How to Replace Damaged Roof Shingles

Gunjan thakurJanuary 8, 2024

Are you facing leaky roof issues in your house? Do your roofs get damaged due to powerful winds, heavy rainfalls, storms and intense heat? The reason can be very, which causes roof shingles to curl, loose and fall off.

Due to this headache, you might be looking for roof replacement solutions that give your home new aesthetics and prove to be long lasting. All those solutions you will find out in this article.

Modern roof shingles can be toxic during installation, so ensure that whenever you notice a damaged roof, replace it quickly, before it gets leaky and damages the ceiling, paints, and other parts of the house.  So, let’s get started on how to replace damaged roof shingles on time.

How to Identify Damaged Roof Shingles?

There are various signs that indicate that roofs are now reaching their end of life, and replacing them quickly. Some prominents signs are:

Missing Shingles:

Keep an eye out for conspicuous gaps – if your roof is playing hide and seek with shingles, it’s a sign they might need replacing.

Blistered and Blistered Shingles: If your shingles are raised areas on the surface that make them feel like bubble wrap, then they are probably blistered. This might be as a result of moisture that has been trapped there hence calling for quick response to the matter.

Curled and Cupped Shingles: Shingles with a case of the curls or cups aren’t having a fashion moment. Instead, they’re telling you it’s time to intervene; they may not be effectively protecting your roof anymore.

Cracking Shingles: Cracks are unwelcome guests on your roof. Check for fractures in your shingles, as they can compromise the integrity of your roof’s defense against the elements.

Flaking Shingles: If your shingles resemble a croissant with layers peeling off, it’s not a bakery mishap but a sign of shingle deterioration. Address it before your roof’s protective layers crumble away.

Other signs that can be a cause of damaged shingles such as moss on shingles, lichen and blue-green algae.

When to Replace a Damaged Roof Shingles?

There’s no specific time to replace roof shingles. However, when you notice that your roof is 20 to 30 years old and damaged due to curled or cupped shingles or other reasons, you need to replace it quickly.

As it can damage other parts of your house, which demands costly repairs. So, show some seriousness with your roofs without hanging it any longer.

Tools and Materials Needed for Shingle Replacement

Here are some tools and materials that needed at the time of your roof shingles replacement:

• Tin Snips
• Utility Knife
• Roofing Nailer
• Pry Bar
• Ladders
• Circular Saw
• Tape Measure
• Tarps
• Hammer Tacker
• Shovel
• Sealant
• Hammer

How to Replace Damaged Roof Shingles?

Before replacing or fixing a damaged roof shingles you need to remove it with proper safety precautions. It will become easier for roofers to fix a new shingle in that place. Here’s how you can replace roof shingles.

Step 1 – Remove Damaged Shingles

Start by removing the first row of nails by moving the pry bar under the shingles immediately. After that, free it from the sealer, you’ll see a first row of nails under it.
Now place a pry bar beneath the broken shingle and lift it. When the nail rises about an inch, withdraw the bar, press down on the shingle, and take out the nail. Do this again with the other nails. Push the pry bar under the next shingle over from the damaged one and take out the nails in the second row just as before. Pull off all of them first before you pull out that damaged shingle.

Step 2 – Prepare Roofs for New Shingles

After carefully removing the damaged shingle, inspect the roof underlayment. Ensure that, area is free from any debris, dust, moss, and other unclean things. After roof inspection, trim the new shingle and match it with the size of the shingle you just removed. Keep tape measure with yourself, while trimming shingles.

Step 3 – Install a New Roof

Now place the new shingles in that area you just cleaned. If the shingles are covered with any strip, remove it first and then place it. After that, push them to secure it. Usually, three per shingles have pre-cut holes for nails, follow their directions carefully.

Step 4 – Secure Other Loosing Shingles

If you;re fixing that one problematic shingle, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on other roof shingles too, to overcome any issue in future. If you see any curled, or mossy roofs, you should remove and place a new one. Most of the roofs get damaged when it starts leaking due to damaged roofs, so you should avoid such issues and sort them on time.

Step 5 – Fixing Any Cracked or Split Shingle Instead of Replacing

If you inspect shingles on your roofs that are cracked or split, then there’s no need to replace it completely. Just fix only that part, nail it properly to avoid water penetration. To ensure proper adhesion, apply a roofing sealant under the edges of the shingles.

Tips on Preventative Measures for Roof Shingle Damage

• Schedule regular maintenance to catch potential hazards early.
• Keep the trees in check, trim overhanging branches of it, to avoid damage during storms.
• Clean the gutter to ensure proper drainage in order to prevent water damage.
• Fix any loose shingle issues to prevent further damage.
• Clear all debris such as leaves, twigs and more to prevent moisture that builds up.
• Safely remove excess snow and ice to prevent undue stress on your roof.

Conclusion

Replacing a damaging roof shingles only requires a proper inspection and quick action. A minor delay can cause serious damages to your roof and house itself. Make sure you have proper precautionary gears in check, if not then call a professional roofer such as DKG Roofers, as they are available for roof repair and replacement and other services relevant to roofs. Get instant roof replacement from a professional roofing company.