Missing Shingles on Roof: What to Do Next

Did you spot missing shingles on your roof? This issue should be addressed promptly, so we'll go over everything you should do next to prevent further damage.

Assessing the Damage: How Bad Is It?

Safety First: Roof Inspection Safety Tips

If you plan on getting on your roof rather than calling a roofer right away, you must follow safety guidelines for getting on a roof (if you plan to).

Here are the safety tips we recommend:

Never go on a wet or icy roof.
Use a sturdy and properly secured ladder.
Wear proper footwear.
Use a harness and rope (if possible).
Never work alone, get someone to help you.

Identifying the Extent of Missing Shingles

The most common first clue to whether you may have missing shingles is spotting a leak inside your home (typically a water stain). We also recommend going into your attic with a flashlight to see if you can spot any water stains.

Next, look at your home's exterior. Before attempting to climb your roof (if you plan to), see if you can spot any missing shingles from the ground. Look for shingles that might be curled, loose, cracked, or completely missing.

You can also do a quick walk around your property to see if you can find any blown-off shingles in your grass or landscaping. If you do spot blown-off shingles, that's a sure sign to investigate further or contact a roofer.

When identifying the extent of missing shingles, you'd want to first determine if the issue is widespread or isolated. Isolated shingles are usually easier and cheaper to repair. You also want to look at the surrounding areas of your roof where the damage occurred to see if you can spot loose, damaged, or deteriorating shingles. Take pictures for documentation purposes (important for insurance claims), or if you call a roofer, they'll most likely do this step for you.

Determining the Cause of Missing Shingles

The most common cause of missing shingles are

High winds and Class A shingles are typically only rated for 60 mph winds.
Missing shingles due to wear and tear, especially if they're over 25 years old.
Improper installation is another issue we find often when inspecting roofs that have missing shingles.

Figuring out why your shingles are missing is super important because it helps you decide if you just need a quick fix or something bigger. Plus, if you know what caused it, you can see if your insurance might help pay for it, depending on what happened.

Temporary Fixes for Missing Shingles

When to Use Temporary Fixes

You would want to use a temporary fix when professional help isn't available, but if the weather is bad we don't recommend that you go on your roof as you could be putting your life at risk. It's not worth it. However, if you do plan on going up on the roof be sure to have a secure ladder, someone spotting you (ideally), and proper shoes.

Types of Temporary Fixes for a Leaky Roof

The go-to way of covering up your missing shingles is with roof tarping. Be sure the roof tarping is big enough, and secure the tarp tightly with either rope, nails, or weights. Securing the tarp with nails should be the last resort since exposed nails can cause more leaks.

Roof Repair or Roof Replacement?

Factors to Consider: Repair vs. Replacement

When considering whether you should repair or replace your roof, here are a couple of factors to take into consideration:

Age of the roof: If your roof is getting quite old (more than 25 years old for asphalt shingles) a roof replacement is the smarter move in most cases.
The extent of damage: If you’re dealing with just a single missing shingle, a simple repair might be all you need. However, if you’re facing a situation where several rows of shingles are missing and the damage is scattered, a roof replacement may be the better option.

When Repairing Your Shingles Makes Sense

When your roof is relatively new and the damage is minor/isolated a repair is most likely all you need.

When Replacing Your Roof Makes Sense

If the extent of the damage and the overall condition of your roof is poor, and the roof is over 25 years old, a roof replacement will be a smarter decision and a better long-term investment if it’s within your budget.

Another time replacing your roof makes sense is if your roofer informs you that the damage might be covered by your insurance company and could qualify for a full replacement. Roofers work with hundreds of insurance companies, so it’s typically a good idea to trust their expertise.

Hiring a Roofing Contractor: Finding a Reliable Roofer

Why Choose a Professional Roofing Contractor?

Oftentimes, anything related to roofing problems can be a tricky situation, which is why we always recommend contacting a roofer first that way you save time and money. A professional roofing contractor can help you identify issues you may have not even known of and provide you with the best next steps.

Another reason you should choose a professional roofing contractor is the fact that roofers have a lot of experience dealing and navigating with insurance companies, plus they understand the jargon that goes along with it. As a homeowner, this saves you from the stress of dealing with insurance claims, and it provides you with a higher likelihood of approval.

How to Find a Reputable Roofer

We always recommend first asking your friends and family if they've dealt with any roofing contractors in the past that they would recommend. Your other option is to simply go on local directories and choose a roofing company with great reviews.

Conclusion

Missing shingles aren't something you should ignore, as they can cause severe water damage to your decking and home. If you need a reliable roofer in Illinois, be sure to reach out to Global Exterior Experts with any questions you have, we're here to help!