How To Repair Different Types of Roofs in Nashville, TN?

For any house owner, a damaged roof is a major concern. After all, it’s the barrier that provides the needed protection for the house. When it comes to Nashville roof repair, it helps to know what the types you’re dealing with are.

In general, roofs are susceptible to leaks, tears, and breaks, jeopardizing your safety inside the house. Luckily, you can simply maintain roof shingles yourself to keep your roof intact for years to come.

In this article, you’ll learn how to repair different types of roofs in Nashville, TN. So, keep reading.

How To Repair Different Types of Roofs in Nashville, TN?

The capital city of Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate, which makes the summers hot and the winters rather cold. Nashville also witnesses heavy storms through the summer up until October.

All these conditions can affect your roof negatively, causing tears, cracks, and holes. So, if your roof needs repair, it’s better to address it before the wet season. This way, you can guarantee a dry and safe house that’s able to face the heaviest of rains.

In Nashville, there are three major types of roofs used for houses. Get to know each type and how to repair it down below.

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofs

This type of tile uses asphalt for waterproofing your roof, and it’s one of the most common types of roofs in North America.

Asphalt shingles can get damaged, torn, or curled, which may lead to leaks. Even worse, pieces of shingles can break apart, which can cause the wind to blow them apart. Sometimes you can fix those shingles. Yet, in other cases, you may need to replace them.

How To Repair Asphalt Shingle Roofs?

Although replacing the damaged asphalt shingles is better in the long run, you can also repair them. This helps when you don’t have a close match to work as a replacement.

However, you should keep in mind that it can be dangerous to work on the roof, especially if it’s high-pitched. So, unless you have the needed tools, confidence, and expertise, you should consider contacting a professional.

Needed Tools

• Ladder
• Putty knife
• Asphalt roof cement
• Hammer and nails

Required Steps

1. Lift the damaged piece carefully
2. Sweep away any debris settled under the asphalt shingle
3. Use the putty knife to spread a layer of asphalt roof cement beneath it
4. Make sure not to get the cement over any exposed tiles
5. Use a nail to pin down the curled edge or the torn piece
6. Apply another layer of roofing cement over the cracked part and the nail head
7. Ensure sealing any potential leaks
8. Avoid using too much cement, as it can be visible from the ground

2. Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most durable, weather-tight roof types in America. Moreover, it’s fire and impact resistant, which is perfect.

Although this type of roof has a high life expectancy, it may sometimes need repairing. That’s because metal roofs can have corrosion, holes, cracks, or wrinkles. Eventually, this may lead to leakage.

How To Repair Metal Roofing?

In most cases, fixing metal roofing requires replacing the damaged patch with another piece of metal. So, don’t think about initiating repair unless you have the following tools and materials.

Needed Tools and Material

• Metal Shears and file
• Wire brush and cleaning solution
• Drill
• Caulking gun
• Pencil and paintbrush
• Putty knife
• Extra replacement sheet of metal
• Urethane sealant and paint
• Metal screws
• Asphalt patching membrane

Required Steps

1. Clean the affected area
2. Wipe away any residues with a clean wet cloth
3. Scuff the area you need to patch with a wire brush
4. Measure the damaged area
5. Cut the replacement sheet to match the area you measured
6. Make sure it overlaps the damaged area by at least two inches from all directions
7. Use a file to round the sharp corners of the piece you cut
8. Outline the area of the replacement patch with a pencil
9. Apply a generous layer of sealant over the marked area
10. Press the patch into place until the sealant oozes along the edges
11. Attach the patch to the roof using the metal screws placed every three to four inches around the perimeter
12. Use the putty knife to retool any excess sealant
13. Give the sealant enough time to dry
14. Paint the patch

3. Cedar Shake Roofs

This type of roofing uses natural cedar wood, which makes it the most aesthetically pleasing of all kinds. Since wood is an excellent insulating material, cedar shake roofs provide twice as much insulation as asphalt shingles.

How To Repair Cedar Shake Roofs?

Repairing cedar shake roofs can sometimes be a bit challenging. That’s because wood isn’t as flexible as other shingle materials.

Take a look at what you need to prepare and how to fix damaged shakes.

Needed Tools

• An extra piece of cedar shake
• Hammer and galvanized roofing nails
• Sharp chisel
• Hacksaw and electrical tape
• Measuring tape
• Caulking compound
• Nail set

Required Steps

1. Split and break damaged shakes using the hammer and chisel
2. Slant the chisel up into the cedar shake at the same angle as the roof
3. Be careful not to cause damage to other wood shingles
4. Pull out the damaged shingle
5. If you’re not able to reach the further nails, use a hacksaw to cut their heads off
6. Remember to wrap electrical tape around the end of the blade to protect your hand
7. Measure the gap where you want to install the new shingle
8. Cut a piece of cedar wood about ⅜ inch smaller as it expands and swells with moisture
9. Make slots in the new wood shake for the old nails if you weren’t able to remove them
10. Push the new shake into the gap
11. Nail it down in place
12. Set the heads of the nails
13. Seal the holes with the caulking compound

A Final Thought

Your roof can get damaged without proper maintenance, especially with the harsh climate of Tennessee. Therefore, it’s better to learn how to do your own Nashville roof repair.

Whether your house has asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or cedar shakes, repairing your roof isn’t impossible. Just make sure to take all necessary precautions before initiating any kind of repair.

Finally, always remember that you can seek professional help if it’s too big of a task for you.