Symptoms
- Bare patch on the roof visible from the ground
- Shingle pieces in the yard after wind
- Exposed dark underlayment or wood decking
Likely causes
- CommonHigh winds during a stormWind gets under a shingle edge and peels it off, often near ridges or edges.
- CommonAged, brittle shingles losing adhesive sealOlder shingles lose their sealant strip and lift more easily.
- PossibleImproper original installationPoor nailing pattern can leave shingles more vulnerable to wind.
What to do
- Check the yard and gutters for the missing shingle pieces to gauge how large an area is affected.
- From the ground or a ladder, look for exposed underlayment, deck, or nail holes where shingles are gone.
- If the exposed area is small, cover it with a tarp secured under the surrounding shingles or weighted at the edges to keep rain out.
- Avoid walking on the roof yourself if it's steep, wet, or you're not comfortable on it.
- Check your homeowner's insurance policy, since wind damage is often a covered event.
- Get quotes for replacement shingles matched to your existing roof if possible.
- Have the repair done before the next rain to prevent water from reaching the deck and causing rot.
Tools and parts
- Ladder
- Tarp
- Binoculars for ground inspection
Roofing shingles matching existing roofSearch: “replacement roof shingles”
When to call a pro
Call a roofer for actual shingle replacement, and your insurance agent if it was storm damage.
Safety
Use caution
Never get on the roof in wind, rain, or if it's steep or you lack fall protection; use a ladder to inspect from the eave instead.