Does your roof look a little worse for wear after a recent storm? You may have noticed some of your shingles have gone missing or have fallen off. If this is the case, you’re probably wondering what to do next to protect your home and investment.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This blog post will give you a complete guide on what to do when shingles fall off your roof. We’ll show you what steps to take to repair the damage, how to best protect your home, and how to stay safe in the process.
Keep reading to learn how to protect your home and restore your roof to its former glory.
3 Reasons Shingles Are Falling Off Your Roof
If you’ve noticed shingles falling off your roof, you may be wondering what’s causing it. Fortunately, there are a few common reasons that shingles may fall off, so you should be able to identify the cause and take the necessary steps to fix the problem. Here are some of the common reasons why shingles may fall off your roof:
1. Storm Damage
Don’t let the fast-moving clouds and thunderstorms in Cornelia, Georgia, take a toll on your home. While we can’t control the weather, we can be prepared for it.
After a storm passes, take a few moments to inspect your home’s roof for any signs of damage, such as dents or gaps in the shingles. As you look around, also pay attention to any debris that may have fallen and could be holding moisture on the roof’s surface.
If you find any significant roof storm damage, it’s time to consult a professional. A roofing expert can help you repair your roof and prepare for future inclement weather.
Don’t wait too long, as the damage that is left untreated could worsen over time.
2. High Winds
Even high-quality shingles can be blown off during significantly windy conditions. The edges of your roof are particularly vulnerable to heavy wind gusts, as the shingles there are often already looser than the shingles towards the middle of your roof.
Fallen trees can also land on your roof, causing damage and loosening shingles. After a night of strong winds, it’s advisable to inspect your roof for ripped or missing shingles.
3. Old Age
Asphalt shingles typically last a couple of decades. However, if your shingles are older than that, they may become dry and brittle, losing their integrity and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Over time, the protective granules on the surface of the shingles can wear out, causing them to curl and eventually fall off the roof.
If you’re unsure about the age of your roof or when it was last replaced, it’s possible that the shingles have degraded and require attention.
What Happens If Shingles Fall Off Your Roof?
Gaps on your roof caused by missing shingles can lead to several significant problems. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage to your property. Here are some potential consequences:
Water Leaks
When shingles are blown off, even a tiny crack can leave your property vulnerable to rainfall. This moisture can seep through the underlayment and penetrate your home, resulting in water leaks.
Signs of water leaks include brown stains on ceilings, intermittent dripping, and spots on exterior walls.
Additionally, weakened floorboards, a moist foundation, or wet attic insulation may be discovered during an inspection.
Mold
When the wooden elements of your roof become wet and start to rot, it creates an environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
Mold can produce unpleasant odors, negatively impact your home’s air quality, and can be dangerous to your health. This can also lead to respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with allergies or asthma.
Apart from affecting your roof’s structural components, mold can spread to walls, flooring, insulation, and furniture, causing severe damage and costly repairs.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is another type of fungus that thrives in warm climates. Missing shingles expose parts of your roof to excess humidity and intense UV rays, creating an ideal environment for this fungus to develop.
Dry rot weakens the wooden roof deck of your roof, compromising its integrity. This can lead to further damage that may affect the entire house.
To prevent extensive repairs, it’s advisable to replace missing shingles promptly, even in warm climates.
Pest Infestations
Gaps in your roof caused by missing shingles provide easy access for pests and insects to enter your home. Rodents and insects can slip inside and cause various problems.
Rodents can chew through wires and spread disease, while insects can contaminate your food supply if they get into your interior through the roof. Replacing missing shingles as soon as possible can help keep unwanted pests out of your home.
Structural Damage
Moisture from rainfall can infiltrate your house through the gaps left by missing shingles, weakening the roof deck and structural beams.
Wood components exposed to water can soften and rot, leading to significant and permanent destruction. Signs of structural damage include wall breakage, roof deck rot, and roof sagging.
Promptly replacing missing shingles can prevent unnecessary costs associated with extensive repairs.
Weatherproofing Damage
Under your roofing shingles, there are waterproofing materials that protect your home from drafts and moisture, like an ice and water barrier.
However, when shingles covering these components fall off, fluctuating temperatures can wear down their weatherproofing quality.
As a result, these layers may condense or stretch, providing less effective protection. Your home may become less comfortable during harsh weather conditions, and your hardwood floors and structural beams may become more susceptible to warping and cracking.
Energy Loss
Asphalt shingles help reflect the sun’s UV rays, keeping your home cooler during the hot summer months. However, missing shingles allow the sun to beat down directly on your home, increasing indoor temperatures and causing your cooling system to work harder.
