Are Your Roof Shingles Cracking? Here's What You Can Do To Fix It

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As a homeowner, a roof is one of your largest investments. That means inspecting it on an annual basis is a yearly home maintenance task you shouldn't skip. Discovering and correcting minor issues, like cracked shingles, before they turn into full-blown problems, can potentially save you thousands of dollars in costly professional repairs. After all, a mildly cracked shingle can be easily fixed with a sealant, and a shingle with more extensive cracking can be replaced. Either way, tackling the project now can save you from water damage inside the home and a full-on roof replacement sooner than necessary.

You may be wondering: how much does a roof repair actually cost? The low end of the average is about $767, but it depends on the severity of the issue and your roof type. The good news is that if you're only dealing with mildly cracked asphalt shingles and are willing to DIY the fix, you'll likely keep costs to a minimum.

Once you've determined you don't need a full replacement and the DIY route is the way to go, safety is of utmost importance before you get started. Ensure you choose a day with appropriate weather to tackle this job (no snow, rain, or wind in the forecast). Then be sure to wear proper safety gear such as a harness and lanyard, protective eyewear, gloves, and non-slip shoes. Once you have these precautions in order, you'll be ready to gather the necessary repair supplies depending on weather you need to seal a shingle or replace one entirely. 

If shingles are mildly cracked and the cracks only span across a few shingles, but your roof is in otherwise good condition, a simple application of roofing sealant can remedy the issue. If the shingle is severely cracked to the point where it could allow water to penetrate, replace the affected shingles. However, if the damage is widespread or there's extensive sagging, it may be a sign that your roof needs replacing ASAP.

To repair a mildly cracked roof shingle, you'll need a roof sealant like Loctite Black Polyurethane Roof and Flashing Sealant, along with a putty knife. First, apply a bead of sealant along the underside of the crack, then press the shingle together to form a bond. Then, apply a bead of roof sealant over the top of the crack and use the putty knife to evenly spread it across the surface. Once the sealant sets, it will create a watertight seal, preventing water from seeping in.

To replace a badly cracked shingle, use a pry bar to carefully lift the shingles around the damaged pieces as well as the ones directly above it, breaking their adhesive bond to the roof. This will expose the nails securing the damaged shingle. Pry the nails out and pull the damaged shingle out of place. Slide the new shingle in, secure it with nails, and then apply a roofing sealant to the underside of the surrounding shingles that you previously lifted. Press them into place to form a tight seal.