Roofing cement is an excellent alternative to deal with a roof leak. The cement is made of fibers, asphalts, and other substances that create a sticky texture. The distinctive texture of roofing cement for shingles allows easy application and it can stop a leak effectively.
However, roof cement is not designed to seal leaks permanently. Consider reattaching or repairing shingles especially when the damaged area is large. But when you find small holes or cracks, the following steps can solve the issue.
1. Prepare Tools and Equipment
First thing first, prepare tools and equipment before starting the project. Ensure everything you need for roof repair is within reach so you don’t have to go back and forth. You will need a rubber glove, dry towel, putty knife, and roofing cement. Find the best roofing cement for shingles with high quality.
2. Inspect and Clear the Area
Inspect your roof to make sure it is clean and free of debris. Dust and debris may reduce the adhesion of roofing cement so it cannot work effectively. Not to mention it can make your task far more difficult. Remove any material that can hinder you from applying roof cement.
If you need to clean the area with water, do it several days before applying cement. This is because roofing cement for shingles may not be effective on a wet surface. Let the shingles dry completely before applying cement.
3. Locate Damaged Shingles
Now that the roof shingle is clean, you can climb to locate the damaged area. Inspect the shingles meticulously and find obvious signs of damage. Be careful. If you think the roof is not safe enough, contact a professional roofer immediately.
There are various issues that may happen to your shingles, such as cracks and holes. Fortunately, roofing cement can handle these minor damages without extra effort.
4. Apply Roofing Cement with Putty Knife
After identifying the problem, you can start solving it by applying roofing cement for shingles. Use a dry towel and gently apply roof cement to the cracked area. If you deal with holes, a putty knife can make your job easier. The knife makes it possible to spread the cement evenly.
Avoid pushing too hard or be aggressive with the shingles because it can cause further damage. The larger the damage, the harder it is to cover with roofing cement.
5. Utilize Patches for Larger Areas
When you find that the damage is large, applying roofing cement solely may not be effective to solve the issue. Instead, consider using patches to cover the affected area. It can be either fiberglass, rolled roofing, or polyester patch.
Glue the back of the patch with roof cement and apply to the damaged area. Apply roof cement on the top for extra protection. Depending on the type of patch, it can last months to years.
After you try to repair with roof cement for shingles and patch but it doesn’t show improvement, it can be a sign that the shingles must be replaced. Reattach shingles starting from the bottom and overlap with the previously installed ones to avoid leak.