Shingle Roof Repair: Essential Tips and Expert Advice

What are Shingles?

Shingles are the individual overlapping elements that cover the roof of most homes in North America. They can be made from various materials, including asphalt, wood, and composite materials. Their primary role? To repel water and protect your dwelling from weather damage.

Signs Your Shingle Roof Needs Repair

Have you noticed missing shingles, or perhaps some that are cracked, curled, or discolored? These are telltale signs that your roof might need some attention. Ignoring them can lead to more severe issues like leaks or structural damage. A closer examination can also reveal pitted places in your shingles from hail damage as well.

Common Causes of Shingle Damage

Shingle roofs can suffer damage from a host of culprits—severe weather, falling debris, algae growth, and even poor installation. Often times, the seasonal changes in weather will cause wear and tear on your shingles. Snow, hail, wind, cold and intense sun exposure are often causes of significant damage to your roof. Knowing what's harming your roof is the first step in fixing it.

DIY Shingle Repair: Is It Advisable?

For the handy homeowners, DIY might seem like a good idea. However, roofing repairs can be dangerous and complicated. If it is more than just a single tab or shingle that needs to be replace or repaired, our recommendation is to definitely call in the pros and get several estimates. A professional roofing company may be able to recognize and discover deeper underlying damage or repair than just the smaller repair. You may also find that it isn't as costly as you might have thought and the work provided may also be under warranty when you working with a professionaly roofer.

Choosing the Right Roofing Company

Not all roofing companies are created equal. Selecting a reliable company that offers quality workmanship, fair prices, and good customer service helps to ensure your roof is in good hands. Be sure to check the following places when and steps when doing your research:

Online Reviews - It's important to read through Google reviews and reviews on other sites such as Yelp, Facebook, Home Advisor and more. Note what the reviews say as well as how and if the owner replies to these reviews, good and bad. This will often give you insights into how a roofing company operates and treats their customers.
Warranty - As what the warranty is on the shingle materials used. Also ask about a warranty on the roofing company's labor.
Licenses and Insurance - This is a big one. Ask for copies of their business and construction licenses as well as proof of insurance.
BBB - Check with your local Better Business Bureau's website to see if there are any complaints and how many.
Treatment of Your Property - Ask what measures a company takes to protect your house, yard and shrubs during roofing projects. Also, what you can expect in terms of clean up. Ask if they use a magnet to also go over areas of your yard to identify stray roofing nails that may have fallen during the installation.

Preventing Future Shingle Damage

Maintenance is key to extending the life of your roof. Clean off your roof several times during year of any pine straw, leaves or other debris that may accumulate on your roof. This is a good practice to employ in early spring and early fall. You can do this or hire someone else to take care of this for you. If your roof is in heavy shade and is subject to algae build up, it may be a good idea once a year in the summer apply a soft wash of your roof. Taking these steps will help you avoid frequent repairs and prolong the life of your shingles.

When to Consider a Full Roof Replacement

Sometimes, repairing your shingle roof is not enough. There are sometimes signs that reveal a replacement might be a more cost-effective solution in the long run. If your current shingles are toward the end of the manufacturer's state life span, then that would be a time to consider replacement. If there is damage all across the roof from significant hail damage or all of your shingles are brittle and curling up, then it makes more sense to replace the roof at that point.

Shingle Roofing FAQs

How often should I inspect my shingle roof? You should inspect your roof at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, to ensure it's in good condition.
Can I replace just a few damaged shingles without calling a professional? Yes, if the damage is minimal and you're comfortable with heights and DIY projects, you can replace a few shingles. However, for extensive damage, it's best to consult a professional.
How long do shingle roofs typically last? Depending on the material, shingle roofs can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Regular maintenance can extend this lifespan.
What is the best way to find a reliable roofing company? Look for companies with good reviews, proper licensing, and insurance. It's also wise to get recommendations from friends or family.
5. What should I do if I find a leak in my roof? If you discover a leak, it's crucial to address it quickly to prevent further damage. Cover the area with a tarp and contact a roofing professional as soon as possible.
What's the difference between a patch and a full shingle replacement? A patch is a small fix where you replace or repair just the damaged part of the shingle or the underlayment. A full replacement means removing shingles from a larger area, or the entire roof, to fix underlying issues or widespread damage.
Are there any quick tips for emergency shingle repairs? Yes, in emergencies, you can use roofing cement to seal cracks and splits temporarily. For missing shingles, you can place a new shingle or a piece of plywood over the gap and secure it with roofing nails. Remember, these are temporary fixes until a professional can assess the situation.
How do weather conditions affect shingle roofs? Extreme weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain, snow, and hail can accelerate shingle wear and tear. Sun exposure can also degrade shingles over time, causing them to become brittle and crack.
Can algae or moss damage my shingle roof, and how can I prevent it? Yes, algae and moss can retain moisture against the roof surface, leading to rot and deterioration. To prevent their growth, keep your roof free of debris, ensure it's well ventilated, and consider installing zinc or copper strips at the peak, which release metal ions that inhibit growth.
What are some signs that my roof needs immediate professional attention? Signs that require immediate professional attention include large areas of missing shingles, sagging roof decks, significant leaking, and visible light coming through the roof. If you notice any of these, it’s crucial to call a roofing professional right away to prevent further damage.