How to Replace or Repair a Damaged Toronto Shingle
The most common types of roof repair is replacing a shingle or two that has been damaged
This is a good skill to have if your Toronto roof is in otherwise good shape but you’ve got a shingle or two that has been damaged by say a tree limb or something like that falling on it.
The great thing about asphalt shingles is that it’s easy to just pop one or two shingles out of your roof and replace them while leaving the rest of the roof intact.
Unless it’s some sort of emergency situation I’d advise taking the time to completely replace the entire damaged shingle rather than trying to patch it with some caulk or roofing cement
If you follow these simple steps you’ll have a great repair that will last you until you need to replace the rest of your roof.
So to replace Toronto roofing shingles in the field of your roof you’re going to need a flat bar which is a great tool to have on hand for this type of repair because the first step is going to be to break the shingle free from the glue that’s holding it down to the other shingles around it.
If you’re working with an older roof breaking the shingle free will be relatively easy as you’ll find that the glue bonds between the shingles are not nearly as strong as they are going to be on a newer roof.
On a really old roof you might find that you can just carefully pull the tabs apart with your hands. On a newer roof you’ll need to be careful and use your bar to carefully work between the shingles to separate them. You don’t need to worry about damaging the shingles you are replacing so much but be careful not to tear into the good shingles that you are leaving.
Repair Damaged Shingle Like a Pro: Tools and Materials You’ll Need
If you do damage another shingle be sure to go ahead and remove it and replace it as well. Keep in mind that the shingle is glued both to the top shingle and to the one below it so make sure to separate it all the way around. You can just slide the flat bar in and slowly pry the shingle loose. Once you’ve broken the glue bond you need to remove all the nails that are holding the shingle down.
To do this look under the top shingle and locate the nails, slide the flat bar under the shingle and pry up the nail.
After you’ve gotten it loose and raised up I like to come back in on top of the shingle press it down to the deck and reveal the nail and then use the end of the flat bar to pop the nail out. Go along and to move all of the nails in the top of that shingle give the shingle a tug. If it doesn’t slide out you’ll need to go up to the next shingle and remove those nails too.
This is good because it means your shingles are nailed in properly. If the person who installed your Toronto roof nailed the shingles down incorrectly and the nails are too high they won’t be holding the bottom shingle down so next you’ll need to remove the nails in the next shingle up.
These nails are going to be going through the top of the shingle you’re trying to remove. Again give it a tug and the shingles should slide out. After you removed all the nails if it doesn’t, don’t force it as you might up end up damaging one of the shingles that you want to leave in there. Once you’ve removed the bad shingle you can simply slide a new shingle back in place and nail it in.
Remember each shingle should have at least four nails located right above the area where the next shingle laps occur. On an architectural shingle there’s usually a line right where the two laminated portions meet. Make sure you’re nailing through these sections and into the top of the shingle below it also. Make sure that you place your nails at least six inches away from the butt joint of the shingles above it.
You don’t want to nail right where water is coming in between the two shingles. Next, don’t forget to nail the top shingle back into place as well remember you took nails out of both the damaged shingle as well as the good Shingle on top that you’re leaving. When we’re nailing the top shingle back into place I like to nail into a new place into the shingle and not through the old hole which is compromised. Just a little to one side of the other of the old hole.
When you’re done replacing the shingles you want to apply some sealant to help the shingles glue back down. In this architectural shingle you’ll notice that the glue strip is located on the bottom of it and a very lower edge. That means that this old shingle will need to be glued down to the new shingle to activate the glue. In this case this is the shingle that we replaced. The glue strip is at the bottom of this shingle so that’s fine. When it heats up this is going to glue back down fine to this shingle.
What we got to watch out for is the fact that this shingle this is the old shingle that we left in there. The glue strip that’s at the bottom edge of it has really been damaged and ruined because we had already glued down and we broke the glue to get this shingle out.
This is the shingle we have to be real careful about gluing back down. Just bring my ceiling in and lay a nice fat bead of sealant all the way down underneath this shingle and press it into place and that’s going to ensure that this shingle is glued back down to the top of the shingle that we replaced.
I also like to come in here and fill in at the holes the nail holes that we left open because we put the nails back into a new place. Feel free to put some sealant wherever you like under the shingle if it looks like they’re going to need some help holding down.
Here’s a tip from a pro on matching your new shingles that you replacing with the existing shingles:
The fact of the matter is if the roof you’re working on is more than a few years old your new shingles aren’t going to match perfectly. That’s just the way it is, even if you save some of the original shingles from the installation they’re not going to match because the Sun will have bleached out the shingles on the roof to a certain degree.
If the replacement is happening on a very conspicuous area you don’t have too many shingles to replace, one idea is to take some shingles off the back of the roof where you won’t notice a replacement.
Use those shingles on the front where you need to replace the shingles and place the new shingles that don’t match as well on the back of the house where they’re not going to be as visible.
If you can’t do that here’s my advice get new shingles that match the color of the shingles as they look now and not necessarily their original color.
So for example if your roof was originally a charcoal black type shingle but now it’s ten years later and those shingles are actually looking a lot more like gray than dark and black if you have a new charcoal shingle as a replacement it’s really going to stand out because it’s going to have a really dark black shingle against the lighter gray shingles.
