Loose Or Lifting Shingles
When you look at your roof, all the shingles should be smooth and flat in order to keep moisture out of your home. One surefire sign that your roof has some damage is loose or lifting shingles.
But how do you know if your shingles are loose or lifting? You might be able to see if from ground level if the shingles look like theyre hanging from a thread. Unfortunately, its not always that simple.
If youre comfortable climbing a ladder, you can routinely use it to get a better view of your roof. Check to make sure that all the shingles are uniform. If you notice that some shingles are starting to lift, then you should call a roofing company to come out and assess the roof.
Even if it is just a couple of lifting or loose shingles, it needs to be addressed immediately. Once a shingle starts to lift, its much easier for water to pool underneath it and cause water damage.
Damaged Plumbing Vent Boots
Plumbing vent boots can be all plastic, plastic and metal, or even two-piece metal units. Check plastic bases for cracks and metal bases for broken seams. Then examine the rubber boot surrounding the pipe. That can be rotted away or torn, allowing water to work its way into the house along the pipe. With any of these problems, you should buy a new vent boot to replace the old one. Replacing the boot will solve the problem and most likely not mean a complete roof replacement. But if the nails at the base are missing or pulled free and the boot is in good shape, replace them with the rubber-washered screws used for metal roofing systems. Learn more about replacing plumbing vent boots here.
The Two Most Common Roof Shingle Wind Damage Repairs
From tree branches to hail, wind can damage your roof in many ways. Heres how to fix two of the most common problems.
Of course, itll never hurt to leave this kind of work to the pros. Call our helpful team of experts and well be happy to take a look and assess what your home needs.
Read Also: Can Shingles Appear Anywhere On The Body
How To Repair A Torn Or Curled Asphalt Shingle
Heres how to repair a torn asphalt shingle:
1Carefully lift the torn piece or damaged corner, and, using a putty knife, carefully spread a layer of asphalt roofing cement under it. Be careful not to smear the cement on exposed portions of roofing.
2Tack down a curled corner with one roofing nail. If your are repairing a tear, tack down the two torn halves with two roofing nails on each side of the tear.
3Carefully apply roofing cement over the crack and on top of the nailheads to seal up any potential leaks. Keep the amount of cement at a minimumthis will be visible on the surface of your roof.
Risks Of Diy Roof Repair
While do-it-yourself roof repair can be a cost-effective option for the mastered DIYer, it is not safe for the average homeowner. Many risks come with DIY roof repair, starting with improper repairs. Without sufficient roof repair knowledge and experience, you may not install the new shingles properly, which can lead to more problems down the road. When roof shingles are not installed properly, you may find that they lift, leak, or even fall off during the next windstorm. This type of mistake can cost you more money in the long run.
There are also certain safety concerns to be aware of when performing DIY roof repairs. You already know that walking on your roof can be a dangerous endeavor. A roof repair can become even more dangerous if you attempt to perform a repair when it is windy, rainy, or when the roof is slick with wet leaves or debris. Hauling heavy shingles and nails up a ladder can also pose a safety hazard. Other safety concerns come from the use of unfamiliar materials or equipment. In addition, any repairs you make yourself will generally not be covered by a warranty.
You May Like: How Long To Recover From Shingles
What Questions Should I Ask My Roofer
To find the best roofing contractor near you, there are a number of questions you should ask. Below are some of the most important ones to address.
-
Are your workers licensed?
-
Can you provide proof of liability and workers comp insurance?
-
What permits are necessary and are these included in the estimate?
-
What is the quality warranty for work done on the roof?
-
What types of damage are not included in that warranty?
-
If the roof requires replacement, does removing the old roof factor into the cost estimate?
-
What will you do with the leftover debris?
-
Do you use ladder stabilizers or standoffs to protect the gutters?
-
How will you protect my landscaping while youre working on the roof?
-
What are the plans to clean up the property after the repairs are complete?
-
What will you do if theres bad weather during my repair project?
-
Is your company doing the project, or will you work with a subcontractor?
If youre hiring someone to repair or replace the roof on your house, you want to ensure they will do exactly what you need at a reasonable cost. On top of that, all costs should factor into your initial estimate with no hidden fees. You should also make sure they will be respectful of your landscaping, gutters, siding, and all other parts of your property.
