Shingle roof repair sounds simple until you're on the roof looking at the actual problem. What appears from the ground as a few missing shingles might reveal cracked decking, failed flashing, or damage that extends far beyond the obvious spots.
Understanding repair techniques helps you evaluate contractor recommendations and know what quality work looks like.
Common Shingle Problems and Their Solutions
Missing shingles demand immediate attention. The exposed underlayment beneath isn't waterproof—it's water-resistant. UV exposure degrades it quickly. Rain finds its way through eventually. Replace missing shingles before the next storm, even if you're planning a full replacement later.
The replacement process involves breaking the seal on surrounding shingles, removing nails, sliding out the damaged piece, and installing a replacement. Quality repair means matching the shingle profile and color as closely as possible, nailing in the correct location, and resealing the surrounding edges.
Cracked shingles might not need full replacement. Small cracks can be sealed with roofing cement applied beneath and over the crack. This works for minor damage but isn't appropriate for large splits or brittle shingles that will crack again.
Curling shingles indicate age-related deterioration. The corners or edges lift as the material dries out and shrinks. Minor curling can be addressed by warming the shingle (sun exposure often suffices in San Diego), applying roofing cement beneath, and pressing flat. Severe curling requires replacement.
Granule loss reveals itself in gutter accumulation. Some granule shedding is normal, especially on new roofs. Heavy accumulation after a few years indicates accelerated aging, often from poor ventilation or manufacturer defect.
Flashing failures cause most shingle roof leaks. The shingles themselves shed water fine, but transitions at walls, chimneys, and penetrations depend on flashing integrity. Check these areas during any repair inspection.
Step flashing along walls corrodes or works loose over time. Counter flashing at chimneys loses its seal as mortar ages and movement occurs. Boot seals around vent pipes crack and split after years of UV exposure. Each of these requires different repair approaches.
Vent boot replacement is common and straightforward. The rubber seal around plumbing vent pipes typically fails before the surrounding shingles. Replacement involves lifting adjacent shingles, removing the old boot, installing the new one, and relaying the shingles.
Valley repairs require more expertise. These areas channel heavy water flow and see concentrated wear. Metal valley flashing can corrode, develop holes, or lift at edges. Woven valley shingles can separate or crack at the fold. Repair approaches depend on the original construction method.
When Repair Isn't Enough
Scattered damage across the entire roof surface suggests systemic failure. Patching here and there becomes expensive repetition. When repairs in one area lead to problems appearing elsewhere, the roof has reached its limits.
Age provides context for repair decisions. Extensive repairs on a five-year-old roof make sense—decades of protection remain. The same repairs on a twenty-year-old roof might be wasted money. Consider remaining useful life when deciding between repair and replacement.
Water damage beneath shingles changes the calculation. If repair inspection reveals soft decking, water stains on sheathing, or damaged trusses, simple shingle repair isn't sufficient. These underlying issues need resolution before any surface work.
Document repair history. Keep records of what was fixed, when, and the warranty provided. This documentation helps you recognize patterns suggesting larger problems and supports decisions about eventual replacement.