My advice is to find a shingle color that more closely matches the actual color of the roof as it looks today rather than trying to match the old shingle and how it looked ten years ago you you
Visit Toronto-Roofer for more information
Common Causes of Shingle Damage in Toronto
Toronto’s climate can be harsh on roofing materials. Weather damage from high winds, hailstorms, and freeze-thaw cycles is a leading cause of cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Other issues like granule loss, UV exposure, and moisture buildup can also weaken shingles over time. Regular roof inspections help spot early signs of wear, such as curling shingles or blistering, before they lead to leaks.
Temporary Fixes for Emergency Repairs
If you notice a damaged shingle before a professional can assist, use roofing cement or asphalt sealant to secure loose edges temporarily. Apply ice-and-water barrier underlayment for added protection against water infiltration. For storm damage or missing shingles, cover the area with a tarpaulin and weigh it down to prevent further harm. Always prioritize safety—avoid climbing roofs during heavy rain or icy conditions.
When to Repair vs. Replace Shingles
Minor issues like small cracks or lifted shingles can often be repaired with DIY shingle repair kits. However, widespread granule loss, moss growth, or damage spanning multiple layers may require full shingle replacement. If your roof is older or has multiple compromised shingles, consult a licensed roofing contractor in Toronto to assess whether a partial repair or complete reroofing is cost-effective.
Matching Shingles for Seamless Repairs
After removing a damaged shingle, ensure the replacement matches your existing roof’s color and style. Mismatched shingles can affect curb appeal and resale value. Keep spare shingles from your original installation, or bring a sample to a supplier for exact color matching. For older roofs, architectural shingles may require specialized techniques to blend repairs seamlessly.
Prevent Future Shingle Damage
- Trim overhanging branches to reduce debris buildup and abrasion.
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent ice dams and water backup.
- Improve attic ventilation to reduce heat retention and moisture damage.
- Schedule annual roof maintenance with a professional to address loose flashing, vent issues, or wear around chimneys.
Why Timely Shingle Repairs Save You Money and Stress
Addressing damaged shingles quickly isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting your home and wallet. Professional roof repair services in Toronto help:
- Extend roof lifespan by stopping water leaks, mold growth, and rotten decking before they escalate.
- Prevent structural damage caused by ice dams, wind uplift, or pooled water seeping into your attic.
- Boost energy efficiency by sealing gaps that let heat escape, lowering your heating and cooling costs.
- Avoid costly replacements by fixing small issues like cracked sealant or loosen nails early.
- Simplify insurance claims—many providers cover repairs for storm-related shingle damage if documented promptly.
Don’t risk DIY mistakes or temporary patches. Partner with licensed Toronto roofing contractors for long-lasting solutions that keep your home safe, dry, and weatherproofed year-round. Schedule a free inspection today to protect your biggest investment.
Toronto Neighborhoods & Climate Challenges
Shingle damage varies across the GTA due to localized weather patterns. In Scarborough and Etobicoke, lake-effect snow and winter moisture accelerate wear, while North York and Downtown Toronto often face wind-driven rain that loosens shingles. Mississauga and Brampton roofs battle hailstorms and ice dams, common in older neighborhoods. Adhering to Toronto roofing codes ensures repairs meet regional standards for GTA weatherproofing and durability.
10 FAQ: Repairing Damaged Shingles in Toronto
- Can I repair a damaged shingle myself, or should I hire a Toronto roofing pro?
Minor fixes like sealing lifted edges are DIY-friendly, but Toronto roofing contractors ensure compliance with local building codes and address hidden issues like rotten decking or attic moisture. - How much does it cost to repair damaged shingles in Toronto?
Costs range from 150–500 depending on materials, labor, and damage extent. Explore our Toronto roof repair pricing guide for details. - What’s the fastest way to fix storm-damaged shingles in the GTA?
Use tarpaulin as a temporary patch, then contact a licensed Toronto roofer for permanent repairs compliant with GTA weatherproofing standards. - Do Toronto roofing codes require permits for shingle repairs?
Most minor repairs don’t need permits, but replacements covering >25% of your roof often do. Always consult a Toronto roofing pro to confirm. - Why do shingles crack faster in Toronto than other cities?
Freeze-thaw cycles and high humidity weaken asphalt over time, especially in neighborhoods like Scarborough or Vaughan. - Can mismatched shingles affect my Toronto home’s resale value?
Yes. Use exact color matching for replacements—many Toronto roofing suppliers keep archives of older shingle styles. - How long do shingle repairs last in Toronto’s climate?
Properly installed repairs last 10–15 years, but annual roof inspections help catch issues early. - Will my home insurance cover shingle damage in Toronto?
Most policies cover storm-related damage (e.g., hail, wind uplift), but not wear-and-tear. Document damage and file claims promptly. - What’s the best season for shingle repairs in the GTA?
Spring or fall—avoid winter’s ice dams and summer’s UV exposure, which complicate adhesives. - How do I spot hidden water damage under repaired shingles?
Look for attic stains, peeling paint, or mold growth. Schedule a Toronto roof inspection if you suspect leaks.
Our Local Expertise
As licensed Toronto roofing contractors with 20+ years serving the GTA, we prioritize Toronto roofing codes and insurance-compliant repairs. Our team specializes in Scarborough and Etobicoke homes prone to lake-effect snow and wind-driven rain, ensuring repairs withstand the region’s unique demands. Read our case studies on GTA weatherproofing solutions.
what is the next step?
- “Need urgent help? Explore our 24/7 emergency storm repair services for Toronto homeowners.”
- “Curious about long-term care? Learn how to extend your roof’s lifespan in Toronto’s climate.”
Schedule Your Free Roof Repair Inspection Now—Protect Your Toronto Home From Costly Leaks & Storm Damage!
