After every couple of years, your roof shingles will have done their run, and a repair will be on the offing. That’s when you’d expect to spend quite a fortune because roof repair is not cheap. However, there are ways you can extend your roof’s life and save money.

You’ll realize that you repaired your roof fewer times than your neighbor or before you learned how to extend your roof’s life. Here, you’ll learn how to extend your roof’s life and save money. We care about not only your roof’s well-being but also your financial well-being.

Step-By-Step Guide to Repair Roof Shingles – DIY Fix

Roof shingles give your home an aesthetic appearance. They are placed on top of one another in an overlapping pattern. They come in different textures and colors so that you can choose the most suitable ones for your home. To repair your roof shingles, you need some tools and supplies as follows.

Tools

  • Hammer
  • Ladder
  • Hook blade
  • Flat ply bar

Materials

  • New roof shingles
  • Roof sealant
  • Leather gloves
  • Shingle nails

Here are the steps to Repairing Your Roof Shingles

We will discuss all the steps to repairing your roof shingles step by step to help you fix them by yourself.

Step 1: Inspect the Damage

The first thing to do is look at the damaged area to see the damage. It will help you determine whether you need to replace the whole shingle, several shingles, or an entire roof section. You’ll then know how many replacement shingles you’ll need to order.

You can climb to the roof to assess the damage and spot the damage from the top. You can also use a pair of binoculars to spot the damage. Causes of the damage could be high winds knocking your shingles off or tree branches and debris falling on the roof. The damage would lead to a roof leakage or shingles hanging off the roof or curled back.

Step 2: Get the Replacement Shingles

Once you have figured out that there’s no other way around it but to replace the shingles, you can get the replacement ones. However, before ordering new replacement shingles, check if any were left after the last reroofing project. Your basement, garage, or other storage areas are some places where you can likely find the remaining pieces.

However, if you find none, or they are damaged or insufficient for the project, it would be best to make an order. In an era of home delivery, you can have the correct replacement shingles in size, shape, and color delivered to your doorstep. A lot of home improvement stores support online orders and home delivery.

Step 3: Break and Remove the Damaged Shingle

Now that you have the replacement shingles, you must grab your ladder and arm yourself with a ply bar. Once you are on the roof, loosen the old and damaged shingles by tapping them from underneath using a pry bar.

After loosening every shingle, carefully remove all the nails holding each, using the same pry bar. It would be best if you were cautious to prevent damage on shingles that are not damaged. If you damage a shingle, you must replace it too.

Step 4: Install the New Shingle/Shingles

After removing the old shingles, drop them to the ground as long as you are sure no one will be hurt. If it’s not safe, set them aside. To install the new one, slide it into the open space left by the old shingle. Grab your hammer and bang nails into the shingles to secure them.

Shingles should be layered over each other in a sloppy manner. This is done to prevent leaks. The nails of every shingle should be covered by the next shingle on top of it, and the top shingle should not have any nails on its bottom edge.

Step 5: Check the Other Shingles

Heavy storms or wind wear out your shingles and even loosen them with time. There is also the case of removing a nail unintentionally while removing the damaged shingles, and the shingles have to be held to place.

It’s important to ensure all the shingles around the repair zone and those affected by harsh weather are nailed down and secured. Nailing the shingles prevents leaks and also saves you from making a trip to the roof way sooner.

Step 6: Appy Roof Sealant

A sealant will help prevent leakages. Roof sealant is quite affordable, going for less than $20 at your nearest improvement store. Lay the sealant along the base of your new shingle and press it onto the shingle to seal.

It’s vital to apply the roof sealant to all areas where you replaced the shingles and where else you felt the shingles were loose. The sealant will also ensure the next wind storm will not tear off your roof like a page from a book.

Signs Your Roof Shingles Need Repair

Roof shingles should last around 20 years, but it depends on maintenance. The lifespan might reduce due to weather-related challenges. There are signs to look for to determine if your roof shingles need repair. We are about to wrap them up.

  1. The Shingles are Cracked, Curled, or Absent

When your shingles are cracked, curled up, or absent, they have likely served their time, and you need to replace all or most of them.

     2. Water Leaks

Water leaking into your ceiling is a red flag that your roof could have a hole that needs to be repaired. If ignored, these water holes can lead to the roof and home structure rot, and mold will grow. You should act ASAP if you notice a water leak.

     3. Granules in the Gutters

Shingles shed granules towards the end of their lifespan. They roll downhill into the gutters. The granules are coarse and black-like. When you see them, start planning for a roof replacement.

     4. Sagging Roof

If you notice your roof sagging, that’s one of the signs your roof needs replacement. That’s a sign that moisture is trapped in the roof and can lead to rotting. This requires care soon to prevent the worst, like water or structural damage, from happening.

     5. Animals in Your Attic

If mice and squirrels invade your attic, you must start worrying about your roof. They build their homes inside your attic, with materials inside and outside your home. The animals sneak through holes in the roof, and those holes would facilitate water leaks.

   

 6. Seeing Outside Light Coming Through the Roof

If you are in the attic and see streams of light coming, those are openings that can turn catastrophic. Water can enter your attic through the same openings. If you discover such holes, replace the shingles.

