip replacement in place under up-roof shingles.
3) Nail by hammering against a pry bar placed on nail heads.
2) Beneath the asphalt shingles on a roof's surface, you'll find roofing felt, sheathing, and the roof's structure