Shingles Blown Off Roof - How to Repair the Damage?

Dec 17

Wind damage can lead to all sorts of problems for homeowners, but nothing quite as problematic as shingles blowing off your roof. If that happens, you’ll want to act quickly to make sure the problem doesn’t get worse and cost you more money in the long run. In this article, we’ll go over some of the steps you should take to fix your roof after shingles have blown off in a storm, whether it’s minor or severe damage that requires immediate attention.

Repair the Damage

Have you ever had shingles blown off your roof? While it can be inconvenient, you shouldn’t worry too much about this happening. It’s an easy fix and won’t take long to repair if you have the right materials and some direction on what to do next. Even if it was just one or two shingles that blew off, there are ways you can keep the others from doing the same thing. With this guide, we’ll show you how to repair shingles blown off your roof without hiring help for the job.

Step 1: Assess the damage

If you find that your shingles have been blown off, it's important to assess the damage and figure out what can be done for repair. For more information on how to do this, please consult with a roofing expert. It is recommended that you hire a professional if:

The roof was damaged in an earthquake or hurricane
You see mold or other organic materials
The building has experienced structural damage in other areas such as an attic or chimney
Water is seeping into the house and cannot be traced back to a single location (in these cases, it's likely coming from inside)
You need help removing broken glass or debris from the property

Step 2: Remove siding from the roof where blown shingles landed

Once you have determined where the shingles landed, remove any siding that is blocking your access to that area. Remove any nails or screws that are preventing you from removing the siding pieces. If you are unable to remove all of them, it is better to leave some than none. You will want a flat surface for attaching new shingles.

To do this, use a putty knife to scrape off any loose or cracked shingles and debris that may be present on the roof in this area. Now lay down a single layer of felt paper on top of the entire area (remove paper backing). Using an ice pick (or another nail-like object) punch two holes about one inch apart in each corner of the rectangle.

Use galvanized roofing nails (6d) and a hammer to attach felt paper to the roof. The nails should go into the existing plywood sheathing by 1/2. Be sure not to puncture through felt paper. Starting at one edge of the board, start nailing every 12 until the opposite edge is reached. Make sure to pull up any air bubbles with a scraper before nailing the next row. Repeat the process for the other three sides of the roof area with blown-off shingles; then replace the siding over the repair site

Step 3: Nail on new shingles and seal around nails

Once you have shingles nailed on, you must seal them around the nails. This will help keep water from seeping in and causing future leaks. Use a caulk gun with a tube of roof sealant or roofing cement for this step. Make sure to allow ample time for drying before applying any weight or walking on them. For example, if possible try not to walk on your new shingles for at least 24 hours.

You also want to make sure there are no puddles or pools of water where your newly installed shingles are. If there are any pools of water near your new shingles, you should wait until they dry up before continuing with the rest of the project. The longer you wait, the more likely those pools of water will evaporate naturally due to sunshine and wind. If necessary, use a hose or sprinkler system to help with the process.

Maintaining an exterior surface can be tricky because as soon as one issue is taken care of another pops up. Just because your shingles are blown off doesn't mean you're out of luck when it comes to making repairs.

Step 4: Add caulking, sealant, and primer where needed

As you are caulking, sealant, and priming, make sure that you go over all of the seams on your roof. This will ensure a tight seal for any leaks. Caulk and sealant can be applied on the inside or outside of your home, but is typically applied from the inside out because it is easier to apply. Use primer on areas where shingles were blown off. The primer should be applied before caulk so that it adheres better to new shingles when they are installed. If you have shingle replacement done by a professional roofer near me, this step may not be necessary.

When applying caulking, place just enough to cover the seams; too much could cause leakage down the line. Sealants can also be used in conjunction with caulk to give an extra layer of protection against water damage. You might want to consult with a San Antonio metal roofing company if you think this will help, as these companies often have more experience in working with these materials than traditional contractors.