How To Repair Blown Off Roof Shingles

During rough weather events, your roof takes the brunt of nature's wrath, and missing shingles can cause serious problems if not appropriately addressed. At McClelland's Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we understand how concerning this can be for homeowners, which is why we discuss everything you need to know about how to repair blown roof shingles. 

If you are looking for trustworthy emergency roofing services in Pittsburgh, then feel free to give us a call at (412) 353-5660. 

Why Do Shingles Blow Off In Storms?

Before you learn how to repair blown off roof shingles, we will highlight the reasons that they blow off the roof in the first place, causing issues. 

#1 Weather Conditions and Environmental Factors

Strong winds, particularly during severe storms, can lift and remove shingles from your roof. 

While quality shingles are designed to withstand normal weather conditions, extreme weather events can overcome even the best roofing materials. 

#2 Age-Related Deterioration

Like any other investment you’ve made in your home, roof shingles have a limited lifespan. As they age, the adhesive that holds them in place can lose its strength, making them more susceptible to wind damage.

Most asphalt shingles last between 20 to 30 years, although this can vary based on your local weather conditions and maintenance. 

#3 Quality Of Installation

The most preventable cause is improper installation. When shingles aren't properly nailed down, or the nails aren't placed in the correct location on the nailing strip, they're much more likely to blow off during storms. 

Professional roofers understand the importance of proper nail placement, using the right number of nails, and ensuring proper overlap between shingle courses.

How To Repair Blown Off Roof Shingles

Now that you know what causes this problem, we’ll move on to how you can repair this issue without replacing the entire roof.  

Here is a complete list of materials and tools that you need to gather, and the easy steps you can follow to repair blown off roof shingles.

Materials Required

Gather the following tools first:

⛏️ Pry bar or nail puller: To remove damaged shingles

⛏️ Utility knife: For cutting new shingles if necessary

⛏️ Hammer: To secure new shingles

⛏️ Roofing nails: Specifically designed for roofing applications

⛏️ New shingles: Either a strip or individual matching shingles

⛏️ Roofing cement: For sealing and securing shingles

⛏️ Safety harness and non-slip shoes: For safety while on the roof

⛏️ Ladder: To access the roof safely

⛏️ A friend to assist: It's safer to have someone spot you while you work

Six Simple Steps To Repair Blown Off Roof Shingles 

#1 Assess The Damage

Once you have all the tools, start by thoroughly inspecting the roof to find out how many shingles need replacement. 

Carefully check the area surrounding the missing shingles for any signs of damage or loose areas along adjacent shingles. This thorough assessment is very important and will guide your repair efforts.

#2 Remove the Damaged Shingles

Gently lift the sides of the surrounding shingles using a prybar to avoid causing further damage.

Then, very firmly remove any nails holding the damaged shingle in place. If necessary, use a utility knife to cut away any remnants of the damaged shingle. Once it’s removed, make sure that you clear all debris from the area where you want to install new shingles.

#3 Prepare the Replacement Shingle

If your new shingle needs some trimming to fit properly, use a utility knife for precise cuts. 

Apply a layer of roofing cement at the back side of the new shingle for better adhesion when it’s installed.

#4 Install the New Shingle

Slide the new shingle into place and make sure that it aligns with the other surrounding shingles. 

Secure it using roofing nails, placing them through the nail strip on the shingle, taking care to read the guidelines on its packaging. As a general practice, five nails are recommended for proper security.

#5 Seal and Finish

Once installed, press down on the edges of the new shingle to ensure a tight fit.

If needed, you can apply additional roofing cement around the edges to prevent wind uplift and water infiltration. This step is important for long-term durability.

#6 Inspect Your Work

After completing the installation, check that your work is durable and lasting. If the shingles surrounding the one you repaired are loose, repeat the process as needed and secure them with roofing cement. 

After, frequently monitor your roof for any signs of lifting or further damage over the following days, applying more sealant as necessary.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Blown Off Shingles?

If you're comfortable with DIY repairs and intend to fix the shingles yourself, you might spend $50 to $200 on materials. However, hiring a professional repair service can cost anywhere between $150 to $500 or more, depending on the damage and where you live. While it may seem more expensive, this option is often the best since you can have confidence in the quality of the repair. 

How To Prevent Roof Shingles From Blowing Off In The Future

There are some easy ways you can definitely prevent roof shingles from blowing off during high-speed winds and storms. Here are a few:

👉 Check your roof once a year for loose or damaged shingles 

👉 When you get new shingles installed, make sure they're nailed down properly and sealed well

👉 It's worth spending a bit extra on good-quality shingles that can handle strong winds 

👉 Keep your gutters clean and make sure your attic has good airflow. This helps your roof last longer

Get Professional Roof Repairs In Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are committed to serving our community with professional-level roofing services. If you are looking for high-quality roof repairs in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, then we are here to assist you.

To schedule your free roof inspection today, or, for a no pressure discussion about your roof with our team, feel free to call us today at (412) 353-5660. 

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