Tips for Dealing with Ripped Shingles

Your home's roof is capable of withstanding a lot of wear over the years, with asphalt shingles lasting around 20 years before they need to be replaced. However, that doesn't mean that your roof won't suffer from damage that needs to be repaired at some point before that. All it takes is a strong storm to cause the wind to rip some of the shingles on your roof. Here is what you should know about ripped shingles.

What Causes Shingles to Rip?

All asphalt shingles are actually made of multiple layers, with each manufacturer making materials of varying quality. It starts with a lightweight base with a composite of materials on top of it. Many porous materials are used to form the shingle material, such as wood fiber, fiberglass, and even paper waste, which then absorbs the asphalt with its petroleum base that is waterproof. When combined, it makes an affordable roofing material that provides excellent protection. Since asphalt shingles are thin and lightweight, tearing can cause them to break prematurely.

Rain, hail, and debris all contribute to shingles breaking down prematurely. Water damage can also occur due to the material actually absorbing water, which can cause a shingle to expand and break apart. 

How Can Ripped Shingles Be Repaired?

The ability to repair your shingles depends on how much damage was caused. If the shingle is very old or has absorbed water, you will likely need to replace the shingle with a new one to protect your roof. For very large rips, replacement will be the best option as well. You can remove three-tab shingles by cutting them out of your roof and sliding new ones in. Just make sure the new shingles match in terms of color and you'll be good to go. A new shingle can also be installed on top of the old one in some situations.

Thankfully, other types of damage can be repaired using various methods. It is possible to use roofing cement to bond a damaged shingle so that the rip is no longer there. You can place the cement underneath the shingle and press down on it, which will keep the shingle flat against a roof and put an additional layer of waterproof material between your roof and the roofing material.

For more information about repairing your ripped shingles, you should reach out to a local roofing company, such as The Roof Doctor.


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