Roof Maintenance: A Homeowner’s Guide to Replacing Shingles

Q: How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine. Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

Q: How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

Q: Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery , you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

October 16, 2019•2 min read•

Roof Maintenance

Copied!

You can expect your shingle roof to last about 20 years. However, regular roof maintenance is key to extending its life—and that includes replacing shingles as they become loose or damaged.

When shingles break or lift, they can allow water intrusion, weaken your roof’s structural integrity, and increase the risk of mold or rot. Replacing shingles promptly is a critical part of roof maintenance that can save you from costly repairs down the line.

This homeowner’s guide walks you through the process of replacing shingles safely and effectively. If you’d rather leave it to a pro, we’re here to help.

Take the first step

Schedule a fast, no-pressure visit. Since 1987 we’ve got you covered.

Get started

Before You Get Started

Always prioritize safety when working on your roof. Never climb a roof alone, and wear sturdy boots and gloves. Use a solid ladder on level ground, and have someone secure the ladder while you’re climbing. For a helpful refresher, check out this ladder safety guide.

Step 1: Remove the Seal

If your shingle is still in place, you’ll need to break the seal before removal. Gently slide a flat pry bar under the shingle edge to pop the adhesive bond. Be mindful of temperature—the sealant will be gooey in heat and brittle in cold.

Next, lift the surrounding shingles enough to access the nails that hold your target shingle in place.

Step 2: Remove the Nails

Use your pry bar to lift the nail and shingle together to avoid damaging the granule layer. Work slowly and methodically to avoid tearing the material or harming adjacent shingles.

Step 3: Free the Shingle

You’ll also need to remove nails from the shingle directly above, since they overlap the top edge of the one you’re replacing. This double-nail method is what gives your roof wind resistance.

Carefully lift or loosen surrounding shingles to reach all nails holding the damaged piece in place.

Step 4: Slide in the New Shingle

Before inserting your new shingle, seal the exposed nail holes underneath with high-quality roofing cement or sealant. This prevents future water intrusion.

Ensure your replacement shingle is the same size and type. Slide it into place gently, aligning it with the others.

Step 5: Nail and Reseal

Secure the new shingle with roofing nails in the designated nailing strip. Press the surrounding shingles back down, resealing them with three small dabs of asphalt roofing cement evenly spaced along the shingle tabs.

This will help bond the new shingle to adjacent ones, especially in cooler weather when self-sealing isn’t immediate.

When to Call a Roofing Professional

While replacing shingles can be a DIY project, it’s not for everyone. If you’re unsure about working on your roof, lack the proper tools, or have multiple damaged shingles, it’s time to call in a pro. At SonShine Roofing, we offer full-service roof repairs in Sarasota and surrounding areas.

Our experienced team can replace damaged shingles and inspect your entire roof system for hidden issues like soft decking, poor ventilation, or flashing concerns. We also offer regular roof maintenance plans tailored to Southwest Florida homes.

Ready to Fix or Maintain Your Roof?

If you’ve spotted cracked, curled, or missing shingles, don’t wait. A small repair today could prevent thousands of dollars in damage tomorrow.

General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out.

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting.
Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling.
Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials.
Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices.
Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal.

Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water.

Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.
Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.
Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms.
Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events.
Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster.
Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below.
Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss.
Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.