Asphalt Shingle Repair and Replacement Guide

Did a recent storm or years of wear and tear damage your roof? If more than just a few asphalt shingles are missing, take a look at what you need to know when considering whether you should repair or replace your roof.

Who Should Assess the Damage?

Before you decide whether to replace a few shingles or the entire roof, it's essential to assess the extent of the damage. While it's easy to see the missing shingles from the ground or even from a window, you should never attempt to go out onto the roof yourself. This is dangerous and could result in a serious slip and fall injury. Only a licensed contractor with the proper qualifications, training, and insurance should assess the shingle damage from the roof level.

Not only should the contractor examine the damaged shingles, they should also look for other problems. These could include missing flashing or rot/damage to the underlying material. The extent of the damage or wear will affect the decision to repair the roof or replace it.

Does the Age of the Roof Matter?

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), asphalt shingle roofs typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. InterNACHI notes that architectural shingles may last for up to 30 years, while three-tab asphalt shingles typically have a 20-year life expectancy.

If your roof is relatively new and the damage is localized or only a few shingles are missing, a repair may solve the problem. But if your roof is at the upper end of its expected lifespan or it's newer and a large portion of shingles are missing or damaged, a replacement may be best.

What is the Extent of Damage?

Again, a qualified roofer can evaluate the extent of the damage. If more than just a few shingles are curling, cracking, or missing across a significant portion of the roof, replacement is a choice that could save you money over time.

One or two missing asphalt shingles may not seem like a major problem. Without shingles, water could enter the roof. This could lead to a leak inside of your home that rots the wood in your attic or moves down to the ceiling and walls. If your roof has minor damage or wear, you will need a roofer to repair the area. While this usually wouldn't require a full roof replacement, the roofing contractor will need to replace the missing or damaged asphalt shingles.

Is the Same Product Available?

The materials roofing manufacturers produce vary over time. If your asphalt shingles are no longer available and a similar style or color isn't available, the roofer may not have the ability to match a replacement with the rest of the roof.

A shingle replacement with a different color or style may stand out and reduce your home's curb appeal. Even if you don't care whether every shingle matches on your roof, the next person to own your home might.

If you plan to resell your home in the near future or you just want to maintain the exterior aesthetics of your home, you may need to consider a full replacement with a new color or style of shingle. In many cases, shingles that are no longer manufactured or are discontinued are part of an older roof that would require a full replacement due to age or wear and tear.

Are There Underlying Issues?

What is the condition of the underlying roof structure? If there are signs of water damage, rot, or structural issues, a full roof replacement can address these problems. This reduces the need for additional repairs in the future and can improve the overall safety of your home.

Does your roof have missing, curling, broken, or damaged asphalt shingles? Contact 20/20 Exteriors for more information.