How To Repair Roof Shingles

A damaged roof is a serious concern that needs your immediate attention. We mostly receive a common question from our clients: Is it possible to repair a roof by themselves? While not always, in some cases, you can try repairing your roofs. 

At Kickapoo Roofing, we are proud to be the local roofers serving La Crosse and the surrounding areas of Wisconsin with the highest quality roofing services.

In today’s article, we will walk you through everything that you need to know about shingle roof repair. 

If you are still confused about your existing roof’s condition or looking forward to a no-obligation discussion with our roofers, feel free to call us today at (608) 352-8688.

How to Safely Repair Your Roof Shingles

Before you climb up on your roof to fix those damaged shingles, you should understand what you’re getting into. 

Roof repair can be dangerous if you don’t take the right safety precautions. Here’s how you can safely approach shingle roof repair! 

#1 Identify the Type of Damage

The first step in roof shingle repair is figuring out what kind of damage you’re dealing with. Here, we will briefly give you an overview of some common types of shingle damage. 

👉 Curling or buckling

You may begin to notice that your roof shingles will start to curl up at the edges. This can happen because of aging, moisture problems, or poor attic ventilation, 

👉 Cracking Or Splitting

Another sign of damage that you have to notice is the cracking or splitting of your roof shingles. The reason behind this roof shingle damage is exposure to weather over time.

👉 Missing Shingles

This happens because of very high winds and storms. In this case, the shingles blow off from your roof, leaving the underlying layers of your roof exposed. 

👉 Blistering

Blistering is nothing complicated, it’s just the small raised areas caused by trapped moisture or excessive heat. But yes, if you ignore this basic issue, it can result in expensive repairs. 

👉 Granule Loss

While a little granular loss is normal, if you start noticing a huge amount of shingle granules in your gutters, then it’s a clear sign that you are required to take a proactive repair approach for your roof. 

Important Note: Take the time to inspect your roof at least twice or at least three times a year, especially after major weather events in your area.

This simple yet effective approach towards your roof’s health will help you find these issues early and avoid expensive repair costs. The best times to check are during spring and fall.

You can try repairing your roof shingles in only some of these cases, like when your shingles are curled, cracked, or buckled. In other instances, it’s best to leave it to professionals. 

#2 Gather The Right Tools And Materials

For a successful shingle repair, you’ll need some important tools and materials. Here are a couple of examples:

👉 Ladder (make sure it’s stable and on solid ground)

👉 Replacement shingles (matching your existing roof as closely as possible)

👉 Roofing nails (1¼-inch)

👉 Roofing cement or sealant

👉 Caulking gun

👉 Flat pry bar

👉 Hammer

👉 Utility knife

👉 Putty knife

👉 Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, non-slip shoes)

👉 Tool belt (to keep everything handy while on the roof)

#3 Easy Steps To Repair Curled Shingles

The first case is curled shingles, and to repair this common problem, you have to follow these simple steps.

Step 1

You should properly clean the curled area of your roof shingle to remove any debris.

Step 2 

After that, a good amount of roofing sealant should be applied right beneath the curled section of your roof shingle.

Step 3

After applying the roofing sealant, just firmly press down the curled portion of your roof shingle.

Step 4

After that, place a brick or any other heavy (but not so heavy) object on top of the repaired section.

Step 6

Then, simply leave the weight there for at least one complete day and allow the sealant to completely dry and settle.

This simple shingle repair can be really helpful in preventing water infiltration under your shingles. 

#4 Easy Steps To Repair Cracked Or Torn Shingles

To repair roof shingles with cracks or tears that aren’t too severe, you just have to follow these simple shingle repair steps. 

Step 1

To repair cracked or torn shingles, roofers start by applying a thick bead of the roofing sealant right under the crack.

Step 2

Press the shingle down to ensure it sticks to the sealant and the underneath surface properly.

Step  3

Apply another bead of the roofing sealant right on top of the cracked surface.

Step 4

Use your putty knife to spread the sealant evenly over the crack.

Also Read: How To Spot & Repair Wind-Damaged Shingles

How To Replace Damaged Shingles

In some cases (especially when the problem is in a significant portion of your roof), the shingles will have to be completely replaced.  So, if you have missing or severely damaged shingles that need replacing, follow these simple steps!

Step 1: Set Up Safely

Your safety should be your top priority. It’s important to position your ladder on solid ground and always wear safety gear. 

Step 2:  Remove The Damaged Shingle

After a safe set up, you will need to carefully lift the edges of the shingles (near the curled shingle) with your pry bar. Remove the nails that are holding the damaged shingle. 

To remove the nails, just slide your pry bar under the damaged shingle and then firmly press down to very gently pop out the roofing nails. Once roofing nails are completely removed, carefully slide out the damaged shingle.

Step 3: Insert The New Shingle

After that, you will need to very carefully slide the new shingle into place, making sure that it aligns perfectly with the surrounding shingles. The right alignment is important for both appearance and function.

Step 4: Secure The New Shingle

Lift the upper shingle and secure your new shingle with roofing nails to help prevent water 

water infiltration and make your repair look neat. 

Step 5: Seal The Edges

Once you are done securing the shingles, another important thing is to seal the edges of the shingle properly. For that, roofers apply roofing sealant right under the tabs of your new shingle to help it adhere better. 

Step 6: Check Your Work

Make sure everything is secure and properly aligned before climbing down from the roof.

While we’ve briefly explained how roof repair and replacement differ, we never recommend taking on these tasks yourself. These things require the relevant experience or the right knowledge to do this job. 

When It Is Best To Hire A Professional For Your Roof Shingle Repair?

As discussed already, DIY roof shingle repair can save you money on minor issues, but there are times when it’s best to call in professional roofing shingle repair services. Homeowners in Mayville and the surrounding areas, call our team at Kickapoo Roofing if:

👉 The roof has multiple damaged or missing shingles

👉 You notice sagging areas on your roof

👉 There are signs of water damage inside your home

👉 The roof is steep or difficult to access safely

👉 You’re not comfortable working at heights

👉 The damage extends beyond just the shingles to the roof deck

👉 Your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan

Professional roofers have the expertise, proper equipment, and safety training to handle more complex roof shingle repair tasks. Plus, with professional roofers, you also get warranties for their work, giving you peace of mind.

Get Professional Roof Repairs In Wisconsin

At Kickapoo Roofing, what makes us the most trusted roofing company is the genuine recommendations and assessments that we provide. 

While some repairs can be DIY projects, don’t hesitate to call professionals for more complex issues or if you’re unsure about doing the work yourself.

Your safety is our priority, and we don’t want you to put that at risk for the maintenance of your roofs. That’s why we provide affordable and effective roofing solutions, including thorough inspections, repairs, installations, and complete replacements. 
For any questions about roof shingle repair near you or to schedule a professional inspection, don’t hesitate to contact us at (608) 352-8688. Our team of experienced roofers is ready to help keep your roof in top condition for years to come.