In the spring and summer months when the weather is a lot better, it might be time to think about replacing some of your roof shingles. Sometimes those shingles don’t last a lifetime, though they can stay in good condition for decades. But what with branches and other debris, as well as varying weather conditions, shingles can curl or end up being blown about and bouncing off your roof? Or in some cases maybe the previous owners never replaced the roof shingles. Whatever the reason, from time to time you might find damaged shingles, which isn’t something you really want to think about come the winter season. The good news is that it’s completely possible to repair or replace these roof shingles quite easily!
What Are Roof Shingles?
Roof shingles constitute the outward layer of the roofing system that protects your home from harmful external elements. Made from various materials like asphalt, fibre cement, metal, plastic, and wood, shingles vary in durability and cost.
Understanding When To Replace Your Roof Shingles
Identifying the right time to replace a shingle roof is a critical part of roof maintenance. Knowing what signs to look for can save you from bigger, costlier problems down the line. Here are some indications that might signal the need for a roof shingle replacement:
1. Cracking
Cracks on the surface of the shingles are a key sign that they need to be replaced. This typically occurs due to age, improper installation, or harsh weather conditions. Extreme heat can also lead to cracking and curling. If only a few shingles are cracked, you can repair them. Repairing wind damaged shingles is a simple process. However, if the cracking isn’t isolated to one area, it’s likely time for a new roof.
2. Missing Shingles
If you notice missing shingles after a storm or just over time, it’s essential to replace them promptly. Ignored, this can soon lead to leaks, structural rot, and other internal damage to your home.
3. Shingle Granules in Gutters
If the gutters contain a lot of granules, it’s an early warning sign that your shingles are nearing their life expectancy. As shingles age, they begin to shed their granules, which often end up in the gutters.
4. Bald Spots on Shingles
A loss of granules and the emergence of bare spots on your shingles can lead to a compromised roof as it loses its ability to fend off UV rays and repel water.
5. Sagging Roof
A sagging roof, especially in the roof valley and dips, can be a sign of more significant problems. It might mean a structural issue with the foundation, which requires immediate attention.
Step-By-Step Guide to Replace a Roof Shingle
Materials That You Will Need:
Ladder
Nails and Tarp
Pry Bar
Roofing Blade
Hammer or Nail Gun
Protective Wear
Ice/Water Protector (Winter Repair)
Shingle Cement/Adhesive
New Roof Shingles
Locate Damaged Roof Shingles
Make your way onto the roof using a ladder, ensuring that it’s secure before placing your whole weight on it. Remember to wear any weather-appropriate protective gear necessary.
Use pry bar to carefully loosen the shingle adhesive located under the five tabs in or around the second row above the damaged shingle. This is done because the end seams are lined 6″ – 12″ off to the side of the damaged shingle. The seam will probably be nailed in and each nail will need to be removed to gently pull damaged roof shingle strip away before replacing it.
Remove Shingle(s) that Need to Be Replaced
- Using a pry bar or the back of your hammer, lift each nail that has been exposed. Make sure to keep them near as you will need to nail everything back in later.
- Carefully lift the surrounding tabs about 45-60 degrees to expose the full size of the damaged shingle panel and be certain you don’t break the surrounding shingles.
- Finally, using your prybar once more, loosen the adhesive that is under the damaged shingle, or shingle panel, it should come free easily since your nails are no longer in.
- Place this aside and locate your new shingles for replacement
Replace the Roof Shingle & Re-Seal
Replace the old roof shingle with a new one. Slide it into position. Lift surrounding shingles carefully to nail the top in place. Try to drive nail in at slightly different points than they were previously, to ensure it is sturdy
With shingle adhesive/cement reseal the edges of the shingle in a couple places and press down firmly. Two nickel sized dots per panel should be enough.
Secure it by nailing it in once more just to make sure it’s nice and tight.
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“HOW TO REPLACE A ROOF SHINGLE”
This is a quick and easy fix on how to replace a roof shingle. Because this job is quite easy to do, as long as you stay on top of it by replacing damaged shingles often, you won’t need to completely re-shingle your roof in the future! If you would like some help with this, have Home Painters Toronto assist you! Call us NOW at 416-494-9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
