Wisconsin sees about 30-50 severe storms a year, and this number has been increasing. These storms, with heavy rains and hail, can seriously damage your roof.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, damage from a storm can be severe. Since the shingles are light, they may break or become loose during strong wind or a heavy downpour.
When a shingle gets torn or damaged, it exposes the underlayers of your roof, allowing water to seep in. Over time, this can lead to rotting wood, leaks in your attic, and even structural damage.
A torn shingle can cause your home a lot of problems, and it is best to take care of it as soon as possible. To help you, we have created a guide on how to repair a torn shingle. We will also share some tips on how to take care of other types of shingle damage.
Fixing Your Roof Shingles
Tools Required To Repair/Replace Your Shingles
Before you get started, make sure you have all the tools and materials in one place. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a repair and realizing you’re missing something. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ladder (one that’s sturdy enough to reach your roof safely)
- Utility knife (a sharp one for clean cuts)
- Roofing cement or roofing adhesive
- Hammer and nails
- Replacement shingle (if the tear is too big to simply patch)
- Flat pry bar
- Caulking gun (optional, for applying roofing cement)
Safety First
Before we go any further, let’s talk safety. Working on a roof can be risky, especially if you’re dealing with a steep slope. Make sure your ladder is on solid ground, and if you’re at all uncomfortable with heights, consider having a friend or a family member there to help or spot you. If possible, work on a day when the weather is calm—wind and rain are definitely not your friends during a roof repair.
Remember: Always follow proper ladder safety and wear non-slip shoes to reduce the risk of accidents.
Now that you’ve got everything on hand, let’s get to the actual process.
Assess the Damage
First things first, you need to assess how bad the damage is. If the shingle is just slightly torn, you might be able to patch it without replacing it. But if it’s ripped right across, curling up, or falling apart, you’ll likely need to replace the entire shingle.
Repairing A Torn Roof Shingle
If the tear is small, you can repair the shingle with roofing cement instead of replacing it. Here’s what you do:
- Lift the torn section of the shingle gently.
- Apply a generous amount of roofing cement underneath the tear using your caulking gun or a putty knife.
- Press the torn part of the shingle back down and smooth it out to ensure it lies flat against the roof.
The roofing cement will act as both an adhesive and a waterproof seal, keeping the torn shingle in place and preventing water from sneaking under.
Repairing A Curling Shingle
When the edges of your shingle start to peel up and the center of the shingle appears sunken, it means your shingles are curling. Repairing a curling shingle also involves the same procedure.
- Lift the edges of the curling shingle.
- Apply roofing sealant generously beneath the shingle.
- Press the shingle down firmly.
- Put some weight on the shingles to ensure it is effectively sealed.
Replacing The Damaged Shingles
If your shingles are severely damaged, we recommend replacing them entirely. The tools that we have described above will be enough for replacement too.
Pro tip: If you have extra shingles left over from your roof installation, now’s the time to dig them out. Using the same type of shingle will help your repair blend in better with the rest of the roof.
Step 1: Loosen the Damaged Shingle
Once you’re safely up on the roof and ready to start, the first step is to loosen the damaged shingle. Most shingles are attached with roofing nails and some adhesive, so you’ll need your flat pry bar for this part.
Here’s how to do it:
- Carefully lift the shingle directly above the damaged one to expose the nails holding the torn shingle in place.
- Use the flat pry bar to gently pop the nails out. Be careful not to rip or damage the shingles around it.
- Once the nails are out, lift the damaged shingle and slide it out.
If the tear isn’t too bad, you might only need to lift part of the shingle to apply the patching material. But if you’re replacing the whole shingle, you’ll need to remove it completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Replacement Shingle
If you’re replacing the shingle, grab your replacement and prepare it by trimming it to the right size if necessary. Most shingles are standard sizes, but if you’re working around an awkward spot, like near a vent or chimney, you might need to adjust it with your utility knife.
Cutting shingles is pretty straightforward—just make sure you’re cutting on a flat surface and using a sharp blade for clean, straight lines. Once you’ve got the replacement ready, you’re good to go.
Step 3: Secure Your New Shingles
For both repairs and replacements, the next step is nailing everything back in place. If you’re just patching the torn part, you can add a couple of roofing nails to secure it, especially at the corners or any weak spots.
If you’re replacing the shingle, position the new one where the old one used to be. Align it with the surrounding shingles, making sure it’s sitting flat and even. Then, nail it in place using roofing nails. You’ll want to hammer the nails into the same spots where the old ones were, or as close as possible, to avoid making extra holes in the roof.
Pro tip: After nailing down the shingle, apply a little roofing cement over the heads of the nails to ensure they’re fully sealed. This helps prevent water from leaking through the tiny holes.
Also Read: Different Types of Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof
Step 4: Clean Up
Whether you have repaired a torn shingle or entirely replaced a damaged shingle, cleaning up is necessary. Make sure you collect any leftover nails, bits of old shingle, or tools lying around. If you’ve used roofing cement, give it some time to fully dry (check the label for drying times).
Also Read: What To Do When A Roof Is Damaged By Hail In Wisconsin
When to Call a Professional?
While repairing a torn shingle is a relatively simple job, there are times when it’s better to call in a professional roofer. If you notice extensive damage to your roof, if you’re dealing with multiple torn shingles, or if there’s already water damage underneath, it’s probably best to let the experts handle it.
Similarly, if your roof is steep, high, or difficult to reach, it’s safer to get help from a professional roofing company in Green Bay. After all, no repair is worth risking your safety!
If you need help fixing your roof shingles, look no further than the team of Prestige Roofing. We are licensed, insured and have years of experience. We offer the best shingle roof repair services in Green Bay and surrounding areas of Wisconsin. Contact us today at (920) 791-0414.