Steps for Replacing Roof Shingles
- Loosen two rows of shingles located immediately above the missing shingle with a crowbar or long putty knife to dislodge sealer strips.
- Remove all leftover pieces of a missing shingle without damaging surrounding shingles; after removal, you should be left with a smooth surface for new shingle application.
- Take measurements of the new shingle and trim as necessary with a utility knife to fit to the correct size.
- Apply roofing cement to the back of the new shingle to secure it in place before nailing.
- Slide the new shingle into the empty location and nail it in place.
- Cover new nails and nail holes with roofing cement to prevent leaking.
- Press top shingles down over the new shingle to seal in place.
- Repeat the process as necessary to repair multiple missing shingles on a roof. Need help with replacing your missing shingles?
Do missing shingles mean I need a new roof?
If your roof shingles are falling apart or missing in this area, it's a definite sign you need a new roof. Valleys are one of the most important areas of your roof. Snow and rain flow through valleys and into gutters. If the valley is compromised, you could be susceptible to roof leaks.
Will your roof leak with one shingle missing?
Even one missing shingle can lead to roof leaks and expensive repairs. Roof shingles are installed in a particular way using an overlapping, layered pattern. That means each row of shingles overlaps on the other rows. This pattern helps reduce water's ability to enter the roof system because no part of the underlying roof deck is exposed.
How do you replace shingles?
Replacing Shingles Slip a utility knife under the shingles to break the seal. Pry the shingles up with a flat bar. Pull the nails out of the shingle. Place the new shingle tab on the roof. Nail the shingles to the roof. Seal the shingles with roofing cement. Fill in any nail holes you see.
How long can roofing shingles be stored?
Your roof’s life depends on its materials. Most homes have asphalt or composite shingles. These last about 20 years, but the premium brands can go up to 50. Fiber cement will give you about 25 years. And architectural asphalt, which is thicker, holds for about 30 years, as does cedar shake.
How do you fix missing roof shingles?
If a shingle is simply cracked or torn, you don't have to replace it—just repair it. Start by applying a thick bead of roofing sealant under the crack. Press the shingle down and apply a second bead of sealant on top of the crack. Then spread the sealant with a putty knife.
Can you replace just a few shingles?
In the end, if your roof needs just a few shingles replaced or a few minor patches made, you can get a roofer to make those small repairs for you. But, if you need anything more than half of your roof repaired, it's in your best interest to simply re-roof your entire home.
How do you replace a small section of shingles?
2:497:39How to Replace or Repair a Damaged Shingle by RoofingIntelligence.comYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've removed the bad shingle you can simply slide a new shingle back in place and nail it in.MoreOnce you've removed the bad shingle you can simply slide a new shingle back in place and nail it in.
Are missing shingles a big deal?
A missing shingle might cause your roof to leak, but not always. However, a missing shingle requires quick attention for the overall health of your roof. Even if a leak isn't occurring currently, one missing shingle will put you at risk.
Will roof leak with one shingle missing?
Will your roof leak with just one missing shingle? Maybe. Just because you lose a shingle or two doesn't mean water will immediately drip from your ceiling. However, such a missing shingle could cause issues over time if the surrounding shingles deteriorate from exposure to water, wind and sunlight.
How do you match existing shingles?
If shingles have faded, try going a shade lighter with the same manufacturer. Your roofer should be willing to get up on the roof and help you compare before you decide. If you're having trouble getting a good match, replacing a section of the roof is an option.
Can I reattach shingles?
1:155:52Asphalt Roof Shingles Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo tell me how we're installing it here obviously we're shooting it in place well brian is using aMoreSo tell me how we're installing it here obviously we're shooting it in place well brian is using a nail gun to fasten these shingles. And they're being fitted according to the manufacturer's.
How do you replace first row of shingles?
How to Replace Roof Shingles Near the GutterPlace a ladder on firm, dry and level ground. ... Pry up the first overlapping shingle to expose the nails with the pry bar. ... Insert a nail puller beneath the head of the nails and pull them out. ... Slide the shingles out.More items...
Can you replace one side of a roof?
