Best Practices For Applying Roofing Shingles

Roof shingles, a series of individual elements overlapping, are common on roofs on all types of buildings worldwide.

Roofing shingles are available in a variety of materials including wood, slate, concrete, ceramic with fibreglass-based asphalt shingles the most common on residential properties.

Shingles draw on simple technology to offer excellent prevention against heavy rain. They are also immensely strong if hit by wayward items, such as tree branches, during stormy weather.

Roofing shingles also benefit from being relatively maintenance free, easy to fit/fix and reasonably affordable.

However, it is important to note that, over time, roofing shingles will require attention to stop the effects of decay. For example wooden shingles can rot, and asphalt shingles can shrink due to the oils used in their manufacture being washed away or dried out in the hot sun.

If you detect any instances of roof shingles shrinking or suffering from damage it is important that you replace the offending items as soon as possible.

It is a fairly simple and cost effective process to replace faulty roof shingles yourself – just remember to follow these important safety guidelines:

o Work with a partner or, at the very least, make sure somebody knows you are working on the roof.

o Use a ladder that is the correct size, strong enough for your needs and that is positioned on flat ground.

o Pay particular attention to power cables, television aerials and ‘phone lines.

o Wear a pair of heavy, chunky boots with non-slip soles, and avoid loose clothing.

o Keep the area below where you are working clear.

o Don’t start work in cold and wet weather and allow the morning dew to clear before venturing up on the roof.

Most importantly, work your way through the project slowly, carefully and efficiently – this will cut down on silly, and potentially costly, mistakes.

To replace a small number of shingles you will require the following tools: a hammer, a pry bar, roofing nails, utility knife and replacement roof shingles.

It’s a simple job. First lift up the damaged shingle, slip the pry bar underneath and push down to remove the roofing nails.

Next, after discarding the old shingle, place a new one in its place, being careful to align it with the existing shingles.

Then, when it is positioned correctly, lift up the shingle directly above and secure the new shingle with the roofing nails.

Et voila! Please note, however, that these guidelines are for the simple replacement of a small number of roofing shingles. If a large proportion of your roof is damaged, a complete replacement – by an expert roofer – might be your only option.

Roofing shingles are a fairly simple method to cover your roof. They can be easy to maintain and are relatively low cost.

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