April showers might bring May flowers, but hazardous weather can bring many problems to your roof. For example, heavy winds and rain can loosen and damage your roof’s shingles. Learn what to do about a loose shingle so you can fix the issue before more damage occurs.
What to Do About a Loose Shingle
A loose shingle might not seem like a big deal if you don’t know much about roofing. After all, your roof is covered in shingles. How much harm could a single misplaced shingle do? Unfortunately, a loose shingle is a big problem for the integrity of your roof. Loose shingles can allow moisture into your roofing system, leading to mold and water damage. Keeping your shingles in good shape is essential to keeping your roof in good working order. Learn what to do about a loose shingle to nip the problem in the bud.
How to Spot a Loose Shingle
Sometimes it can be challenging to spot a loose shingle on your roof. You can find one by looking for shingles that seem out of alignment with those next to them. If the shingle has not moved significantly, it may not be possible to see that it’s loose without an up-close look. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected once a year for potential shingle damage and to look for damage after adverse weather events. You should also consider having your roof inspected for shingle damage if you see evidence of water damage in your attic or on the ceiling of your home.
Can I Fix a Loose Shingle?
The good news about loose shingles is that they’re relatively easy to repair if you’re a competent home handyperson. However, it’s important to remember that your shingles are your roof’s first defense against damage. If you don’t have experience and confidence in your repair abilities, leave this job to the professionals. If you want to attempt the repair yourself, here’s how to do it:
- Remove any shingles that are blocking your access to the loose shingle. Place them aside for now.
- Using a pry bar, lift and inspect the loose shingle. If the shingle is significantly damaged, you need to replace it instead of repairing your roof with it. If the shingle still appears in good shape, you can use it for your repair.
- Pry the entire shingle free from the roof, exposing the roofing paper underneath. Look for evidence of any damage that may have occurred while the shingle was out of place, such as leaks or punctures. If anything needs to be fixed, take some time to repair it before continuing work on the shingle.
- Spread a thin layer of roofing cement over the roofing paper where the loose shingle will be placed. Be sure to apply roofing cement anywhere else that shingles must be re-set.
- Fit the shingle on top of the new layer of roofing cement, ensuring it’s in line with the shingles around it. You can use the existing nail holes to attach the shingle to the roof with new nails.
- Once the loose shingle is securely attached to the roof, re-attach any shingles that had to be moved to complete the repair.
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Loose shingles are a frustration for any homeowner. If you spot one on your roof, save yourself some grief and call the professionals at Taylor-Made Roofing.
Are you worried you might need a new roof? If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for all your roofing needs. Our experts can help you explore new roofing options, maintain an older roof, perform emergency repairs, complete tear-offs and recovers, and perform remodeling services. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing options, ice dam prevention, and more, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!