Asphalt shingle roofs are common across the East Valley, especially on older homes in Apache Junction and Mesa and on some San Tan Valley models. Shingles are affordable and easy to repair, but Arizona sun and wind wear them out faster than in milder climates. If shingles are missing, lifted or leaking, call or text (602) 339-9540.
Signs your shingle roof needs repair
- Shingles missing or lying in the yard after wind
- Shingles with lifted or flapping edges
- Curling, cupping or cracked shingles
- Bare spots where the granules have worn away
- Granules collecting in gutters or at downspouts
- Nails backing up through the shingles ("nail pops")
- Ceiling stains or attic leaks
Why shingles wear out in Arizona
Shingles are asphalt mats coated with mineral granules. The granules protect the asphalt from UV rays. Over years of intense sun, the asphalt dries out and becomes brittle, and the granules wear off, which speeds up the aging. Daily heating and cooling also causes expansion and contraction that loosens nails and breaks the adhesive seal between shingles.
Brittle, unsealed shingles are exactly what monsoon winds lift and tear off.
Common shingle repairs
Replacing missing or torn shingles
The roofer removes damaged shingles, installs new ones matched in style and color, and seals them into the surrounding courses. Because shingles fade, a new patch may look slightly different at first.
Resealing lifted shingles
Shingles that have lifted but are not damaged can often be resealed with roofing adhesive so they lie flat and resist the next storm.
Fixing nail pops
Nails that back out can push through shingles and let water in. The roofer re-secures or replaces the fasteners and covers them correctly.
Flashing, vent and boot repairs
Rubber pipe boots crack in the sun, and step flashing along walls can separate. These are among the most common causes of leaks on shingle roofs.
Ridge cap repair
Ridge caps take the most wind. Cracked or missing caps are replaced and sealed.
Decking repairs
If a leak has gone on long enough to soften the roof deck, the damaged section is replaced before new underlayment and shingles go on.
Repair or replace your shingle roof?
| Sign | Usually repair | Consider replacement |
|---|---|---|
| A few shingles blown off | ✓ | |
| One leak at a vent or wall | ✓ | |
| Shingles brittle and curling roof-wide | ✓ | |
| Heavy granule loss everywhere | ✓ | |
| Repeated wind damage every storm season | ✓ | |
| Roof near or past its expected life | ✓ |
If the roof is near the end of its life, repeated repairs can cost more over a few years than a new roof. See roof replacement.
Shingle repairs after storms
Wind damage on shingle roofs is not always obvious from the ground. Shingles can lift, crease and lose their seal without blowing off, and creased shingles often fail in the next storm. After a major storm, an inspection can catch this early. See storm damage roof repair.
Frequently asked questions
How long do shingle roofs last in Arizona?
It depends on the shingle quality, ventilation and sun exposure. Arizona heat and UV generally shorten shingle life compared with milder climates. A roofer can estimate your roof's remaining life during an inspection.
Will new shingles match my old ones?
The roofer will match style and color as closely as possible. Older shingles fade, so a repair may look slightly different at first.
Can shingles be repaired in summer?
Yes, though roofers often work early in the day in summer heat. Shingles are also softer and easier to damage when hot, which is another reason to stay off them.
My shingles are lifted but not missing. Is that a problem?
Yes. A lifted shingle has lost its seal and is likely to tear off in the next strong wind, and water can get under it. Resealing is a quick fix.