Should shingles have bubbles in a new roof

Usually, if shingles start to blow off, then it is time to replace the whole roof. With that being said, here are the steps:

1. Gather tools:

   • Hammer
   • New shingle(s)
   • Pry bar
   • Ladder
   • Roofing cement
   • Putty knife

2. Remove the damaged shingles. There are usually 4 nails in each shingle, plus the four from the shingle above it that will be through it also. Remove the nails in the shingle and then pull it out, leaving the nails in the shingle above it. You can rock the shingle back and forth until it tears out around those nails.

3. Remove or hammer in the nails that are left. Use roofing cement to cover the nails and any tears in the tar paper.

4. Replace the shingle(s). If you are doing multiple shingles start at the bottom. Line them up with the shingle to the left and right. If the nails from the shingle above it will not let you push it in far enough, cut little slits for the nails. Put about four nails across each one just above where the color changes to black.

5. Put roofing cement over the nails on the last shingle. The new shingles will cement themselves together on the first hot day, so don't worry about cementing any of those.

More important question: Which contractor did you feel the most comfortable with and which has the best work history in your area -- have you checked BBB and something like Angies List? Who has the best relationship with their wholesaler/supplier and can get you support if you need it in case of roof damage?

Owens Corning and GAF make comparable products; the Owens Corning warranty is longer, but neither warranty is good unless the installer installs it properly with the proper number of nails at the proper spacing. Specifically, the two products that you're looking at are almost identical. One difference besides the warranty is that Owens Corning has a constant bead of sealant on the backside of the shingles to seal them to the shingles underneath; if you're in an area that gets significant amounts of wind-driven rain (such as a coastal area) to the point that you will be testing the wind resistance of the shignle, you will PROBABLY want to choose the GAF shingle because the Owens Corning shingles sometimes have problems draining after water has blown up underneath them.

Remember that it isn't the shingle that matters; the shingle really just protects your roof. Your roof is actually the tar paper and other membrane (such as Grace Ice & Water Shield) that goes on under the shingles. Those products should be of the highest quality and have perfect installations. Getting good shingles is essential, but it's almost secondary if you cheap out on the underlayments or your roofer installs it incorrectly.

One note that I'm suggesting all homeowners explore: If your attic is hot during the summer, look into the 'Cool Roof' shingles that both OC and GAF produce. They have a reflective substance in with the stone and will help reflect solar energy back out before it has a chance to enter your roof structure.