We ask a lot from our roofs — expecting them to stand tall against everything that mother Earth throws at it. Unsurprisingly, over time, the roof shingles will suffer from wear and tear. When this happens, the shingles may become damaged, which can increase the risk of leaks.
If you notice any damaged shingles on your roof, then they should be repaired or replaced immediately. In cases of minor damage, it is possible to carry out the repairs by yourself. These tips to repair damaged shingles will give you a helping hand.
Reasons Shingles Get Damaged
Roof shingles are designed to withstand the elements and come with long-term guarantees. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and if you live in areas that experience extreme changes in weather conditions, then you should keep a close eye on your roof.
The main reasons that shingles can lose their structural integrity include:
- Moisture – rain, snow, and ice
- UV rays
- High winds
- Hail
- Moss and algae
- Falling limbs from trees
Regular Checks
Make regular visual checks of your roof for signs of damage or missing shingles. Also, check to see if there are any sand-like granules in guttering, as this will indicate significant wear to some shingles.
When you notice any damaged shingles, you will need to carry out an inspection – both inside and outside the house – to see if any moisture has gotten into the house. Test the shingles around the damaged ones to see if they are still in good condition.
Preparation
It makes sense to do the work on a warm day and make sure that you have all the tools for the job. These will include:
- Hammer
- Roofing nails
- Crowbar or fulcrum
- Replacement shingles
- Caulking gun
Removal
To get to the nails of the damaged shingles, you will need to loosen the adhesive under the tabs of the shingles two rows above. Gently use a crowbar to do this, and pull them up enough to reveal the nails attached to the damaged shingles.
After that, you need to remove the nails from the damaged shingles. Be careful not to apply too much force as this might damage other shingles. You can usually lift the surrounding tabs by about 45 to 60 degrees to help with the removal.
Review the damage and remove the damaged part of the entire shingle as required. Remove all the damaged parts before lining up the replacement shingles.
After the damaged shingles have been removed, you can install the new shingles. Line them up and nail into place. Then secure the loose tabs, and you should be good to go!
Consider Hiring A Roofing Contractor
As with all areas of home improvement, if you do not have the experience, time, or the tools for the job, then consider calling in the experts. An experienced roofing contractor will be able to quickly assess the extent of the damage and carry out a thorough repair job.
Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also save you time so you can focus on other tasks.
