New Jersey Shingle Roof Repair in 5 Easy Steps

While it’s best to inspect your roof at least once a year to keep shingle problems from leading to major structural repairs, your asphalt or composite shingles may begin leaking or showing signs of localized damage at any time.

The good news is that composite roofing should last for 15 to 20 years, and shingle repair is relatively simple.

Once you’ve located a trouble spot, check the integrity of the surrounding shingles. Look for visible cracks or damage. Test damaged or curling shingles by gently bending the shingle corner. Serviceable shingles should flex nicely. If they are old or weather damaged, the corner may break, instead.

If this occurs—and the roofing material seems to be losing its color and shape, it’s time to replace the affected shingles entirely. If not, you can often repair them in a few, basic steps.

Shingle Roof Repair in 5 Easy Steps

1. Choose a sunny day to make your repairs, since the sun’s warmth makes shingles easier to work with.
2. If a corner is pulling away or a shingle is torn, lift the damaged piece and apply a layer of roofing cement to the bottom of it. You may need to use a pry bar to raise the shingle piece high enough to apply the cement. A putty knife works well for sealant application, but you can use any dull, flat-edged tool.
3. Tack down the cement-treated piece with roofing nails so the adhesive has time to seal properly. The nails will also help the shingle piece stay in place permanently.
4. After tacking down curled corners, broken pieces or torn shingles, spread a layer of plastic roofing adhesive or tar over the cracked area. You should also apply the sealant directly over the nail heads to ensure that water does not seep in through the nail holes.
5. As you begin to repair compromised asphalt pieces, take note of the roof’s overall state. If you find yourself repairing or replacing dozens of shingles due to hail, storms or basic wear-and-tear, it may be time to contact a qualifying New Jersey roofer to handle more extensive repairs—or replace your entire roof.

Hire a Roofing Professional

While many do-it-yourselfers repair their own composite shingles, it’s often best to leave entire roof makeovers to the experts. Call LGC Roofing to schedule a thorough inspection of your home’s roof and attic space. We’ll recommend cost-effective repairs, and if you have to replace your shingle roof, our prices are competitive and our craftsmanship is second-to-none.

Remember, putting off shingle roof repairs can lead to costly attic and roof sheathing damage. Call today to address roof problems before it’s too late.

Shingle Roof Replacement Done the Right Way

Tear off vs. Adding another layer on top

My clients often ask me: “Why do you want to rip existing roof off? Another roofer gave us price for up & over, and it’s much less comparing to tear off.” – No it’s not. You might save upfront, but will pay many times over later. I always recommend full tear off when installing new shingle roofing.

When you install new shingles over existing shingle layer you cannot expect the same performance as then you lay it out on a clean roof decking.

Biggest problem for roofs are leaks. If you don’t fully remove existing roofing material you don’t know what is going on underneath:  is wood decking solid? is roof flashing ok? is there moisture underneath shingles?

Tear off is the right way to go.

• Biggest concern in my regard is the state of wood decking. Even if there are no apparent leaks, the wood might be rotted and this means that nails will not hold new shingles properly.
• Same problem exists with flashing. Without tearing off shingles you are not going to be able to see if flashing is in good condition. Damaged flashing may lead to leaks in a future.
• Shingles put on top of existing layer will never lay completely flat. You will always see bumps and shingles sticking out.
• Adding another layer will also double the weight of the roof possibly causing damage to the structure.
• Most “roofers” who advise up & over for costumers complete ignore proper roof ventilation. Roof ventilation is one of the most important factors influencing how long your roof will last; not ensuring proper ventilation will shorten the life of your roof drastically.
• Without tearing existing roof of most manufactures will not honor full material warranty.

Saving some money now will cost you significantly more in near future. That’s why I always recommend full tear off to my customers.

Lukasz Sobczuk, LGC Roofing