Curled Or Cupped Shingles
When youre checking out your homes roof, you should look for curled or cupped shingles. Curled and cupped shingles are much more brittle than undamaged shingles, and they are less effective at protecting your roof from rain and wind.
This could simply be an indication that your roof is older and ready to be replaced, but it can also be indicative of more than just roof damage. Curled or cupped shingles are often a sign that your homes attic doesnt have proper venting. In that case, you would need to repair or replace the roof, but you may also have to have your attics ventilation system repaired.
Recommended Reading: When To Get Shingles Vaccine
Shingles Lifting Due To Weather
Strong winds can cause your roof shingles to lift which could result in roof leaks. Even without hailstorms or other harmful weather.
Shingle damage can begin at a wind speed of 50 mph, even if your roof shingles are rated to handle up to 90 mph of wind speed. These winds do not hit the roof evenly and so the corners, edges, and ridgelines are more susceptible.
The suction effect from the high winds coming up over a roof can cause the shingles to lift upward, which will also loosen the nails holding them down. This, too, can also break the sealants in between layers of shingles. Loose nails and broken sealants can be avoided or repaired through proper installation.
The type of shingles you have also affects how they handle the wind. From my experience, one of the most common wind-damaged shingles is the basic 3-tab shingles.
I often see them with less than 3 tabs because they blew off. Architectural shingles do a better job of handling the wind than the 3-tab shingles.
Not all shingles are resilient to changes in temperature and moisture. Shingles are especially affected during the winter season which is why assessments are normally advised to be done during fall.
Similar to lifting, shingles can experience curling in cold temperatures hence the phenomenon winter curling. This phenomenon refers to the front edge of the shingle lifting slightly but goes back to its flat state when the warm weather creeps back in.
Repairing A Roof Shingle
Replacing roof shingles is a process unto itself, and the costs depend on the kind of shingles and the number of shingles required to make the repair. Roofing cement is used to keep shingles in place, and you need the services of a professional roofer with the tools and know-how to remove cemented shingles when a repair is required. If your roof has metal shingles, they are laid tightly with fasteners that need a specific installation. If you dont get it right when making a DIY repair, you have created an opening for water to leak in. It is better to leave it to a roofing contractor who has the experience and is familiar with the installation/repair process to conduct the work.
Recommended Reading: How To Start Laying Shingles
The Roof Repair Process
When replacing damaged asphalt roofing shingles, you can replace an entire strip which typically spans 3-feet by 1-foot. You can also cut the shingle into sections and replace just a single tab. If any part of the damaged shingle remains on the roof, insert a putty knife under it to break the seal. A flat bar can then be used to pry up the damaged shingles and remove any remaining nails holding them in place.
If you are removing just one damaged tab, use a utility knife to cut off the damaged tab. Once the damaged piece is removed, slide the new shingle strip or tab into its proper place. You want to secure the new shingle under the shingle that is above it with roofing nails. With the replacement shingle in place, carefully lift the tab and apply a small dab of roofing cement to help seal the shingle to the roof. Be sure to check the condition of your roof in the days following the roof repair job. If any of the shingles start to lift, apply more tar.
Inspect Your Roof Shingles For Damage
If you have a sturdy ladder and feel comfortable going up onto your roof, then go ahead and inspect the curling or cupping shingles. Look at both sides of the shingles if most of the decorative gravel is worn away and dark patches have appeared, then this is a sign your roof is in need of a replacement. However, if the shingles still have a reasonable coat of granules on them, then fixing them yourself might suffice for now.
Don’t Miss: Is The New Shingles Vaccine A Live Virus
Curling Roof Shingles Repair Process
Carefully lift the curling or cupping shingle and gently sweep away any loose debris using a dry paintbrush. Next, spread a layer of roofing cement over the area below the shingle with a putty knife and then firmly press the shingle flat. If theres any exposed adhesive, scoop up some colorful granules from the gutter and sprinkle them over the excess cement. Place a brick on the shingle to weigh it down while the roofing cement dries, or nail it down by hammering a roofing nail through each corner, and then seal the nail heads with a small dab of roofing cement. Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to dry before removing the weights.
