Shingle roofing is one of the most popular roofing options across the US nowadays mainly because they’re relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, and available in a variety of colors and styles to match any home’s architectural styles and designs. This is why if you have this type of roofing system, you should also know how to replace damaged roof shingles as these are inevitable.
No roof is invincible. At some point in time, it will sustain damage prompting the need for replacements. But if you’re already in this situation right now, then don’t worry. We can help you fix and replace them. Although it is still advisable to let the experts handle the job, if you want to do it on your own, we can give you a guide on how you can do so. Here’s how to replace damaged roof shingles:
Keep in mind the safety equipment and precautions
Roofing can be dangerous, which is why you need to practice safety and precautions every time you’re up on your roof. Always wear protective equipment such as eyewear, gloves, and gripping boots that can hold up for walking on the roof. If you can, also install harnesses and roof jacks so you have something to stand on. And it is also highly recommended to find someone who can assist you as roofing work can be tedious. You don’t want to constantly go up and down just to handle the various roofing materials involved. Having an assistant can be a big help.
Assess the extent of damage
The next step on how to replace damaged roof shingles is to locate the affected area and determine the extent of the damage. This way, you’ll know the exact course of action to take and the appropriate materials and tools needed to carry them out. While some damage may only need a replacement of a few shingles, others may already need a total roof replacement. So assessing the extent of the damage on your roof is critical if you don’t want to waste time and resources.
Remove shingles during cool weather
You don’t want to climb up to your roof and end up soaked in the rain or distracted by the strong winds. Aside from being dangerous, that is also not very wise and practical. Instead of replacing your damaged shingles to save your property from further damage, it can instead cause more damage and cost you more money and resources. So before you climb up there and start the work, check your local weather forecasts first. Make sure that the weather is good, not too hot and not too cold, as some types of shingles may not hold out against these two. The safest time is during cool weather as it’s not too extreme. Thus, it will be more conducive for roofing works.
Loosen the adhesive and exposed nails
Removing the damaged shingles on the roof may need specific tools and equipment so make sure you have them readily available at hand. Carefully pry up the shingles and separate the adhesive to reveal the nails underneath. Then loosen the exposed nails and pull them up to remove them. Do this very slowly to avoid damaging other parts of the roof. Repeat this process as needed.
Loosen and remove the damaged shingles
After you’ve loosened the adhesive and exposed nails underneath the tab of the damaged shingles, pull them up and remove them. Do this repeatedly until you’ve managed to clear out all the damaged shingles that need replacing. Be very careful in doing this to avoid damaging other shingles that are still in good condition. You don’t want to end up causing more damage than what’s there initially.
Install the new shingles
Once you’ve successfully removed all the damaged shingles, it’s time to lay down the new ones, in exactly the same size, color, and design as your old shingles. Otherwise, you’ll end up having a mismatched roof. Press the new shingles down and nail them in place. Then seal the surrounding areas with adhesive to avoid leakage problems in the future. After this, you’re done. Just make sure to examine and monitor your work over the next week to ensure that the original problem was indeed corrected and fixed.
Liberty Roofing can help you with how to replace damaged roof shingles!
We specialize in shingle roofing. From installation to maintenance, repair, and replacement, we are highly skilled and experienced to handle the job. We have the right tools and equipment, and we know how to work on your roof safely and efficiently. We also have access to high-quality shingle roofing materials in the market so we can definitely find the ones that will match your existing ones. So let us handle the job for you. Contact us today and we’ll give you a free estimate!
