Asphalt shingle roofs break. Now what?
Roofs in Toronto take a beating. Snow, freezing rain, hot summers – they all wear down shingles faster than you’d think.
One day your roof looks fine. Then the wind hits, and suddenly your neighbor texts: “Your shingles are in my yard.”
That happened to my neighbor last March. Gusts pulled six shingles clean off his garage. We patched it the next day, but it could’ve been worse. Water would’ve gotten in if we’d waited.
So if you’ve got cracked, curling or missing roof shingles, fix them soon. Even one broken piece can lead to a leak.
Let’s break down what you need to do.
Tools and materials you’ll need
You don’t need fancy gear. Here’s the basic list:
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Work gloves
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Ladder
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Pry bar or flat bar
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Roofing nails
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Roofing cement or sealant
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Matching replacement shingles
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Hammer
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Utility knife
Safety first: If your roof is steep or icy, don’t climb it. Falls from roofs in Toronto happen more than people admit. Hire local roofing help if you’re unsure. Call Toronto Roofer at (647) 847-8826 if it’s beyond what you want to risk.
How to spot the problem early
Visual signs from the ground
You don’t need to climb up right away. Check these from your yard:
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Shingles curling at the edges
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Color changes – often dark patches
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Granules showing up in your gutters
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Missing corners or obvious gaps
If you see these Asphalt Shingle issues, time to look closer.
What you’ll see up close
Once you’re on the ladder (again – only if it’s safe), check for:
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Cracked or torn shingles
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Raised nail heads
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Soft, spongy decking underneath
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Sealant peeling away
Small issues spread fast. A cracked roof shingle turns into a full leak after one storm.
Step-by-step: How to repair a damaged shingle
Step 1 – Remove the bad shingle
Use your flat bar to gently lift the edges of nearby shingles. Pry out the nails holding the damaged one in place.
Slide it out carefully. Don’t rip anything around it.
Step 2 – Prep the area
Clean up any leftover nails or bits of the old shingle. Check the wood deck underneath. If it’s soft or rotted, stop there. You’ll need professional roof repair help.
Wipe off loose granules or dirt.
Step 3 – Install the new shingle
Slide the replacement in place. Line it up so it matches the others. Nail it down with roofing nails – two near the top edge, under the shingle above.
Seal the nail heads with roofing cement. Add a dab under the edges if you want extra hold.
Tip: Use shingles that match your existing ones. Color differences stand out more than you’d think.
When DIY turns into “call a roofer”
Some asphalt shingle repairs are simple. Others are not.
Here’s when to step back:
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You see mold or wet spots in the attic
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Large sections are missing
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The roof is steep or over two stories
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Damage happened during winter – snow or ice is involved
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Decking underneath feels soft or crumbles
These need experience. And fast action. Water damage waits for no one.
Toronto Roofer handles emergency roof repairs all over the city. We’ve seen it all. Call (647) 847-8826 if you want a fast quote or quick patch.
Toronto-specific roof repair problems
Roofs in Toronto have some unique problems. Local weather makes it worse.
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Ice damming is common – heat escapes from poorly insulated attics, melts snow, which refreezes and causes damage.
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Ventilation issues – older homes trap warm, moist air. That leads to rot or mildew under shingles.
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Fast freeze-thaw cycles – we get 10°C swings in 24 hours. That lifts shingles and wrecks seal strips.
So even a small roof repair issue can grow fast if ignored.
How Toronto Roofer helps
We handle shingle repairs, replacements, and full roof jobs across the GTA. Here’s what we do:
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Free quotes for small or large shingle repairs
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Emergency services for sudden damage or leaks
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Full inspections with honest feedback
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Local team – we know how Toronto weather eats roofs
We won’t upsell you on a full roof if you only need 12 shingles fixed.
Call (647) 847-8826 if you want it looked at. Quick. No pressure.
FAQs
How much does it cost to repair asphalt shingles in Toronto?
Basic repairs cost around $150 to $600. If you’ve got storm roof damage or a big patch to fix, expect $800 to $1,200. Full replacements go higher.
Can I repair asphalt shingles myself?
Yes, for small fixes. If you have the tools and the roof’s easy to walk, you can do it. But know your limits. Wet roofs and ladders don’t mix.
How long does a roof patch last?
A solid patch lasts 5 to 10 years. Depends on how well it’s installed and how bad the weather gets. Still, it’s not forever.
What causes asphalt shingles to curl or crack?
Heat, poor ventilation, and trapped moisture. Age is a factor too. Some older shingles were installed without proper airflow underneath.
Is it better to replace shingles or the whole roof?
If the roof’s over 15 years old or missing shingles in multiple spots, replacement makes more sense long-term. One-off patches won’t hold forever.
How do I know if my roof leak is from shingles?
Look at the ceiling inside. Water stains or drips after rain usually trace back to missing or broken shingles above. Follow the trail.
Does insurance cover shingle repair?
Sometimes. If it’s sudden – like a tree branch or windstorm – you’re likely covered. If it’s wear and tear, probably not. Check your policy.
Summary
Asphalt shingles don’t last forever. Wind, snow, and old age wear them down fast – especially in Toronto. Fix the problem early before it spreads. Start small. If you can do it yourself, great. If not, get help.
Toronto Roofer is here if you want honest advice, quick work, and no pressure.
Call (647) 847-8826 – or bookmark this post for when your shingles start peeling next spring.
