How to Replace Missing Shingles

If ignoring missed or damaged shingles is what you have been doing, you better watch your head. You have no idea what is coming for you if you don’t take care of those shingles ASAP! Damaged and missing shingles lead to leaks, water damage, and even costly repairs. Hope you don’t want that to happen to your foundation. Right? Or are you still thinking it is not a big deal? But hey, it’s high time you take action to protect your home or face the consequences that will eventually end up costing you much more time, money, and stress. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to replace missing shingles and prevent your roof from all those mishappenings. 

How Can Homeowners Spot Missing Shingles?

To replace missing shingles, you need to first spot missing and damaged shingles. Here is how you can identify missing shingles and take action before any further damage occurs:

Perform Visual Inspection

If not daily, but at least once a month, perform a visual inspection of your roof. This will help you spot any missing, damaged, or curling shingles early and prevent any potential leaks and costly repairs. Use binoculars to get a closer look and check for any gaps in the patterns of the shingles. Also, if you notice color differences or fading in certain areas, this could mean that the shingles have aged and may go missing any time soon. 

Check For Shingle Debris

Inspect your yard or gutters for any shingle debris. There are chances that missing shingles may leave behind a few pieces or granules to accumulate in these areas, especially after a storm. These leftovers can strongly indicate that shingles have started falling off and are all set to cause more damage if not addressed promptly. 

Look For Interior Signs

If, in recent days, you notice any water stains or damp spots on your ceilings and walls. These can be signs of roof leaks, and you know the reason behind these leaks. Don’t you? It is the damaged or missing shingles that are leading to water leaks. Compromised shingles allow water to seep through your roof, resulting in those indoor stains and dampness. 

Attic Inspection

Just like you will look for interior signs, you should regularly inspect your attic for early signs of roof issues. This includes inspecting the insulation for signs of water damage, such as wet or discolored areas or mold growth. Also, look for any spots where daylight is visible through the roof, as this can also prove that there are gaps or holes in the roofing material.

Check After Storms

If any severe weather, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or hail has recently hit your area, it is important to check your roof for any damage. Why? It is not even a question to ask! Severe weather comes with serious risks to the integrity of your roof. Harsh weather can affect your shingles so bad that they become loose, damaged, or completely vanish, leaving your roof all alone with insufficient protection against the elements.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

If you cannot identify the source of the problem on your own, it is time you schedule a professional roof inspection. Only they can save you from all the potential hazards and costly repairs. A qualified roofing expert has the necessary skills, tools, and experience to assess the condition of your roof thoroughly and spot hidden issues that may not be visible to you. 

What Causes Shingles To Fall Off or Blow Away?

Understanding the reasons behind missing or damaged shingles can also help you take preventive measures to protect your roof and maintain its integrity. Here are some notable causes that leave your roof’s shingles with no option but to become loose, damaged, or completely disappeared:

• Shingles aging over time is a common reason that can naturally deteriorate shingles, weakening them to the point where they become fragile and less effective in protecting the roof. Then, this natural wear and tear will make the roofing materials prone to breaking or falling off.

• If you are residing in an area where severe weather conditions are frequent, your roof is at risk of damage due to exposure to heavy rain, snowfall, hail, etc. These conditions can tear or damage shingles, leading to leaks and water damage. 

• When you do not pay much attention during the installation process, it can cause shingles not to be securely attached or properly aligned. Improper installation, such as using incorrect nails, not following manufacturer guidelines, or rushing the work, can challenge the integrity of your roof. As a result, shingles can fall off or become dislodged with time. 

• Regular maintenance is essential to keep shingles in good condition. Irregular maintenance can escalate minor issues into major problems, leading to shingles falling off or blowing away.

• If debris such as leaves and branches accumulates for too long on your roof, it can trap moisture and deteriorate shingles. This moisture then makes a perfect environment for mold and mildew, making your roof vulnerable to leaks and water damage. Also, debris on your roof can attract pests, like insects nd rodents, causing the shingles to become loose or damaged.

• Birds or squirrels are not under your control, but their activities can still have an impact on your roof. They can cause damage to shingles by nesting, pecking, or scratching. This can make shingles become loose, fall off, or become damaged. 

• Whether it is too hot or too cold in your area, extreme temperatures can cause shingles to expand, which results in cracking or curling. Over time, this can weaken the shingles and make them prone to damage from wind, rain, and other environmental factors.

Replacing Missing Shingles- A Step-To-Step Guide

While it is always advised to let the professionals handle the shingle replacement process due to the potential risks involved and the need for proper installation techniques, you can still replace missing shingles if you have the necessary tools and knowledge. Here is a guide to how to replace a missing roof shingle yourself. 

1. Before performing the process, you will need to gather your tools and materials, such as a ladder, safety harness, work gloves, roofing nails, a hammer, a utility knife, a pry bar, and replacement shingles that perfectly match the existing ones. 

2. As you are not a professional, and neither is this is your primary area of expertise, it is important you take safety measures and be aware of the potential risks involved in the process. If at any point you feel uncomfortable while performing the task, do not hesitate to call a professional roofer as soon as possible.

3. Now that you are all armed with the knowledge and tools, be ready to remove the damaged shingle. For this, you will carefully lift the edges of the surrounding shingle and locate the nails holding the damaged shingle in place. With the help of a pry bar, remove all the nails and gently slide the damaged shingle out.

4. You can trim the replacement shingle if it doesn’t fit the space. Make sure that the new shingle matches the size and shape of the previous one.

5. After that, you will install the replacement shingle by sliding it into place, aligning it with the surrounding shingles. Attach it with roofing nails and place them about an inch above the shingle’s exposure line. Also, only nail through the existing holes; otherwise, you will risk creating new holes that could compromise the integrity of he surrounding shingles and the roof as well. 

6. Make sure to seal the shingles properly so that they can be placed securely and provide a watertight barrier. You can consider applying roofing cement under the edges of the surrounding shingle to keep them in place. 

7. Once you are all done with the process of replacing a shingle, inspect your work thoroughly to ensure that the newly installed shingles are secured and aligned with the other shingles. Check for any gaps, holes, or loose shingles that may need your attention. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Shingles?

Expenses involved in replacing shingles generally depend on several factors, which include the size of your roof, the type of shingle you choose to install, the complexity of the installation, and the labor cost in your area. Here is an overview of the potential costs: 

• The larger the roof, the more shingles are required, which will eventually impact the overall cost.

• The type of shingle you want affects the overall expense as well. Asphalt shingles are more affordable, whereas other shingles like metal, wood, clay, etc, can be more expensive.

• Labor costs vary depending on your location and how complex the installation process is. Usually, labor accounts for about 60% of the total cost of replacing shingles.

• Removing old shingles, disposing of debris, and fixing other repairs may add to the overall cost of replacing shingles. These additional costs can impact your overall budget, so consider these factors when planning your shingle replacement project.

• Also, high-quality shingles and materials are higher in cost but offer durability and a longer lifespan. Investing in these high-quality shingles may seem costly at the start, but they can save you money in the long run. 

Wrapping Up!

After learning everything about how to replace missing roof shingles, what factors affect the cost, and how you can identify missing shingles, you are now well-prepared to protect your roof from damage. Most importantly, performing the replacement process can be challenging; always hire professional and experienced roofers to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. You can also trust ManageMyRoof to handle all your roofing needs. They offer expert services and a team of skilled professionals who make sure that your roof remains in optimal condition. 

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