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May
05
When Should I Replace My Shingles?

When should I replace my shingles?

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No matter how well you maintain your roof, you will need to replace it at some point. Under the best circumstances and regular maintenance asphalt shingle roofs will last between 20-25 years before they need to be replaced. But weather, the sun, and general wear over the years can significantly lower your roof’s longevity and shingle replacement will be necessary. A healthy roof and roofing shingles will lay flat, and there will be no visible sags from the ground. And anytime you begin to experience problems like frequent leaks, or see cracked or curled shingles or have shingles missing, it’s time for your roof to be replaced. Get a reputable roofing contractor like Cash Affordable Roofing to come out and inspect your roof at least once per year. Our skilled inspectors will be able to tell you when it’s time for shingle replacement in Houston, TX. Set up an appointment for an inspection or estimate today by calling 346-375-9679.

Can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?

At times you may not need a full shingle replacement when your roof is damaged in a storm or by the elements. If you have just a few shingles missing, maybe torn off by high winds, it’s often easier and cheaper replacing a few shingles on roof rather than the whole roof. A leak that’s penetrated several layers of roofing material, on the other hand, may have caused enough damage that a replacement is in order. In other words, the difference between repair or replacement will primarily depend on the severity of the damage involved. But you may also want to factor in the roof’s age. If it’s more than 15-20 years old, getting a new roof is often a better option, simply because in a few years the roof will be well past its prime as it is. Calling a professional out to inspect your roof after it’s been damaged is the best way to determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Will roof leak with one shingle missing?

While it may not seem all that significant to have a single shingle missing from your roof, it can actually prove to be quite a problem. If just one shingle is missing, this means it’s a single tab of a 3-Tab shingle, and if that missing tab was sitting over a seam between shingles, the better the chances are that a leak could develop. Instead of a shingle, you now have a gap where water can easily seep in the next time it rains. No matter how many shingles are missing, to prevent leaks shingle replacement will be necessary.

How do you replace damaged shingles?

Shingle replacement is a relatively simple task you can do yourself if only a few damaged shingles need to be replaced. To replace the shingles, you’ll first need to buy some new shingles that match or closely match your current ones. You’ll also need a hammer, flat pry bar, a utility knife, and several 1 ¼-inch roofing nails. Shingles are installed in rows on top of each other with nails so prying up nails will be your first step.

  • Remove first row of nails from the shingle above the damaged one with a pry bar.

  • Lift damaged shingle up with prybar until nail pops out about ¼ inch.

  • Press down shingle and pull out nail. Repeat for next three nails.

  • Slip prybar under undamaged shingle and remove nails in same way.

  • Remove damaged shingle.

  • Put new shingle in place and secure with nails.

Can you put new shingles on top of old ones?

Among roof replacement options some people consider is reroofing. Reroofing is placing new shingles on top of old ones. This can only be done with asphalt shingles. For this type of shingle replacement to work, the old roof has to be in good shape. You also have to make sure the underlayment can support the extra weight of the new shingles, and that the new shingles are installed correctly so that moisture can’t develop between the layers. Even though this is cheaper than a traditional tear-off replacement, it’s not recommended, and some municipalities don’t allow it. It’s also not a good selling point if you plan to sell your home later.

Roof replacement during rain

Unless you have a flat roof, you can replace your roof in the rain. In this case, shingle replacement is done section by section, instead of starting out with a complete tear-off of the old roof. Of course, while roofing in the rain may be cooler than roofing in the middle of summer, you have to also be extra cautious when doing so. But, if it starts raining when you are in the middle of a project, it’s not necessary to shut down completely.

Shingle replacement near me

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Whether you need a whole new roof or just a few shingles repaired, for high-quality shingle replacement in Houston, TX at affordable prices, look to the team at Cash Affordable Roofing. We offer a complete range of services and financing options. Get started on your roofing project today by calling 346-375-9679.