Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by
Did you know that the US Roofing Contractors market size is over $52 billion? While it’s great that business is booming, roof repair and replacement can be a headache for homeowners.
That’s why it’s so important to replace shingles as soon as you identify problems. Do you currently have missing shingles or damaged shingles on your roof?
The following guide will explain why you need to fix shingles before they lead to bigger roofing issues. Read on and learn how to improve the longevity of your roof.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Replace Shingles
You must replace damaged, worn, or missing shingles to prevent water from getting under them. Water will rot the wood sheathing beneath shingles which leads to big expenses like all new roofing.
Water might even enter your home if you don’t take care of your shingles. Then, the damage could end up being far worse than just the roof itself. Walls, flooring, and personal items can also become damaged.
Replacing Single Shingles
You can replace single shingles with cracks or tears. Although, you can simply use roofing sealant if the crack or tear is small enough which is much easier.
The whole shingle will need to be replaced if any part of it is missing. This usually happens when a piece of debris lands on your roof and damages the shingle.
If a shingle or multiple shingles are completely missing, you’ll need to replace them right away. Your roof is vulnerable to the wind and rain with missing shingles and further damage will likely occur.
Full Roof Replacement
If your shingles are curling it usually means they’re too old. Curling also leaves your roof more vulnerable to leaking and wind damage. A roof with curling shingles likely needs a full replacement.
It might also be time for a full replacement if shingles have lost their granules. Shingle granules help to stop UV rays from piercing the asphalt coating. Visit https://roofingbylandmark.com/ for replacement information.
How To Replace Shingles
Use a flat bar to remove damaged or worn-out shingles. Next, remove the nails below the shingles. You can use the same flat bar to pry the nails out. You might also need to remove the nails from the row above the shingle.
Next, use at least 4 waterproof roofing nails to secure the new shingle. Make new nail holes instead of using the old ones. Add sealant around the nails to prevent water from leaking through the holes.
Apply glue along the bottom of the new shingle and press down firmly. You can even set weight on the shingle for 24 hours to ensure that the glue adheres properly.
Ready To Replace Shingles?
Now you know how to replace shingles and why it’s important. You also know how to identify shingle problems and when it might be time to replace your roof.
Remember this guide and keep your roof free from leaks and further damage. Check out our home improvement category for more great repair tips and tricks.
Apart from this, if you want to know about Roof repair vs roof replacement then please visit our Home Improvement category