Do I need to replace shingles or is there a patch kit for a small hole in my roof caused by a fallen branch?
Asked by Toby Smith 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 4, 2024
Hey, so I noticed a small hole in my roof from a branch falling on it. Do you think I need to replace some shingles, or is there a cool patch kit I can get instead?
You should really consider contacting a professional roofer to properly evaluate and address this issue. Trying to fix the roof yourself will only result in more water damage down the line, which will cost you much more to fix. Plus, unattended roof damage can lead to further issues if not handled correctly.
…and swiftly
As a home inspector and builder, I have a different opinion. Many homeowners have the skills to repair this damage in a satisfactory manner. There are various ways to address this. Do your research and be meticulous about your work.
I’ve got no problem with people disagreeing. No big deal. There are always different ways to handle almost any issue. But this public group isn’t the place to ask about things that can be answered by building codes, insurance requirements, and such. One thing I will mention is, be cautious. Not all advice given here is always right, needed, or the best. \nFor the roof in question, it seems like I’m looking at the underside of felt that I assume is under the shingles, if it’s a shingle roof. If it were me, I would first check if insurance would cover it. Probably not, due to the deductible. Then I would hire a roofer who I could hold responsible if the job wasn’t done correctly. \nAs a home inspector yourself, you know that just because something “meets code” doesn’t mean it meets the expectations or requirements of that code. I’ve seen so many homes (mainly from the 70’s) that passed inspection by the county, yet had so many code violations that it was clear the inspector didn’t spend much time on the property. Nothing against home inspectors like you, as when hired by a property owner or potential owner, that’s what a privately hired inspector is supposed to do, and they usually do it pretty well. (at least, from my very limited experience.)
It’s actually not too hard of a job depending on the roof’s age; it’s best to do it on a warm day… I faced a similar issue at my current house, a tree branch had pierced the roof before I bought it in a ‘as-is’ sale from the bank. I used a flat bar and hammer to carefully remove the nails and lift the shingles to fix the felt underlayment and sheathing. Once I had that fixed, I placed new matching shingles. No leaks and we’ve gone through several strong tropical storms since the repair; the roof was around 10 years old when I did the repair ..
I understand where you’re coming from to some degree I’ll be turning 70 this May and have basically spent my entire adult life in this field I actually got into a prolonged dispute with a building inspector because I insisted he inspect while I was present he told me to just go home and he would leave an inspection sticker where I could easily see it
If the shingle caused that much damage to the roof sheeting, it probably needs to be replaced. Imagine how far that shingle must have stretched upon impact, which it clearly wasn’t meant to handle.
Have you contacted your insurance provider recently?
That’s the last thing anyone should do for this small amount of damage
Repair is much cheaper than your deductible and you might end up with a rate increase
Is this post serious? Do you really believe a branch went through that roof tile?
Do you see that wire over there?
What’s your take on that?
Definitely a troll post by . A tree broke through the wood but didn’t damage the shingle. Hilarious. Seriously?
Seems like they made some vertical cuts and then chipped away the rest. It seems like they were attempting to install an exhaust fan and then realized it was too much for them.
You weren’t covered by insurance?
Seems like there’s some copper fungus sprouting in your attic. Maybe you have bats in the belfry.
I had a similar experience, but on a smaller scale. I ended up replacing the damaged shingles on my roof along with a piece of ice-shield. Mine is so tiny it didn’t cause any sagging. If you look from above, you can secure a plywood scrap of about 12″x12″ so it fits snugly against the adjacent plywood. Then, place another scrap to cover the hole & attach it to the first scrap (filling most of the hole and aligning it). After that, apply the ice-shield and install new shingles on the affected area.
More like a large piece of wood.
I meant to share this photo before removing the splinters to reveal the shingles and thread the wire through to locate the damage on the roof. But I got sidetracked, appreciate the suggestion!
Tidy that area and use a piece of wood from the inside to go up there and possibly replace a shingle or fill the hole with tar, also known as blackjack in a tube. It’s a temporary solution but there are other methods available.
Hey there, pal…
Take the time to do it properly.
I find it surprising how often I see the same response on this page that a professional is required, even for simple repairs like this. What exactly are you professionals doing on this page besides deterring homeowners from gaining knowledge and becoming more self-sufficient? Just because you lack the necessary skills doesn’t mean the next person does.