storm damage severe

Missing Roof Shingles: What to Do When Your Roof Looks Patchy

It’s no secret that roof repairs cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. It’s no wonder why homeowners may consider taking action themselves.

They might get tempted if they spot a simple issue, like missing roof shingles.

However, what may be a simple issue might not have a simple solution at all. Even a single shingle out of place might indicate deeper problems in your roofing system.

Still, if you want to see the problem for yourself, make sure to arm yourself with the right knowledge first. Keep reading to learn what to do when you have missing patches on your roof.

1. Inspect for Roof and Structural Damage

Missing patches could lead to unseen damages, especially if you’re unsure when this happened. If it rained between the time the shingles went missing and your discovery of the issue, this could be enough for water to penetrate your roof and your house.

Water damage will weaken the structure. Not to mention that moisture can get into your insulation and foundation.

If left unchecked, this could then lead to wall breakage or roof caving in extreme cases. Mold and mildew will grow on your roof and within your home. Your roof will also lose its protective properties.

This is why it’s important to check the inside of your home, too, for signs of water damage. If you do spot some signs, you may have to refer to a professional instead to apply the right fix.

You should also check the extent of the damage on your roof. How many shingles are missing? Are the other shingles still in good condition or are they due for replacement, too?

2. Get New Shingles and the Required Equipment

If you decide to take upon the job yourself, estimate how many shingles you’ll need. Then, buy more than your estimate at the home repair store. Make sure they match the color and type of your current roof shingles.

You’ll need tools like a crowbar, a hammer, a fulcrum, and some roofing nails. You might also have to buy a shingle cement or adhesive if the shingles you bought didn’t come with pre-installed adhesive strips.

Then, prepare your safety equipment. You need a sturdy and secure ladder for climbing up and down the roof. Get the proper eyewear, wear some heavy-duty gloves, and a pair of appropriate boots.

You should also have a harness and roof jacks where you can stand. Although you might not even need them depending on the job, it doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious.

The last thing you need is a friend. Don’t work on the roof alone.

3. Work on a Cool Day

We recommend working when the weather’s not too hot. Not only is working under the sun is comfortable, but shingles are harder to work on in hot weather, too.

When asphalt shingles and sealant heat up, they become much more moldable. This makes them more difficult to remove.

If possible, avoid working in the cold too. Shingles can become more brittle, thus more prone to breakage. Your equipment will also not be able to perform their best during low temperatures.

The ideal temperature for working on the roof is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Work during a sunny day, but do so in the early morning before the sun heats the shingles up.

However, missing roof tiles require immediate attention at times, which means you might not have the time to sit around waiting for the optimal weather conditions. If you’re unsure, better call a professional instead.

If you can’t wait for cooler weather, cool the shingles by drenching them with water. This will firm up the shingles, allowing you to remove them with more ease.

4. Know the Risks of Doing It Yourself

This job demands you to climb up on the roof, which puts you at risk of falling if you’re not careful enough. You might not even have a safety kit, like a fall protection anchorage, to protect yourself.

Then there’s also the issue of warranties. If you have one for your roof, note that a non-professional working on it could void the warranty.

The quality of a non-professional’s roof job might also affect the whole roofing system. It can even create more issues with your roof and your whole house. A botched job can lead to roof leaks, molds, and mildew.

Once you have these issues, you’ll spend a considerate amount of money to have them fixed by a professional. Hiring a contractor will cost less, and you won’t experience more downtime than you’d need to.

5. Call a Local Roofing Contractor to Replace Your Missing Roof Shingles

If you’re not confident enough to replace your missing shingles, or if you don’t have the necessary equipment for the job, call a roofing contractor instead. They have the right tools that will help them do the job in a safe manner.

They also have the expertise to not damage the other tiles while they replace your missing ones.

In addition to that, they can assess any potential damage the missing roof shingles might have caused. Doing this yourself might cause you to miss out on some signs of water damage or other structural issues.

A professional will have an eye to spot such things. They’ll also be able to assess what kind of solution you’ll need aside from shingle replacement.

Contractors will also be able to work in winter when handling asphalt shingles are a pain even for the experienced. Rest assured that they have enough training to overcome issues presented by the weather, though.

Although this is the more expensive route, knowing everything is fine is worth the extra bucks.

Choosing the Right Contractor for You

Contacting a contractor to replace your missing roof shingles is the best way to go, no matter how easy the job may seem.

It eliminates the risks for you and your home, plus you don’t have to buy or borrow the equipment yourself. If you want a quote or to talk to a professional, contact us now.

Share This Post

More To Explore