Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

A damaged or missing shingle on your roof can quickly turn into a leak and a major problem. Although the damage may look small and like a simple repair, it is still best to leave it to the professionals.

1. Damage Assessment

What looks like a simple leak from a missing shingle could be systematic of more severe damage. For example, the shingle may have come loose due to rot affecting the decking beneath the shingles. A professional roofer will perform a full damage assessment. Even better, they know what types of damage to look for and how to find it, so you can be secure in the fact that your roof wasn't just temporarily patched but fully repaired.

2. Shingle Matching 

One area of consternation among homeowners is that it can be difficult to match a shingle color if you must replace one some years after installation. Manufacturers change their color offerings annually, which leads to this problem. A roofing contractor has access to more shingles, including leftovers and discontinued options that may not be readily available to the general public. This means they may be better able to match the color.

3. Proper Restoration

Mistakes happen, particularly if you have little experience in roof repair. A roof can be damaged just by walking on it wrong, which means even getting onto the roof to fix the shingle could lead to more damages. For certain roofs, like slate and tile, walking on the roof is one of the more damaging things you can do. Plus, how and where the shingle is nailed down matters, as you don't want to punch a new leak into your home. A roofer knows how to do the job properly so no further damages occur.

4. Durable Repair

Many DIY repair advisers give bad advice that only leads to a temporary repair at best. One common example is that homeowners can skip nailing down a new asphalt shingle and can instead seal it in place with roofing tar or adhesive. Unfortunately, this repair won't last and it can also damage neighboring shingles. Skip the bad DIY advice and instead turn to a professional if you want a durable repair.

5. Safety Benefits

There are naturally safety concerns when it comes to getting up on the roof. Letting a professional with the experience, equipment, and training to safely navigate high spaces is the safest option available.

Contact a roofing company if you suspect that you have a leaking shingle on your roof.