Roof shingles often get damaged due to strong wind. Sometimes they have to replace and sometimes repaired. But how should you make that call? The answer depends on many factors you must consider while making the decision. Two of these factors are the extent of the damage done to your roof shingles and the age of your roof. If your roof shingles are showing signs of wear and tear, you must not ignore them and take the necessary action as soon as possible. If you ignore the situation, the water seeps under the shingles and rots the wood sheathing beneath. Here is how you can repair your wind-damaged shingle roof. So, let’s have a look.
Precautions and Items Needed
If your roof is old and has shingles that are badly damaged due to wind, it is better to replace the shingles rather than repair the entire roof. However, if your roof has a shallow slope on which you can work comfortably, there is no need to hire a roofing contractor. However, if the slope is steeper and the weather around your house is mostly windy, consider hiring a professional contractor. The three most common methods for repairing a damaged roof are:
- Replacing the shingles that are damaged
- Gluing the loosened shingles
- Repairing the cracked shingles
Before you begin your repairing process, remember that there are a few things you should keep in mind. Roof damage is not limits to what is visible. If a shingle is missing and you can see that easily, it does not define the extent of the damage. Even if the shingles are not damage, water damage is still possible if moisture is present under them. The following material is usually requires on the extent of the damage to your roof shingles.
- Flat burl
- Hammer
- Roofing Nails
- Adhesive for the Roof
- A waterproof Sealant
- Knife
- Shingles
Roof Shingles Replacement
If a part of the roof shingle is blown away by the wind, the entire shingle must be replaced. First, you should check if you have any leftover shingles present at your home. If not, buy extra shingles apart from the ones needed in this job. Here are the steps you should follow:
1- Cleaning the Debris and Old Nails
Use a pry bar to remove any damaged shingles or the roofing nails on your roof. If the shingle is completely going, make sure to clear out the debris in the area. There are generally four nails that keep a shingle intact on the roof. Two retain the missing shingles, and two retain the overlying shingles that penetrate the underlying shingles. Temporarily remove these while sliding the new shingles into place. Do not put new shingles on old nails. This can pierce new shingles.
2- Installing New Shingles
Slide the new shingles under the top one. Be careful not to damage or dislodge any existing shingles. Removing strips of nails from the overlying siding planks may be necessary for a secure installation. Replace the existing shingles and nails in place and install a replacement of the nail above.
3- Repairing Cracked and Curled Shingles
If you’re facing the challenge of cracked shingles and haven’t had to look for a replacement yet, you can repair them. It is consider minor roof damage and can fix by following the simple steps mentioned below.
- Apply caulk below the cracked part of the roof shingle and push it into place slowly.
- Now apply sealant on the top side of the shingle and spread it on the shingle evenly using a knife.
- Apply adhesive beneath the shingles so that they fit perfectly. Use bricks to hold the shingles in their place.
- Follow the standard safety procedures for repairing roof shingles on your own.
Reasons for Shingles to Blow out
1- Improper Installation
It is the most common reason for the shingles to blow out due to wind. Sometimes nails are attach higher in the shingles rather than through the nail strips, which may cause the shingles to crack under heavy winds.
2- Damage to the Roof
If the structure of the roof is rotted, the shingles cannot adhere tightly, and moisture can pool underneath. If rotten, the shingles nail might come out, which will loosen the shingles.
3- Insufficient Curing time
When using adhesive seals, it takes longer to cure for maximum effect. It might take weeks for the adhesive to cure, depending on the weather conditions. Newly placed shingles might not get enough time to harden. Follow all the steps and tips shared above to repair your wind-damaged shingle roof in the best possible way. If you are unable to repair your roof properly and need some help, call a professional contractor from your area and hire him for the job.
