Can You Replace Sections of a Roof?

Simple Shingle Shuffle

• You can always replace shingles without replacing the entire roof. Simply get new shingles and put them where the worn or damaged shingles are. To change out asphalt or wooden shingles you will need a hammer, a pry bar and some roofing nails. Remember that shingles overlap and some of the nails in the shingle above the damaged one also go through the one you want to replace. Pry the bottom of the above shingle up gently to free the one you wish to replace. Then pry the damaged shingle up and then press the shingle down to expose the nails and pull all the nails out. Remove the damaged shingle and put the replacement into its place and drive four nails into the shingle to hold it in place – one in each corner. Then replace the shingle above and hammer the additional nails back into place.

Tile or Slate Roof

• Some roofing materials are almost always better candidates for repair rather than replacement. Slate and tile roofs are very durable, and unless your roof is more than 70 years old, it is most likely a good idea to have it repaired rather than go to the major expense of replacing this material. Slate and tile will usually need professional installers, but they can do a particular section without having to put on a new roof.

Wood Roof

• Wood shingle roofs were once very popular, and they are aesthetically pleasing. But there is a good reason they went out of style. They simply do not last as long as other materials. The wood roof can be replaced a section at a time if you are determined to retain the look of the wood shingles, but it is probably the worst candidate for this option. The best bet is to replace the entire roof if it is getting older. And replacing it with an entirely new material may be your best bet to get the most mileage out of the roof.

Metal Roof

• A metal roof is durable and relatively inexpensive, but it is not be the best roof for replacing just one section. This is not because the roof cannot be patched. It certainly can, and with a high success rate for long lasting repairs. But usually a metal roof will have few problems until it has done its job for decades. When the problems do arise, the entire roof is likely ready for replacement and should be replaced to provide another generation worth of good protection for the house.

Asphalt Roof

• The asphalt roof is a tough call when it comes to repairing a section of the roof or replacing the whole thing. It is inexpensive enough to make the complete job affordable to many homeowners. However, patching an asphalt roof is also inexpensive and can be done over and over again. The only downside to asphalt roofing is its shorter lifespan than other materials. This is a type of roof that can go either way depending on homeowner preferences and budget.