Asphalt shingles are the most common material used to cover and protect homes. However, they are not foolproof against the wavering elements thrown at your house.
If you spot damaged asphalt shingles, that does not always signal you need an entirely new asphalt shingle roof.
Can Shingles Be Repaired?
Yes, repairing asphalt roof shingles is possible and does not have to be expensive. It’s not a complicated process. However, conducting repairs requires a level of handiness and safety.
Can Anyone Complete Asphalt Shingle Repair?
You do not need a roofing contractor to replace shingles. If you have the materials, replacing roof shingles is a cost-effective way to fix and care for your roof.
Just make sure to follow all safety guidelines. Call a contractor if you do not feel secure in the replacement process.
How Do You Repair Damaged Asphalt Shingles?
Homeowners can install new shingles themselves by following these steps:
Inspect the Roof Area
Take a look at the damaged area of the roof and the surrounding shingles. Here, you can identify what caused the damage and which materials would be necessary for the replacement.
You should replace any damaged shingle that looks cracked, worn, or flipped. Even if they are not directly damaged, new roof shingles can protect your home by preventing or delaying any major roof repair.
Obtain Your Materials
After inspecting the damaged roof shingles, you can determine which materials you need for your project.
Here are some of the common tools for replacement:
Flat Pry Bar, Hammer, and Utility Knife
These tools help to remove shingles and nails. A utility knife is not necessary but can make your overall job easier.
Don’t let minor roof damage spiral out of control. Learn how to fix it yourself with our step-by-step guide on asphalt shingle roof repair. #HomeMaintenance #RoofRepair
Read the full blog here:https://t.co/Es5fA7HcJU pic.twitter.com/KepNGjBEuX— Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR (@WDRofAustin) July 28, 2023
Ladder
Use a secure ladder to access the damage. Always ensure the ladder is stable before climbing.
Roofing Nails
These are what fasten shingles to the surface. Even if you use sealant or adhesive strips to cement your shingles, you should use roofing nails to keep them in place.
These nails usually cost about $20, depending on how many you need.
Replacement Shingles
If you are not doing a total replacement, you should find shingles identical to the ones you already have.
There are different kinds of shingles. Three-tab shingles are the most commonly used, but you can also find dimensional or laminated ones.
Roof Sealant and Adhesive Strips
This is the adhesive that secures the shingle to the roof. It keeps it in place even with the nail and protects it from weather damage.
Adhesive strips are another way to attach shingles to the surface.
Replace the Broken Shingle
Secure your ladder safely before climbing to the roof. Once you reach the damaged area, use the pry bar to undo the sealant connecting the old shingle tile to the roof.
Then, still using the pry bar, break off the nail that holds the roof shingle directly in place.
Be careful when you tear away the old shingle tiles. If you accidentally tear away any other shingles in the same row, you must replace them with a new shingle.
Nail the Replacement Shingles and Reseal
After you remove the old shingle, install the new shingle in the same spot. A replacement asphalt shingle requires four nails.
The neighboring shingles should cover the roof shingles to prevent leaks. If you have multiple shingles that need to be replaced, you should work your way from bottom to top. That way, the nails on the top of the shingle are covered and can prevent water damage to your roof. There should not be a nail on the bottom-most shingle.
After installing the nails, you can complete the repair by resealing the shingles. Place just a tiny drop on the glue strip of the new asphalt shingle. You can also put a little sealant on any exposed nails you could not cover with another shingle.
Can You Replace Just a Few Shingles?
You can repair as few as a single shingle or as many as a whole roof of asphalt tiles (though we recommend seeking professional help).
Even if you have a minor shingle repair project, keeping the leftover shingles in case of emergency repairs is always helpful. You can never predict the forcefulness of the wind or a storm that could slide a shingle out of place.
Can You Renail Shingles?
Yes, you can replace the roofing nails on your shingle roof. Just be sure to use the sealant to keep the new shingle in place for longer.
How Do Asphalt Shingle Roofs Become Damaged?
Here are some of the reasons why these roofs may need repair:
Natural Wear and Tear
Asphalt shingle roofs naturally last between 10 and 15 years. Between this time frame, you can expect signs for shingle replacement.
Additionally, weather events like high winds and storms can be a cause for repairs. Be on the lookout for things like wind or hail damage that can directly be a source of shingle damage.
Improper Installation
Damaged shingles can be caused by improper installation. Several factors could play into this, like not allowing the seal to set. As a result, the wind can slide and pull the shingles out of place.
Roof Damage
The purpose of shingles is to help protect roofs from damage. However, immediate problems with your roof can damage your shingles. Problems with gutters, roof leaks, and even damage around the chimney can all lead to a necessary roof repair.
When there is damage like this, you may need to seek out a new roof, as these issues can cause more trouble over time.
Don’t Delay in Taking Care of Your Shingle Roof!
If you notice damage to your roof’s shingles, you should address the problem immediately. A delay in fixing your shingles could lead to a roof leak and potentially require a total roof repair, ultimately costing more.