So you noticed you have a few shingles missing.
You might be wondering, “How bad is it?”
It’s good that you’re here.
Your roof is arguably the most vital component of your home.
It keeps the the rest of your home dry, and it provides shelter for your family.
A few missing shingles (or even just one) can pose a risk to the integrity of your roof and lead to potential water damage.
At Millard Roofing, we want to answer some common questions related to missing shingles and the next steps you should take.
First to answer the main question
Will my roof leak with a few missing shingles?
The answer is yes, your roof could definitely leak with even one missing shingle.
But if you repair it in time, you greatly reduce the chance of a roof leak.
How do I know if I have missing shingles?
Routine roof inspections are a homeowner’s first defense.
On occasion — and especially after severe wind or hail — it’s important to take a good look around your roof and property to check for signs of roof storm damage.
Here are the signs to look for:
Dark (or light) patches on roof: A sign of a missing shingle is a dark spot on the roof, which shows darker (or lighter) granules in the nail zone from the shingle above or even exposed underlayment.
Loose shingles: Even from ground level, it might be possible to spot missing or loose shingles, especially after a storm or high winds.
Shingles in yard: You might see shingle pieces in your yard. If so, take a look at your roof to see where it may have come from.
Granules in gutters: Excessive granules in gutters may indicate deteriorating shingles that are close to failing or have already come off.
Clogged gutters and downspouts: On occasion, you may notice a downspout that is clogged. Grab your ladder and take a peek over the eave to see if a loose shingle may be blocking the downspout.
If you see any of these issues, immediate action is required prevent further complications. Contact a local roofer like Millard Roofing to schedule an inspection.
Why do shingles blow off?
Shingle failure can occur for a variety of different reasons.
Blown-off shingles is the most common evidence that you have a problem, but the source of that problem may be something different.
Factors that contribute shingles blowing off:
High winds: This is the most prevalent reason for blown-off shingles, particularly during turbulent weather. Strong gusts can get underneath the edges of shingles and peel them away, especially if they aren’t securely fastened.
No starter strips: Starter shingles are the lowest layer of shingles installed on the eaves right at the edge before installing the first course of shingles. They help reduce the risk of shingle being blown off.
Improper installation: Shingles that haven’t been correctly installed, perhaps due to inadequate nailing or misalignment, are more susceptible to blowing off.
Poor self-sealing: The adhesive seal between the shingle course may have broken, so that shingle edges do not have as much holding power to remain in place.
Aging: Over time, shingles do wear out, lose their granules, become brittle, and are easily dislodged even by lower wind speeds.
Structural issues: Issues such as inadequate attic ventilation can cause temperature imbalances, leading to warping and curling of shingles. This makes them more vulnerable to blowing off.
Understanding the reasons your shingles became dislodged can help guide your next steps, and can help prevent further roof damage.
It’s important to bring in a professional local roofing company like Millard Roofing to assist you when you are missing shingles on your roof.
Can a few missing shingles cause a roof leak?
The short answer is absolutely.
The primary function of shingles is to act as a barrier against external elements, especially water.
When even one shingle is missing, it creates a vulnerable point for water infiltration.
It is especially concerning when a missing shingle is located above a seam between the underlying shingles. This seam will allow water infiltration below the shingle.
You may have exposed nail heads, which are leak risk.
The underlayment being exposed also risks a leak as it is not meant to withstand long-term exposure to the elements.
Can one missing shingle be replaced?
While replacing a single shingle is entirely feasible, you will still want to have your roof inspected by a trained roofer.
An expert like Millard Roofing can also tell you whether or not the damage may be claimable through insurance.
We recommend enlisting the services of a professional who can ensure your roof is thoroughly — and safely — repaired.
How many shingles need to be missing for insurance to replace my roof?
Insurance policies vary widely.
While some might cover the costs of roof replacement with just a handful of missing shingles, others might stipulate specific conditions.
Your insurance policy may require evidence of roof damage over a certain area or percentage of the roof.
A roof insurance claims expert at Millard Roofing can help you in determining whether the extent of damage might warrant an insurance claim.
Next steps if you notice missing shingles
Missing shingles should be urgently attended to no matter the season. The longer a roof remains exposed, the higher the chances of consequential damage.
Safety is paramount. It’s best to contact a reputable, local roofing company like Millard Roofing.
We won’t just replace missing shingles but will also conduct a comprehensive roof assessment, flagging other potential issues that could cause damage to your home.
Need help with missing shingles in Omaha?
Your home’s roof is its frontline defense against the elements. Therefore, keeping it in prime condition is essential.
At Millard Roofing, we can repair wind and hail damage to your roof as well as tackle full roof replacements depending on your home’s needs.
Millard Roofing provides roofing services in Omaha and eastern Nebraska, including the communities of: Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Bennington, Blair, Elkhorn, Fremont, Gretna, La Vista, Papillion, Springfield, and all cities in between.
Request a free roof inspection today!
