How Downriver Residents Can Repair Blown Off  Roof Shingles 

Roofing shingles are designed to hold up to the elements. However, even the best quality shingles can blow off during strong winds or a Michigan storm. Harsh winds can weaken nails, which allows the shingles to come loose and blow off the roof. Shingles are quite heavy, and they can cause more damage when they fly off or fall onto another structure or into a window. If your roof has missing shingles because of a storm, it is important to know how to repair roof shingles that were blown off and fix them before the damage gets worse.

Causes of Blown Off Shingles

Roofing shingles can blow off for a lot of reasons. You could have shingles blow off during a storm if they were installed incorrectly. For example, if the roofing nails were placed too high up on the shingles rather than across the nailing strip, it can be less secure, or the shingle could pull the nail off during high winds or a storm. Shingles can also come loose if there is an underlying problem or existing roof damage. If the roof deck is compromised, rotted or warped wood might cause the roofing nails to pop out which then allows the shingles to blow off.

Shingles can also come off a new roof during a storm. The cause might not necessarily be poor installation, but rather that that seal strips simply did not have a chance to set properly. It can take an average of four to six weeks for the seal strips to set, and setting time is dependent on the temperature, quality of shingles, and the amount of sun exposure. If there is a major storm before this happens, the shingles can loosen and blow off. However, this type of roof repair may generally be covered at no additional charge by your roofing contractor.

Shingles can also blow off a roof due to old age. The average asphalt roof has a life expectancy between 10 and 15 years. If you do not maintain your roof properly, its lifespan will be reduced further. There are several red flags that could indicate that your roof needs to be replaced, like the presence of curled or cupped shingle edges, cracked shingles, or bald spots where shingle granules are visibly missing. If you have discolored walls and ceilings indoors from water seepage or you notice signs of unwanted pests in your attic, your roof could be nearing the end of its useful life.

Repair Roof Shingles Blown Off Can – You DIY? 

While you can do this type of repair yourself to potentially save money, it is very important to know exactly what risks you face

The Roof Repair Process

When replacing damaged asphalt roofing shingles, you can replace an entire strip which usually spans three-foot by one-foot. Alternatively, you can cut the shingle into smaller sections and replace just a single tab. If any part of the damaged shingle is still on the roof, insert a putty knife underneath it to break the seal. You can then use a flat bar to pry up the damaged shingles and remove any remaining nails holding it in place.

If you are removing just a single damaged tab, use a utility knife to cut off the damaged tab. Once the damaged piece is removed, slide the new shingle strip or tab into its proper place. You will need to secure the new shingle under the shingle that is above it with roofing nails. Once the replacement shingle in place, carefully lift the tab up and apply a small amount of roofing cement that will help seal the shingle to the roof. Make sure to check the condition of your roof in the days following the repair job. If any of the shingles start to lift, apply more tar.

Risks of DIY Roof Repair

While DIY roof repair can be a cost-effective option for the experienced do-it-yourselfer, it is not a safe choice for the average homeowner. There are several risks that come with DIY roof repair, starting first and foremost with improper repairs. Without sufficient roofing knowledge and experience, you could improperly install the new shingles which can lead to more problems in the future. When roof shingles are not installed properly, they can lift, leak, or even fall off completely during the next windy day or storm. This type of mistake can end up costing you more money in the long run.

There are also safety concerns to be aware of when performing any type of DIY roof repair. You already know that getting up and walking on your roof can be a dangerous undertaking. A roof repair can become even more dangerous if you are attempting to perform a repair when it is windy, rainy, or if the roof is slick with wet leaves or debris. Hauling heavy shingles and nails up a ladder can also pose a safety risk. Other safety hazards come from using unfamiliar materials, techniques, or equipment. In addition, any repairs you make yourself will most likely not be covered by a warranty or may void your existing warranty.

If you choose to go the DIY route with your roof repair, you risk losing money as well as your valuable time and energy. Replacing roof shingles is hard work that can take hours or possibly days, depending on the severity and extent of the damage. As the materials are large, heavy, and cumbersome to maneuver, replacing roofing shingles can be hard on the body. If you are not cautious and use the wrong lifting techniques, you could find yourself with a pulled back or other injuries that could leave you in lasting pain as you recover.

Contact a Roof Repair Expert

It can be frustrating to find loose shingles tossed around your yard after a storm. However, this is a common problem that has a relatively simple and easy fix. If your roof is in otherwise good shape, just the damaged section itself can be repaired and replaced to prevent water from seeping under the adjacent shingles. To avoid the risks of DIY roof repair, consider leaving this important project in the hands of trusted professionals. For more information on how to repair roof shingles blown off by a storm or to schedule a roof inspection, contact our professional roof repair experts at AllPoint today.