Asphalt roof shingles are one of the most common roofing materials used in the United States. Asphalt roof shingles are easy to use, inexpensive and when applied properly provide for a fairly long lasting waterproof roof. However, even without allowing a leak the shingles can begin to not lay flat or actually start to stick up. While usually this isn’t much of a problem, it can look like a problem. Prospective home buyers and others looking at your home may see this as a sign of a problem. Fortunately making those shingles that want to stand out from the crowd lay down is not a difficult project and can be done by the homeowner quite easily and inexpensively.
Remember to use caution anytime you are using a ladder or working on a roof. If you are uncertain about your ability to do the work safely, don’t try it. Hiring a local handyman will be quite inexpensive for this simple fix.
Before going up on the roof you will need to acquire some simple items. The primary thing that you will need to repair your loose tiles is a tube of roofing cement. If you only have a few shingles to repair a tube of roofing cement (applied using a caulking gun) will do the job quite neatly. Larger amounts of work may require more cement than a tube will hold and roofing cement is available in larger containers similar to a paint can and is applied with a putty knife. Unless you have to repair almost all of your shingles, I would recommend just buying tubes as it is so much easier to work with than the big cans of roofing cement. You will also need a putty knife or other flat tool to lift the shingles. If it is hot outside while you are working a small rug or kneepads will keep you from getting burned by the hot roof. A few small sandbags, bricks or other flat heavy items will be needed to hold the shingles down as well. A small brush might be useful also.
Once you are on the roof with your supplies the repair is easy. Gently lift the problem shingle a little at a time with the putty knife. Be careful to not lift the shingle so much as to cause it to crack. You only need to lift the shingle enough to get the caulking gun under it. Use your hand or a small brush to wipe away any loose debris under the shingle. Follow the roof cement tube’s instructions for application. Gently push the roof shingle down and place a heavy item on the shingle. Use the putty knife to remove any excess roof cement from around the shingle. Remove the weight after a day or so.
If the shingle continues to stick up, you may want to consider nailing it down or replacing the shingle (which can be done, but is tricky). If you do nail it down cover the nails with a liberal supply of roof cement as this may make the roof leak. To hide the repair gather some loose grit from the shingles (usually gutters are full of it) and sprinkle onto the cement. Once you have the shingle properly repaired, clean your gutters. That roof grit can become heavy and places an extra strain on the gutter brackets.
The final step is to go inside, sit in front of the AC and relax!
