How to Repair Roof Shingles That Have Blown Off
Asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing materials for homes and commercial buildings because they are affordable, durable, and long-lasting. However, asphalt shingles are not invulnerable to damage, especially during severe storms with heavy winds. If you notice that you have blown off shingles on your roof in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, don’t delay repairs to replace missing shingles and restore the structural integrity of your roof.
What Causes Roof Shingles to Blow Off?
Shingles may be blown off in heavy winds due to advanced age, previous damage that has cracked or broken individual shingles, or poor installation. Shingles that were not properly installed initially due to incorrect material selection or insufficient curing time for adhesives are more likely to sustain damage and blow off during a major storm.
What Tools & Materials Do You Need for Shingle Repair?
Shingle repair requires several tools and specific materials to complete properly. You’ll need the following:
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Ladder
- Knife
- Matching shingles
- Roofing nails
- Roof cement
Getting shingles that are an exact match for your existing shingles is not only important for aesthetics, but it will ensure that your shingle roof continues to function properly. Shingles overlap one another, so they must be uniform in size and material.
How Do You Repair Blown-Off Roof Shingles Step by Step?
Most homeowners do not know how to repair blown-off shingles, but the process is relatively simple. Here’s a look at the key steps:
- Identify the damaged area and assess how many shingles have been blown off or damaged.
- Remove any damaged shingles that remain on the roof.
- Pull out any nails before placing new shingles and fill in holes with roof cement to prevent water from seeping in.
- Slide shingles into place, gently guiding them beneath surrounding shingles that overlap. You may need to remove nails from those shingles to lift them up and place the new ones.
- Nail the new shingles in place.
What Safety Precautions Should You Take?
Anytime you gain access to your roof, use safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling or damaging the roof. First, you need a ladder that is tall enough to reach over the edge of your roof. Never work on the roof in rainy, windy, or icy conditions. Avoid accessing the roof when it is too hot, as the roof surface may be too hot to comfortably work with. Finally, always have someone spotting you while you climb the ladder and work on the roof so that they can assist in the event of an accident.
How Can You Prevent Shingles From Blowing Off Again?
The best way to prevent shingles from blowing off again is to ensure that they are properly installed. That might mean calling a roofing professional to assess and repair the current damage and address any areas that are likely to be damaged during future weather events.
When Should You Call a Professional Instead of DIY?
Call a roofing contractor for blown-off shingles if the missing shingles are in a high-slope area of the roof that is difficult to access on your own. It’s also advisable to call a professional if your roof is older, as there may be more damage than you can see from ground level. If shingles have blown off due to poor installation or age-related wear and tear, you may need more substantial roof repairs or even a full roof replacement.
Contact Knox Roofing for Shingle Repair
With the experts at Knox Roofing, you can rest assured that your roof will retain its structural integrity and longevity. Our roof contractors can assist with everything from blown-off shingle repair to complete roof replacement. Contact us to schedule an estimate for roof repairs or request a roof inspection after a major storm in Santa Cruz or Monterey County.