In this article, Watkins Construction & Roofing gives you tips on what to do when you have missing shingles. If your roof is missing shingles, you need to act quickly to address the issue. While it is true that most shingles are designed to withstand high wind speeds, various factors can still contribute to shingle loss, including natural aging, material defects, and installation errors.
Therefore, it is crucial to have a professional inspect your roof thoroughly and identify the main source of your roofing problem. This simple step can help prevent further damage to your roof and ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.
Furthermore, timely repair or replacement of missing shingles can help maintain the structural strength of your roofing system and protect your property from weather-related hazards for years to come. Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions related to missing shingles.
1. Why Are My New Shingles Blowing Off?
If you have recently installed a new roof and have experienced missing shingles, it can be caused by either damaged seal strips or improper installation. Incompetent roofers may misplace nails when securing shingles, which can weaken their hold, causing the shingles to blow off in harsh weather conditions.
Another possibility is that the seal strips were not activated due to low temperatures and lack of sun exposure. In such conditions, it may take several weeks for the adhesive strip to fully activate and seal. During this period, even mild wind can cause shingle misplacement. Therefore, it is extremely important to hire experienced and qualified professionals to ensure that the installation of your roof is done correctly.
2. Is My Roof Aged If Some Shingles Blow Off?
Your roof may be showing signs of aging due to missing shingles. In general, asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15-30 years. As your roof ages, it may begin to exhibit signs that it is ready for replacement. These signs include missing or damaged shingles.
When shingles become damaged or missing, their seal strip can wear out. This can cause the shingles to blow off during high winds. This can result in the formation of creases, which can eventually lead to shingles breaking off. Missing shingles can put your roof at risk of water penetration, which can lead to further damage to your business or home.
3. Can You Repair the Damaged or Missing Shingles?
While a missing shingle can be repaired in the short term, make sure to consider the following factors to determine the best approach to take:
· Age of your roof: If the roof is older than 15 years, it is strongly recommended to go for a total roof replacement. The older the roof gets, the more likely it is to experience more missing shingles. Failure of one shingle’s seal often leads to others following suit. If left unchecked, this can cause damage that requires costly repairs to your roof and home. If the roof is aging, it will need replacement soon.
· Number of Damaged Shingles: If you have only one missing shingle, it can be due to a manufacturing or installation defect. In such a case, get an experienced roofer to check the roof thoroughly to determine the exact reason behind the missing shingle. This will help you make an informed decision on whether shingle repair is sufficient or if there are underlying issues that require more attention.
4. Is It Time to Replace My Roof?
If you are confronted with the prospect of replacing your roof, it is important to take prompt action. If the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and showing multiple missing shingles, it has likely reached the end of its lifespan. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct thorough research to identify reputable roofing companies operating in your vicinity and to obtain comprehensive cost estimates. We understand that roofing projects can be a significant financial burden, and we urge you to explore various financing options to make the process more manageable. Our goal is to provide you with a trustworthy and reliable solution to your roofing needs.
5. Will My Insurance Cover Shingle Blow Off?
Involving your insurance company to cover the repair costs of your missing shingles is a good idea. Homeowners’ insurance policies often provide coverage for wind damage, provided it has been approved by a professional roofing contractor appointed by your insurer. We recommend contacting an experienced roofing contractor like Watkins to ascertain whether filing a claim is a viable option.
Watkins- Get in Touch with the Leading Roofing Experts
Watkins Construction and Roofing can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.
