A missing shingle might not look like a major roofing problem, but even one missing shingle can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, where roofs face heavy rain, snow, ice, wind, and temperature changes, replacing missing shingles promptly is an important part of protecting your home.
How Do Shingles Go Missing?
Shingles can become loose or blow off for several reasons. Strong winds are one of the most common causes, especially when shingles are already aging or their adhesive seals have weakened.
Severe storms can also damage shingles with falling branches or debris. In some cases, improper installation can cause shingles to loosen prematurely. Aging shingles may become brittle and lose their ability to stay securely attached to the roof.
If you notice a shingle in your yard after a storm, it is worth having your roof inspected. There may be additional loose shingles that have not fallen off yet.
Why Is a Missing Shingle a Problem?
Shingles provide an important layer of protection against the elements. When one is missing, the roofing system underneath is exposed to rain, snow, and sunlight.
Water can work its way beneath surrounding shingles and into the roofing system. Over time, this can contribute to damaged underlayment, roof decking, insulation, and even interior ceilings and walls.
A missing shingle can also create an opportunity for wind to get underneath neighboring shingles. What starts as one missing shingle can eventually become a larger section of roof damage.
Can You Replace Just One Shingle?
In many cases, yes. If the surrounding shingles are in good condition, a professional roofer (such as The Roof Repair Guys), may be able to replace the missing shingle without replacing the entire roof.
However, matching an older shingle can sometimes be difficult. Shingles fade from years of exposure to sunlight and weather, so a new replacement may not perfectly match the existing roof.
If multiple shingles are missing or the roof is showing widespread signs of aging, a larger repair or roof replacement may make more sense.
What Should You Do After a Storm?
If you discover missing shingles, avoid climbing onto the roof yourself. Roof surfaces can be slippery, and damaged areas may be unstable.
Instead, contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection. A roofer can determine whether the problem is limited to one shingle or whether the storm caused additional damage.
For homeowners in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton, Bloomsburg, and surrounding Northeastern Pennsylvania communities, The Roof Repair Guys can inspect missing shingles and identify problems before they become expensive leaks.
Don’t ignore a missing shingle simply because you don’t see water inside your home. Addressing small roof problems early can help protect your home and extend the life of your roofing system.
The Roof Repair Guys
(570) 332-1223
office@theroofrepairguys.com
www.theroofrepairguys.com