Reasons for Needing to Replace Shingles
Your roof protects the rest of your house from the elements, including rain and snow. It also keeps heat in, which reduces energy bills.
However, shingles can wear out or become damaged over time. Some problems may only affect a few shingles, while others require a full roof replacement.
Damaged Shingles
Excessive wind can also damage shingles, leaving them exposed to moisture and UV rays. These conditions can cause heat blisters, which are characterized by darkened areas and round, concave dents embedded with granules.
When a shingle is damaged, it is important to replace it immediately. To do so, first loosen the nails holding the shingle above it with a flat pry bar. Once loosened, you can then pull up the damaged shingle. Once you have removed the damaged shingle, slide in a new one, and nail it into place. Be sure to use fresh nails, as reusing old ones can lead to further problems. Then, line the shingle up with those around it to ensure that they are properly overlapping.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are an obvious sign that it’s time for a roof repair. They leave your roof vulnerable to moisture, causing mold and mildew, which in turn deteriorate the shingle’s protective layers and weaken the structure of the roof itself.
Missing tabs or shingles often appear at critical points where seams meet. These spots are especially likely to leak, as water naturally seeks out the lowest point.
Some common reasons for shingle loss include severe weather, improper installation and general wear and tear. If your roof has a lot of missing shingles, it’s time to schedule a professional roofing inspection.
While climbing on your roof to inspect the shingles is a good idea, it’s not a DIY project for most homeowners. Climbing on a wet, slippery roof can be dangerous. Plus, if you try to remove the old shingles, you might accidentally cause more damage. This can lead to water leaks into the house and cause serious damage in the attic, walls, and ceiling. A leaky roof can cause mold and rot, and the resulting repair work is expensive. A professional can help you prevent these issues with regular maintenance and repairs.
Curling or Clawing Shingles
Shingles may begin to curl due to aging, sun exposure and physical damage. Curled shingles create bare spots on your roof which can be susceptible to further damage from the weather and reduces the ability of your roof system to properly shed water. It is possible to replace a few curled shingles, but this is generally a temporary fix and will eventually need to be done again.
If you notice the edges of your shingles beginning to curl up or claw, you will need to have them replaced immediately. This is an indication that your roof system is nearing the end of its life and makes it more vulnerable to ice and wind damage.
In some cases, the shingle’s manufacturer may not have followed installation instructions which can cause them to curl. This could include not using enough nails or the wrong type of nail. This is a very common issue that can lead to shingle curling and it should be corrected as soon as you notice it. If left unchecked, this will only lead to additional issues and more costly repairs in the future.
Water Damage
The shingles are the shield that keeps rain, snow, and debris from penetrating the roof and home. Without shingles, a home would experience serious water damage. Even a single damaged shingle can cause leaks and other problems. Because of this, it is necessary to replace any shingle that is damaged or leaking.
A damaged shingle may not lead to a leak immediately, but it can cause a problem hours, days, or even weeks later. It can also expose the sheathing to rot and other moisture. This can lead to mold in the attic, ceilings, and other parts of the house.
A common way to recognize a shingle problem is noticing a discoloration on the ceiling of the home. The staining is caused by the buildup of moisture under the shingle. It is essential to inspect the roof for any shingle problems regularly, especially after severe weather events. Home and roof professionals recommend inspecting the roof at least once a year. This will prevent a small problem from becoming a major repair bill down the road.
