solar panel shingles
Some people would argue that wood or shake shingles rank in the top when it comes to roof coverings. Granted they are durable in most instances if installed and maintained properly. However wood shingles do have some special installation concerns and some maintenance issues that other roofing systems don’t. If you are willing to deal with the special issues, and are fond of the wood look, then by all means use them.
Wood shingle roofing needs to be inspected annually for cracks or splits in the shingles. Any of these kinds of defects over a joint or juncture can cause problems that can lead to leaky roofs. And I don’t need to detail what kind of damage a leaky roof can cause.
Any split or damaged shingles should be replaced as quickly as possible. Don’t wait. Roof damage could already be occurring. If you do need to replace wood shingles, here is how it can be done.
Use a hammer and chisel to split the shingle to be replaced from the exposed end, into several thin pieces, working the splits you make up under the lap of the shingle on top. Move the split pieces from side to side, starting on the outside edge until they can be pulled free. Usually the wood when manipulated like this will split out around the nails holding it allowing it to be pulled free in pieces.
Measure the width of the hole from the shingle you just removed, less 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch for expansion. Cut a new shingle or find one from a bundle of precuts that will match the dimension you need.
Using a wood mallet or other suitable tool, tap the new shingle up into the hole until it contacts the nails that remain from the old shingle. You will know when you have gone far enough as the feel will change, and the shingle will not want to move very much. Don’t get overly aggressive.
At this point you need to measure the distance remaining that the shingle needs to travel up to match the rest of the shingles in the line. Pull the shingle back out and look for small dents in the top edge where the nails contacted. With a tool such as a coping saw or other sharp tool cut slits in the wood where the nails caused the dents, to match the needed depth to finish pushing the shingle in line with the others.
A tip here would be to not make these cuts with a knife as you may end up splitting the new shingle. Also, it may be a good idea to make the cuts slightly deeper then needed to avoid problems, and lastly, make sure to remove enough material when making the cuts so that the nails can slide in these new slots without becoming wedged, as this may cause the shingle to split also.
Reinsert the shingle into the hole where it will go, and tap it in stopping about 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch from having it in place. At this point using a slightly longer shingle nail, nail the shingle in the middle just at the front lap edge of the shingle above it, at a 45 degree angle until the nail is flush. Now using a block of wood and a hammer, tap the shingle up until it is flush with the rest of the shingles in the row. Your job is complete, the shingle is in place, the nail is now under the lap edge of the shingle above it and the nails remaining from the old shingle will help to hold it in place.
Remember when working on a roof to always use safe ladder practices. Always wear footwear that will not slip on the surface you are working. And above all, try to never do this kind of repair unless you have an assistant.
Scott Best is a freelance author in association with New Roof Site.
More articles by Scott Best can be accessed at our site in the Articles Section.
Cheap Solar Panels-Learn To Make Cheap Solar Panel
|
|
Broan 355SOBK Surface Mount Solar Powered Attic Ventilator, Black
$550.00 Benefits of a Solar Powered Attic Ventilator All Attic Ventilators, Powered or Solar Vent Out the Hot Air Built Up Within the Attic, But a Solar Unit Offers Additional Benefits Not Possible with a Powered Product. Because a Broan Solar PAV Turns On at Dawn, it Goes to Work Immediately, First to Eliminate the Moisture That has Built Up from the Cool Overnight Air, and Second, to Prevent Heat Build ... |
|
|
Broan 353SOBK Gable Mount Solar Powered Attic Ventilator, Black
$596.00 Gable Mount Installations: With a gable mount installation, the ventilator is installed in the side or gable of the attic. Because the gable may not face the sun, the product utilizes the same remote panel as found in the remote roof mounts. The panel is installed on the roof where it captures the sunÕs energy and powers the fan via a 15Õ wire. As with the remote mount fan, the homeowner can add... |
|
|
Grape Solar 5000-Watt Direct Mount Racking System (Asphalt Shingle)
$3,293.80 The 5000-Watt Direct Mount Racking System (Asphalt shingle) is ideal for installation on Asphalt shingle sloped roofs. This low profile racking system is built from aluminum and stainless steel for years of all-weather service. The finished array stands just high enough above the roof to allow air flow below the panels. The included hardware allows for easy installation on asphalt shingle roofs.... |
|
|
Grape Solar 5000-Watt Additional Tilt Racking System (Asphalt Shingle)
$4,081.65 The 5000-Watt Direct Mount Racking System (Asphalt shingle) is ideal for installation on Asphalt shingle sloped roofs. This low profile racking system is built from aluminum and stainless steel for years of all-weather service. The finished array stands just high enough above the roof to allow air flow below the panels. The included hardware allows for easy installation on asphalt shingle roofs.... |
|
|
Grape Solar 6500-Watt Additional Tilt Racking System (Asphalt Shingle)
$5,311.00 The 6,500-Watt Direct Mount Racking System (Asphalt Shingle) is ideal for installation on sloped roofs. This low profile racking system is built from aluminum and stainless steel for years of all-weather service. The finished array stands just high enough above the roof to allow air flow below the panels. The included hardware allows for easy installation on asphalt shingle roofs.... |
