Roof Shingle Maintenance Tips for Wind Lifted Shingles
Shingles are designed to withstand wind, but if they’re not properly maintained or the wind gets strong enough it can lift them up. This leaves the roof exposed to moisture and can cause leaks and other problems.
Lifted shingles should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent water damage and further issues with the roof system. Here are some tips to help you fix lifted shingles!
1. Clean the Roof
Shingles exposed to moisture for an extended period of time will lose their elasticity and can even curl or lift. This can result in roof leaks, which homeowners often notice as water stains on their ceilings or mold growth inside the home. To avoid these problems, keep the shingles on your asphalt shingle roof clean and free of debris.
When it comes to shingle cleaning, the best way is to hire a professional roofing contractor. However, if you want to try to do it yourself, it’s important to use the right tools and equipment for the job. Using harsh, sharp materials or pressure washers can damage or dislodge the shingles.
Using a gentle, shingle-safe broom or leaf blower can help to remove the accumulated dirt and debris from your shingles. You should also be sure to check the attic space to make sure that there are no blocked vents or insulation that could obstruct airflow and prevent the shingles from receiving the fresh air they need to stay healthy.
It’s a good idea to trim any overhanging tree branches that touch or hang over the roof, as well. This can help to prevent leaves, branches, and other debris from falling on the shingles and can also promote sunlight and create an environment that’s less suited for moss or algae growth.
If your shingles have become stained by algae or another dark discoloration, it’s important to treat them with a product that’ll kill the organisms and prevent them from coming back. This can be done with a standard bleach solution that’s mixed with water and/or a non-ammonia heavy cleaner, like TSP (trisodium phosphate). It’s also important to keep the gutters clean, which is crucial for proper attic ventilation.
If your shingles are new and are showing signs of curling or lifting, it may be a sign that they were installed during cooler weather and haven’t had a chance to warm up. If the problem continues, you’ll want to call in a professional roofer to inspect and repair the roof. The longer this issue goes on, the more damage it can cause to the roof structure and the rest of your home.
2. Remove Debris
If there’s a lot of debris on the roof, shingles can become damaged. Debris may also block drainage or cause leaks. It’s important to remove debris regularly to prevent problems with shingle lifespan and performance.
There are a few steps you can take to ensure proper debris removal. If you’re comfortable getting on the roof, you can use a broom or a rake to gently sweep away debris. This will help avoid scratching or damaging the shingles or tiles. However, if you’re not comfortable on the roof, it’s best to leave this part of shingle maintenance to Nj Roofing Contractor.
Another common method for removing debris is using a leaf blower. However, this can be dangerous if you’re not careful. If you’re not in control of where the debris is blowing, it can end up in vents, garage spaces, or even the attic. Additionally, if you’re not using a low setting, a blower can break the adhesive between shingles and strip off granules.
It’s also important to keep overhanging branches trimmed. If a branch is left unattended, it can fall during a storm and damage the roof. Overhanging branches can also block sunlight and encourage moss or algae growth on the shingles. These organisms eat away at the shingles, and they can lead to leaks or rot.
If you have a large amount of debris, you can make a lasso out of a rope and carefully grab it with the other end. This is especially effective for catching things like fallen tree branches and palm fronds that are difficult to reach with a ladder.
Once you have the majority of the debris removed, it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters and downspouts. This will remove any debris that has accumulated in the valleys and around the downspouts, and it can help prevent water damage to the shingles or structure.
3. Repair Damaged Shingles
Shingles that are damaged in some way should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent water from leaking into the roof and causing more serious damage. This can include curled or lifted shingles, but also shingles that are missing a large portion of the roofing material. It’s best to replace a small section of shingle instead of a whole shingle, since this will be easier for the average homeowner to accomplish and will provide more protection.
When a shingle is missing, start by loosening the nails holding the adjacent shingles to it. You can usually access these by sliding a flat pry bar under the tabs of the shingle and gently working it around its perimeter. This is easiest to do when the weather is cool, as the sealant on a shingle can be more gooey and tenacious in warmer temperatures.
Once the nails are loosened, pull up the damaged shingle and discard it. Be sure to take care to remove the nails on the adjacent shingles as well, and be careful not to puncture or tear the roofing felt underneath. Then, work your way progressively closer to the damaged shingle by lifting the tabs of the surrounding shingles and withdrawing the loosened nails with the pry bar.
When you get within a couple shingles of the damaged area, check for sagging or discoloration in the edges of the roofing material. These areas are most likely the result of moisture, which can cause brittle and cracked asphalt shingles to curl upward and lift off the roof. In such cases, you should apply a thin coating of shingle cement under the edges of each new shingle to ensure they stay securely in place. It’s a good idea to have enough shingle cement on hand to secure any other loose shingles as well. This can be purchased at most home improvement stores and will help you keep your roof in great shape, even after a bad storm.
4. Replace Defective Shingles
It is essential to replace a damaged shingle promptly. This helps to prevent moisture from entering the roof and causing more damage. It is also important to ensure that the replacement shingle is properly installed so that it is securely fastened. This will help to prevent further wind damage and other issues such as missing shingles that can result from improper installation. Before starting the process of replacing a defective shingle, make sure that you are comfortable working on your roof and have the right tools. These tools include a hammer, a flat pry bar and a utility knife. First, climb on your roof and clear away any debris that may be present in the area of the missing shingle. Once the debris is cleared, locate the shingle that needs to be replaced and slide the flat pry bar underneath it to break its sealant bond. This method works best when the weather is cool, as it will be easier to shear off the sealant from a shingle in cooler temperatures.
Once you are able to remove the sealant, you will need to loosen the nails that hold the shingle in place. This can be done by sliding the flat pry bar under the shingle and pushing upward. The nail should pop up a bit, and once it does, you can pull it out. Repeat this process for the other three nails that are holding the shingle in place.
Before installing the new shingle, you will need to apply a small bead of shingle cement beneath each tab of the shingle that you removed. This will help to keep the shingle in place and prevent moisture from getting through the roof. After applying the cement, you can then install the new shingle and secure it with the remaining nails. You should also consider applying a new layer of underlayment. This can be either asphalt-impregnated felt paper or a self-adhering ice and water shield, depending on what the building code requires for your area. If you are unsure what type of underlayment your home needs, you should consult with Nj Roofing Contractor.
Shingles are designed to withstand wind, but if they’re not properly maintained or the wind gets strong enough it can lift them up. This leaves the roof exposed to moisture and can cause leaks and other problems. Lifted shingles should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent water damage and further issues with the…