Additionally, missing shingles can leave your insulation vulnerable, causing it to weaken and contribute to heat loss during winter, which can result in drafts and overall discomfort. If you notice an increase in your energy bills or drafts in your home, consider contacting a professional to repair your roof.
Expensive Roof Repairs
Replacing a few missing shingles is less expensive and time-consuming than replacing the entire roof.
Ignoring the issue and leaving gaps on your roof can lead to further damage, requiring more extensive repairs and increasing the final costs.
It’s advisable to address missing shingles promptly to prevent damage to your home’s roof deck, framing, and insulation.
A Decrease in Property Value
Your roof plays a significant role in your home’s exterior appearance and curb appeal. A high-quality, well-maintained roof can enhance your property’s value and attract potential homebuyers.
However, missing or broken shingles can deter people from considering your home. Prospective buyers may be turned off by the idea of having to repair a roof themselves and be concerned about hidden issues, such as water leaks or structural damage.
Investing in the repair or replacement of missing shingles can give potential buyers confidence in the overall condition of your home, and increase the home’s market value.
What to Do When Shingles Fall off Your Roof
When you notice shingles falling off your roof, it’s crucial to take appropriate action to restore your property. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Contact a Professional for Inspection
Before reaching out to a roofing specialist, conduct a preliminary inspection by walking around your property and looking for missing shingles and fallen debris.
This will help you determine the extent of the damage and the type of assistance you may need. Once you’ve assessed the situation from the ground, consult a local expert roofer to conduct a thorough inspection of your damaged roof from an aerial perspective using advanced techniques like drone inspection.
This will provide accurate results and help determine the best course of action for repairing your roof.
2. Make an Insurance Claim
If the shingles fell off your roof due to storm damage, it’s advisable to file an insurance claim with your homeowners’ insurance provider. Most insurance policies cover roofing repairs and replacements resulting from storm damage.
If you choose to work with a professional roofing company for repairs or replacement, they can assist you in filing the insurance claim to alleviate the burden of the process.
By involving experts who have experience dealing with insurance companies, you can ensure that all necessary components are considered and that you receive proper reimbursement for the repairs.
3. Repair Worn or Damaged Shingles
If your roof is relatively new and only a few shingles have been blown off, minor repairs may be sufficient. Contact a local roofing professional to replace the missing shingles.
Keep in mind that the new shingles may not perfectly match the color of the existing ones, especially if they are older.
However, if your roof was recently replaced, you can be confident that the structural elements are intact. In addition to storm damage, it’s also advisable to replace shingles that have fallen off due to excessive wear and tear over the years.
If you’re unsure about the age of your roof, consider upgrading the shingles to give your home a fresh, new look, especially if you plan to sell the house.
4. Consider A Roof Replacement
If your roof is over a decade old and starting to lose multiple shingles, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire roof rather than make multiple repairs.
If there is damage to the roof deck underneath the shingles, such as flashing, underlayment, soffit, or fascia, leaving your home exposed to the elements could result in additional costs for attic, ceiling, and wall repairs.
The roof replacement process involves removing all the old shingles and foundational elements and installing new components. By replacing the wooden elements beneath the shingles, you can ensure that your home is free from any residual water damage.
Consulting with a professional roofer will help you determine whether roof repair or replacement is the best solution for your situation.
5. Prevent Future Roof Damage
Once you’ve repaired or replaced the missing shingles, it’s important to take steps to prevent future damage to your roof. Here are some preventative measures to consider:
- Regularly clean out the gutters to prevent water and debris buildup on your roof.
- Avoid walking on your roof, as it can cause damage to the shingles and pose a safety hazard.
- Inspect your roof at least once every season and remove any debris that may accumulate.
- Consider investing in a roofing maintenance program offered by professionals. They can conduct regular inspections and make necessary repairs to maintain the appearance and functionality of your roof.
Final Thoughts
When shingles fall off your roof, it’s crucial to take immediate action to prevent further damage to your property. Understanding why shingles fall off and the potential consequences that can occur when they do can help you make informed decisions about repairs and replacements.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and consulting with professional roofers, you can ensure the safety and longevity of your roof.
Remember, timely repairs and proactive maintenance are key to protecting your investment and preserving the value of your home.
Contact Division Kangaroof To Repair Your Fallen Roof Shingles
Are you looking for a professional roofing contractor to repair your fallen roof shingles? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Division Kangaroof is the premier company in Cornelia, Georgia, and surrounding areas for all things roof. From repairing fallen shingles to installing new ones, we do it all. Don’t wait another day before calling us at (706) 778-3516.
