After any storm, homeowners must quickly inspect the roof to ensure the shingles are intact and safe from damage. You need to know how to repair shingles in case of any damage. It is a relatively simple process.
If You Notice Your Shingles Are Gone After A Storm, Don’t Wait!
To prevent water damage to the roof support structure and internal leaks, replace the shingle or cover the roof surface. Blown-off or damaged roof shingles may not seem like a big deal at first, but if you don’t put repairs on top of your to-do list, the rest of your roof and home will suffer. Even internal damage can occur.
We always recommend hiring qualified roofing companies in Pasadena, but identifying and replacing blown-off or missing shingles is somewhat do-it-yourself. In addition to learning how to replace missing shingles, also take a look at the following:
- Reasons for Blown-off Shingles
- How to Find Missing Shingles
- Tools Needed to Fix Them
5 Reasons For Blown Off Shingles
Incorrect Installation
If you place the nail too high on the shingles instead of through the nail bar, it can cause the shingles to crack under adverse conditions.
Roof Damage
Suppose the underlying roof structure is damaged or rotted. In that case, shingles may not adhere well, and moisture and wind may pool underneath. If rotten, the shingles nail can pop out and loosen the shingles.
Insufficient Cure Time
When using adhesive sealant, it needs time to cure for maximum effectiveness. Newly placed shingles may need more time to harden or set well.
Age of Roof
A typical roof usually has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The materials and seals weaken as the shingles age and are exposed to the elements for years.
Wind Or Storm
High winds can weaken nails and cause the shingles to peel off and fly off the roof. The apparent reason is that high winds and weather conditions tear the shingles from the top.
How To Notice A Blown Off Or Missing Shingle?
That’s The Easy Part:
Go on the lawn and take a good look at the roof. Missing or broken shingles are easy to spot and stick out like a thumb. If the shingles are gone, you will notice dark spots on the roof where the shingles used to be.
Damaged Shingles Are Usually:
- Discolored
- Ridged
- Curled
- Hanging from corners
You may notice that the missing shingles are scattered around the garden.
Occasionally, you may notice leaks and drafts in your home because your shingles are gone. In this case, you should contact your roofer immediately to prevent further damage to your roof.
However, you may need a special tool kit to replace the shingles.
Tool Kit
The tools you may need to collect before replacing the roof shingles which have blown off include:
- Pry bar or nail puller, hammer, knife
- Galvanized roofing nails
- Ladder
- Roofing Hammer
- Matching shingles
- Safety harness
If you want to spend money shopping for only a few essential tools, you may rent a maximum number of devices from hardware stores. And if you have a hassle justifying the rate for replacing the roof shingles yourself, name a dependable roof contractor in Long Beach to get the work done in a snap.
How To Replace Blown-Off Roof Shingle In 3 Easy Steps?
If you’re a homeowner, you can replace a blown-off roof shingle unless the damage is extreme. You can fix it yourself if you’re missing one or two shingles. But if large areas need repair, you need to hire professionals.
Replacing a missing shingle requires three main steps:
- Setting up your ladder safely
- Removing the nails or cleaning any debris
- Sliding the new shingle in place and nailing it down
Step 1: Secure The Ladder To The Roof Safely
It is a crucial step to avoid any damage to yourself. Slips and falls happen constantly, so don’t take the risk if you fear heights or are not used to climbing ladders. Call an expert to help you.
Assuming you are familiar with ladders, place the legs of the ladder on a horizontal surface and ensure the top of the ladder is higher than the edge of the roof. Once the ladder is secured, take your tools and head to the ceiling.
Other roof safety tips to follow:
- Use a harness
- Install a ladder that extends 3 feet over the edge of the roof
- Wear rubber shoes with thick soles
- Always work together with another person
- Do not work in the rain or extreme temperatures
Step 2: Remove Nails and Debris
Now that you’re on the top of the roof, you can go where the shingles are damaged or missing. Start by lifting the row of shingles over the blown-off shingles to expose all the nails holding the old roof shingles in place. Remove the old roofing nails by carefully using the pry bar. The new shingles can get damaged if the old pins are left unattended.
Set the old shingles and nails aside and place them outside the damaged area of the roof.
Step 3: Slide The New Shingles Into Place
Once all the damaged shingles and roofing nails have been disposed of, slide the new shingle strips under the existing shingles.
The final step is to use a galvanized roofing nail and a hammer to nail the shingles along the nail bar. To secure your roof, you should use four roofing nails along the length of the shingle.
The Bottom Line
There’s no shame in calling a professional when you have a problem with your roof. Improper DIY repairs can void your warranty, so get the help of a professional for roof repair in Downey unless you get a brand-new roof. No one can control the weather, but with support.
