How to Repair Roof Shingles After Wind Damage

It’s the age-old question about damaged roof shingles. Should you repair wind damage or replace the roof? The answer isn’t as easy to come by as it may seem. It can depend on many factors including the extent of the damage and age of the roof.

But one thing is for sure. Whether you choose a Toronto roofing company or try it yourself (please, only if you know what you’re doing), it’s less costly to repair damaged shingles than it is to replace your roof. 

Before You Start the Roof Repair

Before you begin repairing or replacing any shingles, there are a couple of things you need to know.

1. The Roof Damage May Not Be Limited to What You See – Just because you can easily see some missing or damaged shingles, it doesn’t mean that’s the extent or even entire location of the damage. Water damage can occur if moisture gets blown underneath shingles anywhere on your roof even while the shingles show no damage. 
2. You Need the Right Roofing Materials – Depending on the damage, you may need one or more of the following
   1. Replacement shingles
   2. A flat pry bar
   3. A hammer
   4. Roofing nails 
   5. Adhesive suitable for use on roofs
   6. Waterproof roofing sealant
   7. Putty knife

The Two Most Common Roof Shingle Wind Damage Repairs

From tree branches to hail, wind can damage your roof in many ways. Here’s how to fix two of the most common problems.

1. Replacing Missing or Badly Damaged Shingles – If the shingle is still in place, you’ll need to remove the first row of nails using the prybar and hammer. Use the prybar to lift the nails about one-quarter inch and pull them out the rest of the way with the hammer. Lift the shingle above the space you are filling, put the new shingle in place and fasten it with roofing nails. 
2. Fixing Curled or Cracked Shingles – Left untreated, curled shingles can easily lift in even moderate wind and let moisture get into the roof system. And cracked shingles can do the same. For curled shingles, apply the roofing adhesive to the underside of the section of the shingle that’s curled. Press it into place and use a brick to keep it in place. Let the adhesive set for at least 24 hours.
   
   If a shingle is cracked, but not badly enough to warrant replacement, apply a bead of sealant to the underside of the crack and press it into place. Then apply a bead of sealant along the top of the crack. Use the putty knife to spread the sealant in the shape of the shingle. Check your eavestrough for granules that have worn off your asphalt shingles. Sprinkle them onto the surface sealant and no one will know you’ve made a repair.

Of course, it’ll never hurt to leave this kind of work to the pros. Call our helpful team of experts and we’ll be happy to take a look and assess what your home needs.

If you liked this post, check out our recent article about how many roof vents you need.