When you notice a large section of your roof missing shingles, just know that your roof needs attention right away. Even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal, missing shingles allow rain and other weather elements threaten the structural integrity of your home.
Missing shingles make way for water to get under the roof’s underlayment and eventually lead to rot along wooden decking, beams, and rafters. This is why replacing missing shingles should be at the top of your home maintenance checklist.
In this blog post, we will cover the essential things you need to know about when it comes to replacing missing shingles, including step-by-step instructions, the associated costs, and preventive measures that can help protect your home.
At Capital Roofing, our professional team of contractors has been serving Claremore and the surrounding areas in Oklahoma for over 11 years. To get a free estimate, or to speak with one of our professionals about your roofing needs, feel free to call us at (918) 360-4075.
Get Started: How To Replace Missing Shingles On A Roof
If you find that your roof is missing shingles and you’re ready to perform a DIY replacement, you’ll want to start by gathering the right tools and safety equipment.
Materials Required
👉 A professional-grade pry bar for careful shingle removal (the parts of missing shingles that are still left on your roof)
👉 A sturdy roofing hammer for secure nail placement
👉 High-quality roofing nails that match your existing ones
👉 Premium asphalt roofing cement for proper sealing
👉 A sharp utility knife for precise cuts
👉 Replacement shingles that accurately match your current ones
Safety Equipment
👉 Non-slip roofing shoes with excellent grip
👉 Heavy-duty work gloves for protection
👉 Safety tools if working on a steep roof
👉 Safety glasses to protect your eyes
👉 Proper clothing that allows easy movement
Four Easy Steps For Replacing Missing Shingles
Step 1: Prepare and Assess
Before starting your shingle replacement project, carefully assess the weather conditions and your roof’s condition. Choose a dry, mild day with no rain in the forecast.
Gather all the tools, materials, and safety equipment. Before you even start, the damaged area and its surrounding shingles should be assessed thoroughly in order to understand the full extent of necessary repairs.
This step is very important as if you ignore any existing damaged area under the line, and it will result in installation faults. Make sure that you repair the underlying problems before you start installing a new shingle.
Step 2: Remove Shingle Debris/Torn Shingles
Even if a shingle is missing, there may be part of it still attached to the roof, especially if it was torn off by high winds. You may find the nailing strip still intact, or parts of the sealant still attached to the roof.
Start by properly and carefully lifting the edges of the shingles above the damaged area. These need to be loosened to access the nailing strip that was holding the old shingle in place.
Once that’s done, use your pry bar to gently break any sealant strips holding the damaged shingle. Work slowly to avoid damaging surrounding shingles and properly locate and remove all nails. You’ll generally find four to six nails per shingle that need removal.
Step 3: Install New Shingles
Now, once you’re done preparing the surface it’s finally time to install the new shingle. For this, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the exposed area and remove any remaining nails or debris that could cause glitches in achieving a faultless installation.
Then, carefully position your new shingle. Make sure that it aligns perfectly with the surrounding shingles. Proper alignment is very important for both appearance and performance.
After the alignment, secure the new shingle with roofing nails, placing them in the proper nailing zone according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Step 4: Inspect and Seal
In the final step, roofing cement will be applied under the edges of the shingle and surrounding shingles. After that, press down the shingle firmly for proper adhesion.
This is an important step that gives the roof a final touch. Once you are done with everything, thoroughly check for any exposed nail heads that still need sealing.
What Commonly Causes Missing Shingles?
Understanding why shingles go missing is very important for you to know as a homeowner. By being informed on the causes, you can keep an eye out for any occurrences to your roof.
#1 Weather-Related Damage
Extreme weather events pose the biggest threat to your shingles. High winds can lift and tear away shingles, while hail can damage them beyond repair. Heavy rain and dramatic temperature changes can also weaken shingle adhesion over time.
#2 Age and Wear
As your roof ages, shingles naturally become more brittle and prone to damage. The adhesive strips that hold them in place gradually lose their effectiveness, making older shingles more likely to tear away during storms.
#3 Installation Issues
Low-quality installations can lead to premature shingle failure. This includes improper nail placement, insufficient number of nails, or incorrect overlap between shingle rows. While this blog post outlines how to replace the shingles yourself, it’s always best to hire an expert to ensure that faulty installation isn’t the cause of shingle damage in the future.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Missing Shingles?
When you need shingle replacement, the costs can vary based on how many shingles need attention.
👉 For smaller repairs where your roof is only missing a few shingles, professional replacements generally only cost around $100 and $300. This covers both materials and professional installation.
👉 For larger areas, particularly damage that covers 100 square feet or more of your roof, can raise the expense from around $200 to $600 dollars you should expect to pay between $200 and $600.
However, the exact cost to replace missing shingles on your roof will depend on various factors such as your roof’s slope, and how easy it is for workers to access the damaged area.
Also Read: Why Your Roof Shingles Are Lifting?
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today In Oklahoma
At Capital Roofing, we aim to be the trusted roofing company serving Claremore and the surrounding areas in Oklahoma. If you are looking for high-quality roof repairs then we are here to assist you. To get a free estimate or to schedule a free roof inspection today, feel free to call us at (918) 260-4075.
FAQs
A. You can apply roofing cement over the exposed area to prevent water from getting in. This provides immediate protection until you can replace the shingles.
Another temporary solution is covering the damaged area by installing a tarp or roofing felt over larger areas. Make sure it’s secured properly to protect your roof until permanent repairs can be made.
A. It’s best to carry out detailed roof inspections at least twice a year. Look for loose or damaged shingles, worn nails, and signs of water damage.
A. Keep your gutters clean, trim any overhanging branches, remove debris from roof valleys, and address minor repair needs quickly in order to prevent bigger problems.
A. Regular maintenance helps prevent severe damage and expensive repairs by catching issues early on and ensuring your roof remains in good condition.
