How to fix damaged roof shingles?
When it comes to your property, your roof is one of the most important aspects in providing protection against the elements, offering structural integrity to the property and insulating warmth throughout the home.
Therefore, if your roof is damaged in any sort of capacity, no matter if you have a pitched or flat roof, there are always going to be issues that arise if you do not resolve these problems with your roof quickly. No more so if your roof currently has old or damaged shingles.
Roofing shingles are common roofing materials that are used to cover and protect the top surface of your property. They are individual, overlapping elements that are made from materials such as asphalt, wood, metal, slate or composite material. Roof shingles are important in order to provide a durable and weather-resistant covering for your roof helping to insulate your home and maintain structural support.
Although roof shingles are known to be long-lasting and durable, with a lifespan of around 15 – 25 years, sometimes if you own an older property or have had shingles that have been installed improperly, you may find that your shingles are becoming damaged due to old age from battling against tough weather conditions.
Any damage you notice to your roofing shingles requires an immediate response in order to stop water from seeping into your property and causing more problems including damage to the structure of your building and damage to your belongings. In order to not only reduce damage but to reduce the cost of your roofing repairs, there are a few actions you can take to help decrease the impact of these damaged shingles on your home.
It is important to remember that if your roof is more than 20 years old, most of the shingles will be worn out and need replacing however if your roof is fairly new and it is only one or two shingles damaged, you can look to handle some repairs.
By all means, if you are inexperienced in roofing repairs and are not a qualified roofer, it is highly advisable that you get in contact with a professional, local roofing company who will be able to help advise you on the next best steps to proceed with.
Throughout this article, we will explore ways you can repair broken shingles on your roof and some helpful roof repair tips and tricks.
1. Replacing Damaged Shingles
In order to repair a damaged shingle you first need to remove it. If a part of a shingle is damaged, cracked or a part is missing, you will need to replace the entire element. First, you will need to find some shingles to replace the damaged ones, you can find these online or by visiting a local roofing merchant.
Once you have identified the new type of shingle you want to use on your roof, you will need to first remove the damaged shingles on the roof and then attempt to secure the new shingle on the roof. As each shingle is secured with nails, it is also passed through the top edge of the shingles below it too. This means you will need to begin by removing the first row of nails by sliding the pry bar under the shingle above the damaged one setting it free from the sealer strip. This will reveal the row of nails beneath it.
Next, you want to slip the pry bar under the damaged shingle and pull it upwards, dislodging it. Once the nail pops up about a quarter of the way you want to remove the pry bar and press the shingle down. This will allow you to pull out all four nails. You then want to push the pry bar down under the shingle directly above the damaged one and remove the second row of nails the same way. Once those four nails are removed you will be able to replace the damaged shingle with the new shingle you bought.
2. Fix Curled Roof Shingle Corners
If you notice that your shingles are beginning to curl in the corners, you will need to attempt to fix them otherwise you will need to replace the curled shingle altogether in the future. You can attempt to stop the curling by glueing down the curled section if you notice it early enough. By using a caulking gun you can dab a bit of glue onto the corner of the curled shingle and apply pressure. Wait 24 hours and the sealant will be dried and the roof shingle will look as good as new.
3. Cracked Roof Shingles Repair
If your shingle is cracked or torn you can look to repair it rather than replacing it. You can apply a thick bead of sealant under the cracked shingle and then apply a second bead on the top of the crack. Once you have applied the roofing sealant, simply spread the glue across the damaged shingle. You can then wait for it to dry and the shingle will look like it is brand new.
Do’s & Don’ts of Roofing Repair
Not only have we provided you with some simple ways that you can repair your damaged shingles if you are a qualified roofer but we also have some useful tips and tricks which we have learnt from our 40 years of experience within the roofing industry.
Below you will find 2 do’s and 2 don’ts that you should follow when it comes to repairing broken shingles on your roof.
DO use matching shingles
When you’re fixing broken shingles on your roof, make sure to use shingles that match the ones you already have up there. This keeps your roof looking consistent and attractive, as the repair won’t stand out. It also ensures that the fixed area is just as strong and durable as the rest of your roof, protecting your home from the elements. Plus, it helps you stick to any warranty rules set by the shingle manufacturer, so you won’t risk losing warranty coverage.
DO regularly maintain your roof
Regularly maintaining your roof is essential to catch problems early, ensuring your roof lasts longer and saving you from expensive repairs. Periodic inspections, debris removal, and keeping your gutters clean help prevent water damage and maintain the structural integrity of your home. Don’t forget to schedule professional inspections from a roofing contractor for a thorough check-up and added peace of mind.
DON’T leave exposed roofing nails
Leaving exposed roofing nails is a big “don’t” when it comes to roofing. Exposed nails can lead to leaks and, over time, they may corrode and weaken, compromising your roof’s integrity. Always make sure that roofing nails are properly sealed or covered to maintain the weatherproofing of your roof and avoid potential damage.
DON’T hesitate to speak to a professional roof shingles repair contractor
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional roof shingles repair contractor when you’re dealing with roofing issues. They have the expertise to assess and address problems correctly, ensuring your roof remains in good condition and avoiding costly mistakes. Timely consultation with a professional can save you money and protect your home from further damage.
If you are in search of an affordable and efficient roofing company in the Melksham and surrounding areas, choose A L King Roofing. We provide extensive roof repairs and roof installations for all types of roofs across Wiltshire. We even stock a huge selection of roofing products and replacement shingles in our roofing merchants centre in Melksham too. Speak to a member of the team on 01225 705 918 and discuss all your roofing requirements today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, repairing broken shingles on your roof involves several key steps. Firstly, replace damaged shingles promptly to maintain the roof’s weather resistance. For curled shingle corners, use roofing caulk to secure them back in place. When dealing with cracked shingles, applying roofing cement can seal the cracks effectively.
If you’re unsure about the extent of damage or the repair process, don’t hesitate to consult a professional roofing company. Their expertise can ensure that the repair is done correctly, protecting your home and saving you from potentially costly mistakes.
If you live in the Melksham, Bath or Bristol area, here at A L King Roofing, we provide a reliable, affordable and high-quality roof repair service. Originally starting out in 1979, A L King Roofing has over 40 years of experience in the roofing industry from repairs and new roof installations.
Furthermore, we even provide a selection of high-quality roofing materials such as different roofing shingles and replacement shingles which you can find in our roofing merchants centre in Melksham. Speak to a member of the team on 01225 705 918 and discuss all your roofing requirements.
Frequently Asked Roof Shingle Repair Questions
What to do if a few shingles blew off roof?
If you notice a few shingles blow off your roof during extreme weather or an intense storm, the missing shingles need to be replaced immediately. Please get in touch with a professional roofer in your local area and get your roof repaired to avoid any additional costly damages to your property.
What causes roof shingles to break?
The main reasons a roof shingle tends to break is due to weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain and hailstorms. Furthermore, shingles can tend to deteriorate over time and with a lifespan of 15 – 25 years, they can slowly start to degrade due to old age as well.
Can you repair just a few shingles?
It is recommended that if you are not a qualified roofer you should not partake in any roofing repair tasks. This is due to the fact that you may cause injury to yourself, other people or cause even more damage to your property forcing you to spend more money on professional roofing repairs.