Is It Worth Repairing Asphalt Shingles
In some cases, repairs will only postpone the inevitable. If your roof has any of these signs, youre better off choosing a full roof replacement:
-
Your shingles are all very brittle and break rather than bending
-
You have extensive roof damage that is beyond a simple patch-and-repair process
-
Your asphalt shingles are more than 20 years old
-
You have wet insulation under your roof which you cannot replace without removing and replacing the existing roof
-
There are multiple leaks across the surface of the roof
To determine the best solution, check for signs of wear across the roof. If youre noticing collections of mineral granules in common drainage areas, this is a sign that the protective coating of the roof has worn away. If this is the case, then repairing roof shingles individually probably wont equate to a long-term solution.
Read Also: What To Take For Shingles Headache
How To Repair Asphalt Shingles
Step-by-step expert advice on repairing curled, torn, or damaged asphalt roofing shingles. Includes advice to stop a roof leak quickly.
Its important to fix or replace torn or curled asphalt shingles before the problem gets severe enough to permit leaks or the pieces break apart and blow off the roof.
If you dont have close-match replacement shingles for your roof, repairing a torn or curled shingle will be your easiest and best option. On the other hand, if you have replacement shingles that match your roof, entirely replacing the damaged shingle will result in better, less noticeable repair. For more about replacing a shingle, please see How to Replace a Damaged Asphalt Shingle.
If you suspect that your asphalt roof has aged before its time, check out the new book by our friend, Tim Carter of Ask The Builder, Roofing Ripoff: Why Your Asphalt Shingles Are Falling Apart and What You Can Do About It.
Working on top of a roof can be challenging and dangerous. Unless your roofs pitch is relatively low and you have the necessary experience, tools, and confidence to get the job done safely, you should leave this work to a professional. In this case, please see our affiliate partner, HomeAdvisor, to receive free bids from local asphalt shingle roof repair pros.
Misconceptions Of Wind Damage To Asphalt Composition Shingles
The topic of wind-lifted shingles remains a controversial subject in the roofing industry. There are many misconceptions and a number of issues with asphalt shingles that are commonly incorrectly attributed to wind effects. Some of the current and most hotly debated issues relate to the assertions by some that:
This article discusses these positions and the misconceptions associated with these positions.
Read Also: Does Having Shingles Give You Immunity
How Long Should You Wait Before Replacing Your Roof Shingles
When having your roof installed, the first thing you probably asked your contractor is the lifespan of the type of material you chose. There are different types of shingles, with those made with asphalt being the most common ones.
Asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 10 to 50 years, while wood ones have a life span of 25 to 30 years. Wood shake shingle roofs stay strong from 35 to 40 years.
The best way to make sure that your roof is in optimal condition is to conduct regular check-ups. If you have minimal experience with roof repairs, a simple visual inspection can tell you a lot. You will be able to easily spot cracked, curled, and missing shingles.
A much more reliable route is to get professionals to inspect your roof once in a while. These individuals know exactly what to look for not only on a superficial but also on a deeper one because they have the skills and tools to do the job.
Once issues are found, you can take the vital steps of repairing your roof. Make sure to wait for a day with optimal weather, preferably moderate. Do not do the job while cold as this can crack the shingles, nor while hot as this can make the sealing material harder to manage.
Fix Curled Roof Shingle Corners With Caulking
As asphalt shingles get older, their corners often begin to curl downward or upward. If you notice a shingle starting to curl, you can forestall the inevitable curling by gluing down the curled section.
Use a caulking gun to apply a dab of roofing sealant under the corner. Weigh it down with a brick leave the weight in place for at least 24 hours until the sealant dries. That’s all there is to it.
Read Also: Where To Buy Tamko Heritage Shingles
Orange Countys Best Licensed And Insured Contractor
Dont put yourself and your home at risk by hiring a contractor that isnt licensed or insured. Call Guardian Roofs at 633-3619 for all your roof repair needs. Were fully licensed and insured, so you wont have to worry about any liability concerns in the unlikely event that an accident occurs on your property.
Licensed contractors like Guardian Roofs provide accurate estimates, put every detail in writing, and provide impeccable roof services with high quality materials.
How To Fix Loose Shingles
Your roof needs to be able to resist hot and cold temperatures, high winds, and wet conditions. As soon as the elements lift or damage any shingles, youll need to make repairs a top priority. Otherwise, your roof could lose more shingles and water will damage the sheathing. Learning how to fix loose shingles should only require an hour or two of your time. As with all roof repairs, you should act with caution when using a ladder and working in high places. Your ladder needs to extend beyond the roof edge and have stable footing.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Shingles Without Having Chicken Pox