In this section of Hometips for Home Improvement, we learn about asphalt shingle roofing repair and how to repair and fix problems related with the repair of torn or curled shingle.

Leaks and drips are the most common known roofing problems. You need to repair leaky roofs before ceilings and walls get damaged. You need to check your roof at least once or twice a year before the storm season or after a major storm. This is advised by most roofing experts.

Repairing or replacing asphalt or asphalt-fiberglass shingles (“composition roofing”), the most common type of roofing, is quite easy. If you have the least experience of any roofing repair work, you can easily do it yourself safely and comfortably.

Always plant your repairs on a day when the weather is clear and warm. In such weather, both roofing and asphalt (or plastic roofing cement) will be more pliable. Never do any roof repairs work in a hurry. Take your time and stay safe when working on the roof.

Well, to test the asphalt-shingle roof’s condition, just bend over a corner of one or two shingles on the sunniest side of the roof; if they break rather than flex, or if they appear gray and bloated, the material is nearing the end of its serviceable life and it is time to replace the shingles.

Another way to test the life of asphalt singles is: Wear. If you notice a collection of mineral granules in gutters or at the base of downspouts, it indicates that the protective mineral surface of asphalt shingles is wearing away. The mineral granules are actually coming down from the asphalt shingles on the roof.

Before starting any asphalt shingle roofing repairs work, you also need to check for bald spots, cracks, or curled shingles. Small tears, holes and cracks, and can be repaired, but missing or severely damaged shingles need to be replaced. When your roof has multiple leaks or there are many damaged shingles, it means it is time to replace the roofing. Just replacing one or two shingles is not going to help.

Tip: Whenever you put on a new roof, it is always helpful to store a few extra shingles so that you have matching replacements for repairs.

It is always recommended and is very important to fix or replace torn asphalt shingles before the problems get severe enough that may permit leaks or the pieces break apart and blow off the roof. This can be a severe roofing problem. Here is how to repair a torn or curled shingle:

1) Carefully lift the torn piece or damaged corner of the shingle, and, using a putty knife, spread a layer of roofing cement under it.

2) Tack down a curled corner with one roofing nail or the two torn halves with two roofing nails on each side of the tear. Take care while you do this.

3) Spread roofing cement over the crack and on top of the nail heads to seal up any potential leaks.