Welcome back to our series on asphalt roof repair.
In Part 1, we focused on replacing damaged shingles, and in Part 2 took a look at curled shingles — specifically fixing vs. replacing them.
In Part 3 of our asphalt roofing repair series, we take a look at when it’s appropriate to replace missing shingles, as opposed to when you might need a new roof.
Before we begin, it’s important to mention that unless you are experienced with roof repair we strongly recommend having an experienced, insured roofing contractor do the work to ensure your safety. It’s also important to get your roof inspected to identify if it looks like a straightforward repair, or if there are other things going on with your roof that need attention.
And if you do have a roofing company inspect your roof, there are a few recommendations we’d like to share:
- You should never have to pay for a roof inspection. If a roofing company wants to charge you for inspecting your home — move on immediately.
- Make sure the contractor is fully insured.
- Make sure to get a written estimate on all proposed work. This should include actual photos of damaged shingles.
- Get at least two estimates.
- Do a little homework to ensure the roofing company you choose is reputable. Checking with the Better Business Bureau, or Google reviews are two easy ways to accomplish this. You can also see if the roofing contractor has any awards, for example from Top 500 Remodeler, the GAF President’s Club (as well as other GAF awards like Triple Excellence or Master Elite status).
Before we take a look at when missing shingles can be replaced, and when you might need a new roof, we’d like to share the top reasons shingles get dislodged in the first place …
WHY HAVE YOUR SHIGLES GONE MISSING?
This can happen for various reasons. The most common are environmental factors, which include:
- High winds, which can lift asphalt shingles, causing damage — or even rip one or more shingles off the roof.
- Snow, heavy rain or hail — all of which are common here in Wisconsin. In addition to the intensity of the weather, the quality of your asphalt roofing, as well as its age, are also factors in how much damage does or does not occur. In a nutshell, what happens is that extreme weather can weaken asphalt shingles and make them more prone to being blown off.
- Sunshine is something we all love. And although roofs are made to withstand exposure to the sun, over time this exposure can make shingles brittle and more likely to break, crack or fall off.
MISSING SHINGLE REPLACEMENT VS. ROOF REPLACEMENT
Please note that the length of time a shingle, or shingles, have been missing can play a part in whether replacement will do the job. If shingles have been missing over a span of time, there is a greater chance that additional damage may have occurred, and the need for a roof inspection — before any shingle replacement occurs — is more critical.
That said, here are some tips to help you determine whether shingle replacement is a good solution …
1. Assess how many shingles are missing. Typically, if it’s just one or two, chances are higher that simply replacing the missing shingles with new ones will keep your roof healthy. Now, if you’re missing more than a couple of shingles, or if there are multiple problem areas, replacement is a non-optimal choice because there’s a greater chance of a more significant issue. Plus, once the job becomes larger, it can become more complex and best left to an experienced professional. Note: even if you’re only missing a couple of shingles, and you are confident they recently blew off, it’s still a good idea to get your roof checked for any additional issues to ensure its overall health.
2. Examine the condition of your roof’s remaining shingles — both in the area that’s damaged, as well as the overall roof. If they look good, replacing a couple of shingles could be enough of a repair. But, if your roof has shingles that are cracking, curling, dinged from hail damage, or if the granule density is poor, considering a roof replacement is the way to go.
3. How old is your roof? Piggy-backing to the point just above, asphalt roofing doesn’t last forever, so if yours is near the end of its lifespan (or already past it), it might be time to consider a roof replacement. In general, older roofing can become more prone to haveing underlying issues — so if you even suspect something may be amiss, get it inspected.
4. Check inside your home for water damage. If your ceiling and walls look clean, that’s a good sign. If you’re seeing water stains, it’s time for an inspection ASAP as visible damage has already occurred.
5. If your roof is sagging (whether it’s near the missing shingles, or somewhere else) the roof is likely experiencing severe structural issues. This can be caused by improper installation, compromised roof decking (which sits under your shingles), or water damage. Regardless, if you see a dip in your roof, the issue is larger than a simple shingle replacement — have it checked out right away.
Want a free inspection of your roof?
Feel free to get in touch with Legacy Exteriors anytime. The first thing we’ll do is schedule a thorough, complimentary inspection of your roof — with no strings attached — to see exactly what’s going on. We’re always happy to help!