What To Do When You Have Broken or Shabby Shingles

One of the most crucial parts of maintaining your home is making sure your roof is intact. A roof protects you and your home from debris, sun damage, and water that can cause extensive structural damage. One sign that your roof may be in need of repair is broken or cracked shingles.

Shingle damage often occurs when your roof has reached the end of its lifespan (typically around 20 years). However, premature shingle issues can also arise throughout the seasons due to inclement weather, excessive sunlight, surrounding trees or shrubbery, or a wide range of other factors.

Damaged shingles can cause critical problems to the life of your roof. To ensure your home stays protected from the elements, it is vital to inspect and remove damaged shingles from your roof system as soon as possible. Here’s where you should start:

**Keep in mind that roofing can be a dangerous job. We recommend consulting with professionals before starting a major project like installing new shingles.

Estimate the Extent of the Deterioration

Before making any repairs, you’ll want to determine how many shingles need replacing by looking for visible signs of damage. Check for curled corners, as this could indicate moisture intrusion into the barrier coatings below.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may want to remove all of your old shingles and replace them with new ones, so that the entire roof lasts longer. This is a larger job that often requires the help of a professional.

Purchase the Necessary Replacement Materials

If you do decide to tackle the project on your own, you’ll need to purchase replacement shingles. Be sure to match new shingles to your existing roof material and to buy more shingles than you need, just in case you find more issues along the way!  If you are replacing all of your shingles, you may want to consider buying a new material, depending on the weather conditions where you live.

Most shingle replacements also require an adhesive or cement that can hold shingles together and prevent water from seeping through. You’ll also want roofing nails, heavy-duty nails that are usually around 2-3 inches long.

Remove and Replace the Damaged Shingles

First, you’ll want to begin this process in cool weather, as the asphalt sealant will heat up in hot temperatures and become more difficult to remove. Use a flat pry bar to lift the shingle directly above the damaged one, which will expose a row of nails under the sealer strip. Remove the first two nails, then pull upwards gently until all four appear disengaged.

Once you have removed a shingle, place a new one in the same position and reseal under the edges with adhesive. Repeat this process for all damaged shingles.

Safety First!

As you work on your roof, be sure to follow these safety guidelines to protect yourself and avoid injuries:

1. Always use a harness and tie off when working on a roof. This will help to keep you safe in case of a fall.
2. Make sure that the surface you are working on is stable and secure before beginning your project. An unsafe surface can lead to a dangerous fall.
3. Use caution when walking on a roof. Take your time and watch where you are stepping so that you don’t lose your balance or slip. The key here: be patient!
4. When carrying tools or materials, always use caution and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you have a safe place to set them down before starting.

Be sure to prepare for the job ahead by familiarizing yourself with all aspects of shingle installation. Getting the proper tools, attire and safety gear will help ensure efficiency while working on your roof. Above all, having regular maintenance, at least every six months, will help prolong the life of your roof.

Call a Professional

If at any point of the replacement process, you are unsure of where to start, you might want to call a roofing professional who can help you get the job done. Our team of experienced professionals at Roof Evolution are happy to assist you! Schedule a free inspection today.