Yes, you can replace half your roof. I understand everyone is on a budget, and trying to save money by replacing half your roof might seem like a good idea.
What happens if your missing shingles?
Missing shingles are easy to spot from the ground, as you will notice a gap in your shingles – leaving the underlayment or wooden planks exposed. Take a walk across the street from your home and have a look at the front. Then, take a walk in your backyard and have another look at the back of your home.
What do missing shingles look like?
It will be obvious if a shingle is missing or severely damaged. Just as a missing puzzle piece leaves a gap in a jigsaw puzzle, a missing asphalt shingle leaves a hole in your roof's cover.
How many steps does it take to replace asphalt shingles?
However, there may be the odd occasion where a little fix is needed, and, fortunately, asphalt shingles can easily be removed and replaced in just seven steps.
Why do roof shingles have two rows of nails?
This fact, that each shingle on a roof is actually held in place with TWO rows of nails, is a key factor in the overall roof system’s wind resistance.
Can you break a sealant bond on a shingle?
Once the sealant bond is broken on the target shingle, the same bond will need to be broken on the overlying shingle or shingles, so they can be gently lifted to expose the nails in the target shingle.
Can you remove nails from a shingle?
Sometimes the nails can be removed by direct access, but often trying to pry out the nails from above the shingle can damage the shingle’s granular surface. It is therefore better to lift the shingle AND the nail at the same time, so you’ll need to access the bottom of the target shingle.
How old should a roof be to replace shingles?
If your roof is more than 20 years old and most of the shingles are damaged or badly worn, it’s time to replace it. But if your roof is basically sound and is at a relatively shallow pitch that you’re comfortable working on, you can probably handle most repairs yourself.
How to camouflage a roof?
It's easy to camouflage: Check the gutter for an accumulation of colored granules that have washed down the roof from the shingles. Then gather some into a small cup and sprinkle them over the sealant to mask the repair.
Learn How to Replace Missing Shingles
Buy a bundle of shingles that match your existing roof. You might have a partial bundle left at your home from when the roof was installed. If you do, use these for an exact match.
Hire PJ Fitzpatrick for Roof Repairs
Although learning how to replace missing shingles is not difficult, you might want to know why the shingles are coming off. PJ Fitzpatrick technicians can inspect your roof for signs of damage. We can also perform repairs if you would rather leave the job to professionals.
How do I get a shingle to stop ripping?
To avoid ripping shingles, gently work the pry bar under both tabs as you push it up. Pop out the nails by prying underneath the shingle instead of trying to dig the nail head out from the top of the shingle; that will wreck the shingle. Then push the shingle down from the nail head and pull out the nail.
Can a broken shingle leak?
A broken shingle is both ugly and a leak waiting to happen. But as long as you can find matching shingles (and you’re not afraid of heights), the repair is straightforward. Pick a day when the weather is moderate to do the repair—too cold and the shingles can crack; too warm and the shingle sealants are tough to break.
How to get up on a roof?
Any time you're getting up on the roof you need to practice roof safety. Wear protective eyewear, heavy-duty gloves, and gripping boots appropriate for walking on the roof. Preferably, you'll also install roof jacks to have something to stand on, and harnesses to protect yourself.
Who owns Bumble Roofing?
This article was co-authored by David Bitan. David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. With over 60 years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches. This article has been viewed 323,479 times.
Can shingles cut into a roof?
Damaged shingles can seriously cut into the life of a roof. To keep your house secure, it's important to regularly evaluate and replace damaged shingles to make sure your home is safe and dry. [1] Roofing Contractor & Maintenance Professional Expert Interview. 14 July 2020.
Can you salvage shingles?
If the shingles are severely damaged, don't try to salvage them. Just remove them and replace them with new shingles of a similar style to the rest of the shingles on the roof. Continue removing the damaged shingles until you've cleared out the shingles that will need replaced.
Do you need to buy a shingle before nailing?
If you buy unbacked shingles, though, you might need to purchase additional adhesive to secure them to the roof before nailing them. It's a good idea to buy it to secure other loose shingles anyway. Roofing nails.
