How to Replace Roof Shingles Without Compromising Your Home’s Integrity?

This may sound like a simple thing to do if you are looking to do it on your own or if you have some skills; if not, you may want to pass the project to some experts. It doesn’t matter what the condition of your shingles, when they are ready to blow off in a high wind, or they are losing the layer on top which protects them from Mother Nature, no one wants to think they need to learn how to replace roof shingles, however it’s not just important, but it’s downright vital if you want to maintain the value and safety of what may be your second biggest investment: your home or business. And although some homeowners choose to try it themselves, the skills of a professional installer with a firm like Florida Roofing and Gutters can elevate the task of installing a new roof a few notches.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about getting new roof shingles: The warning signs you should be able to recognize, what the process involves, and why turning to a roofing contractor who emphasizes quality and expertise at every stage is the secret to securing the hardest-working, longest-lasting roof.

The Role Played By Shingles On The Roof

It’s your first line of defense… not just against rain, wind, and damaging UV rays, but against pests too. Shingles: For years, the domain of asphalt-based products, shingles (and, on occasion, wood, slate, or a composite) consist of multiple layers and provide rapid runoff. They’ll break down in time from nature and elements anyway.

It leaves the rest of the roof and, therefore, your interior vulnerable if the shingles fail. What might seem like a cosmetic problem can quickly morph into an out-of-control mess of water damage, mold, compromised insulation, and, in some cases, an electrical nightmare.

Signs That You Need New Roof Shingles

You never have to use the entire roof. Small sections of piping can commonly be repaired rather than replaced, but only if it is caught soon enough. If so, it’s likely time to have some shingles replaced.

Curling or buckling shingles

If you are missing shingles or notice damage after a storm, granules are being lost (bald spots or clogged gutters). Most asphalt 2 and composition type shingles 2 are made similarly.

Ceiling or attic insulation is stained with moisture.

Soft, spongy decking underneath, if so, or are the shingles just directly laid on the decking?

You’re dealing with shingle trouble: A shingle roof that’s the dominant material on a home should last 20 years at least, and if it’s failing in a way that looks like this, it’s no longer doing the work it’s supposed to be for your home’s safety and security. This is the very moment when a homeowner’s knowledge about how to replace roof shingles is worth a lot (or even better, who to call).

The Process of Installing Roof Shingles Step by Step

We’ll provide the breakdown for either if you simply want it boiled down to the process, or if you’re trying to figure out if you need to tackle this DIY or contract a local roofer — how to replace roof shingles.

Inspect the Area

Look before you touch: Get a good look at the part of the damaged area before you start prodding. Check whether it is just broken for you or everybody else. Make sure to inspect the shingles and underlayment around it as well.

Remove the Damaged Shingles

Slowly lift the tabs of the shingles in the row above and pull the nails out with a flat bar or roofer’s hatchet. Slide the bad shingle out, and be careful not to tear it if at all possible.

Prepare the Replacement Shingles

Cut new shingles to size with the original shingle using a utility knife. Don’t exceed the recommended trim (overhang) for most asphalt shingles.

Install the New Shingles

Thread the new shingle into place. Secure to the roof with galvanized roofing nails, making sure words are in line with each other and that the nail heads are even (do not drive heads below the surface or words will fall off). Reinail and spread the top row of shingles with roof cement, top and under tabs.

Seal and Finish

A dab of roof sealant under the tab of the shingle, press the shingle down flat against the other shingles so that the tar holds it water-tight. Remove debris and look for protruding nails.

Roof shingles, for example, might sound easy enough with a basic understanding of what to do, but you might find climbing up steep inclines and handling extremely easy-to-break materials, while also dealing with damage not on the surface, potentially more than you want to take on yourself. For that, people turn to professional services.

When You Wish You Could Do It Yourself but Know You Can’t

While you may be able to patch some shingles if you are dexterous, you have a liability:

Penalties: roof warranty voided due to improper installation.

It’s not such a healthy fall either, but if it’s a one-story plummet, you can be pretty hurt.

But shingle damage is rarely all that cut-and-dried, and proving cause in court can be difficult for a homeowner to do.

And not only that, but the color and/or brand of the existing shingles might not even be made now, which in some instances can have an impact on the appearance/value of a house.

Homeowner’s insurance and local regulations can also demand that contractors provide written documentation that their remediation is up to code. All work is thoroughly documented – and code-compliant by Florida Roofing and Gutters, providing you with more than just your eyes on the repairs.

When Is a Fresh Roof a Good Idea Anyway?

On occasion, putting new shingles on is the equivalent of slapping a Band-Aid on. Other indicators that may mean that you do need an implant to bond to the teeth.

Shingles are more than 20 years old.

The roof deck shows any sign of rot or mold.

So, again, leaks all over the house.

Sagging or uneven rooflines.

Florida Roofing and Gutters provides free estimates with a friendly inspection. We’ll tell you whether a little repair is likely to fix the problem and, if not, whether it’s time to pull the plug.

Why Florida Roofing And Gutters?

Whom do you trust not only for how to replace roof shingles, but also where to begin with the work? Florida Roofing and Gutters will come to the rescue.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Local Expertise: We serve the Fort Myers, FL area because we know it just all too well around here; we have lived here, and we know what type of problems the Florida extreme heat and harsh weather can cause in a home’s roof.
• Experienced Crew. From your initial call through completion of your project, you can expect top-quality service from our experienced crews.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. No upselling. No Bull, no riddles, and talking about a different product, just proper competitive quotes for your property.
• Start to Finish: Very professional, from initial inspection to clean up.

Provide Your Roof and Home with the Assurance It Needs

Knowing how to replace roof shingles is kind of like learning how to memorize things; it either is already there or you don’t know it! Your home should never be at risk for water damage, higher heating and cooling bills, or expensive repairs. At Florida Roofing and Gutters, we’re here to make sure that your roof is doing what it’s supposed to be doing, and doing it with style and substance -strong and reliable and nice to look at.

Does your roof require repair? Contact Florida Roofing and Gutters for a free in-home consultation. Or contact us here and receive your free quote with no obligation.