Finding shingles on your lawn can be alarming.
Knowing that they're supposed to be on your roof, finding them on the ground
shows there could be an issue with your roof. However, missing and loose
shingles do not necessarily mean that you need a complete roof replacement.
Below we will delve into the causes of loose & missing shingles and what it
means for your roof.
- Poor
Installation
If your shingles are installed improperly, they may not be fastened down to your roofing material correctly. One strong wind or one rainstorm could knock a poorly fastened shingle off your roof. Shingles are not fastened correctly if they are nailed above the nailing strip or too high on the shingle, allowing your shingle to be easily blown off.
- Old Shingles
At a certain point, you will need new shingles on your roof. Asphalt shingles typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. As shingles age, they will begin to dry out, crack, have granules fall off, and curl. Once your shingles have reached this point, they have lost their integrity to protect your roof.
- Hail Damage
While a hailstorm itself will not knock off shingles, the hail can bruise and crack shingles. The bruises and cracks can weaken your shingles, making them ineffective in protecting your home.
- Wind Damage
Shingles are designed with wind resistance in mind. However, shingles can be susceptible to flying off in the event of extreme winds. Shingles located on the eaves and ridges of your roof are the most vulnerable to being ripped off by strong winds.
- Your Roofing Base Is Damaged
Your shingles may have been installed correctly, but if the material holding your shingles in place is compromised, your shingles could fly off. These materials are mainly composed of your roof decking, which is the main layer of your roofing material. If your roof decking has experienced water damage or another type of damage, it may not have the strength to keep your shingles in place.
Whether you need a repair, or a roof
replacement depends on the cause and extent of the loose and missing shingles.
If during the inspection your roofing contractor notices damage to your roof decking and underlayment, you will need a roof replacement. If a considerable amount of shingles are missing or damaged, it is safe to assume that damage has already occurred to your roof decking and underlayment. With damage to the roofing materials beneath the shingles, just a shingle replacement or repair will not fix the actual problem. By having a damaged roof, the rest of your house is now susceptible to damage since it is not being properly protected by your roof.
The best way to know if you need a roof repair
or replacement is by having an inspection done by a trustworthy and experienced
roofing company. ARAC Roof It Forward offers free video inspections so you can
see any damage on your roof from the safety of your home. With almost 20 years
of experience, our team at Roof It Forward can provide you with high-quality
roofing services. Schedule your free video inspection today.