Steps To Take Before Repairing Your Roof Shingles

Before you start repairing your roof and replacing your shingles, there are steps you need to take for preparation. Here we go!

Choose the Right Contractor

One of the biggest mistakes some homeowners make is hiring the wrong contractor with no track record. Their skills and experience will come in handy when repairing your roof. Find a professional contractor who communicates well, is licensed and insured, and has good reviews around your state.

Buy the Right Quality Materials

Before starting the project, you need the right materials of the same quality. They should serve your needs and give your home the anesthetics it needs. Poor-quality ones will reduce the lifespan of your roof.

Tools And Materials for Repairing Your Roof Shingles

Homeowners who like tackling smaller roofing repairs will still need some essential tools. We will list down all the tools and materials that should be in your starter kit.

  • Fall protection: The roof can be dangerous to work on, and you need to invest in your safety. Get a lightweight harness that will not complicate your movement.
  • Extension ladder: You probably have a step or frame ladder in your home, but you can’t use that to ascend to the roof. The right one would be an extension ladder that you can lean against your house.
  • Hammer or roofing nailer: You’ll only need a hammer if you want to replace a few a hammer. But if you are doing a large-scale repair, use a roofing nailer to drive in the nails.
  • Roofing nails: Always remember to buy nails that are approved for shingles by the state. The nails should go through the roof deck.
  • Pry bar: A pry bar can be a time saver. It might be heavy, but it’s more suitable to have than having to come down the ladder to get a shingle remover.
  • Work gloves: You will work with heavy and sharp tools with sharp edges. You’ll need work gloves to save you from blisters.
  • Sealant: Sealant is applied around areas where water can penetrate the roof. It can be around the shingles or chimneys and roof vents.
  • You’ll also need tarps, chalk line, toe boards, toolbelt, tin snips, tape measure, and spare shingles.

How To Repair Damaged or Missing Roof Shingles?

The simplest way to repair damaged or missing roof shingles is by replacing them. The damaged ones are removed, and new ones are placed. However, the newer ones will be more noticeable than the older ones that faded with time.

A damaged roof can lead to problems like mold growth, water leaks, and a damaged attic. Sometimes the damage can go unnoticed. You should therefore make it a habit to inspect your roof often. If you notice a minor issue, climb to the roof and fix it.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your Roof Shingles

Preventive maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your roof shingles. Here are some preventive maintenance tips you need.

  • Trim your trees: Hire a company that deals with trimming or cutting trees to prevent extended branches from rubbing against your roof and leaving debris like twigs and leaves.
  • Avoid walking on your roof: Don’t climb and walk on it even when you want to examine your roof. Avoid it at all costs. Use a ladder instead if you’re going to clean your gutters and eaves.
  • Inspect the shingles: Always inspect the roof, especially after every harsh weather. Hot and humid weather may damage the roof. So are cold wintery weather and hurricanes. Inspect your roof all seasons.
  • Clean and maintain the gutters: Gutters that are in the best condition protect your roof from damage by directing water and debris from your roof. To ensure they do their job, clean and maintain your gutters by removing leaves and twigs.
  • Treat algae, moss, and lichen: Moss, algae, and lichen will grow on your roof, especially in warmer months. You can have them removed by professionals.
  • Find a solution for sun exposure: A hot sun may make it hard for algae, moss, and lichen to grow on your roof, but the UV rays relentlessly fall on your roof.
  • Invest in good insulation: Without proper insulation, snow and ice will damage your roof by refreezing water around your shingles. Insulation will help keep your home and your roof warm.
  • Work with professional roof repairers: Once you have your roof repaired, the service quality will determine how soon the next repair will be done. A trusted expert will also leave you satisfied and with peace of mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper maintenance and timely repair of your roof shingles are crucial for preserving the integrity of your home and avoiding costly replacements. By following a step-by-step guide to DIY roof shingle repair, you not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also save a significant amount of money that might otherwise be spent on professional services.

Regular inspection is crucial in identifying issues early on, and addressing them promptly can prevent further damage. Signs such as cracked, curled, or absent shingles, water leaks, granules in the gutters, a sagging roof, animals in the attic, or light coming through the roof should alert you to the need for repairs.

FAQs – Roof Shingles Repair

Can you replace just a few shingles?

Yes, you can, but you’ll likely cover the costs yourself because the cost will be less than the insurance deductible.

Will the roof leak with one shingle missing?

Definitely! If you don’t replace it, your roof will leak.

Does insurance have to match shingles?

No. Even if the shingles don’t match up with the older ones on your roof, your insurance company will still foot the bill.

Is it worth patching a roof?

Patching does work, but it’s a shortcut to replacing a few shingles, which doesn’t provide a lasting solution. It’s better to replace the shingles instead.

Can you fix a roof without replacing it?

Yes, you can repair the roof by replacing a few shingles instead of the whole roof.

Contact Us for Professional Roof Repair Or Replacement

When it comes to replacing a few shingles, it’s something you can do, but if you don’t have time and need a roof inspection to be done also, you can contact Eagle Watch Roofing. We are experts in everything roofing, including roof repairs and replacement. We also have the best rates in Georgia, and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Contact us for more information.

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