Quick Answer

After a storm, promptly inspect your roof for missing shingles. If only a few shingles are missing and roof access is safe and comfortable, you can replace them yourself using roofing cement and new shingles matched to your existing roof. For extensive damage, multiple layers of missing shingles, any signs of structural compromise, or if you feel unsafe on the roof, immediately contact a licensed roofing professional to prevent costly water damage and further structural issues. Document the damage with photos for potential insurance claims.

The Problem

High winds, hail, and heavy rains during a storm can be incredibly destructive to your roof. One of the most common and misleadingly simple issues homeowners face is missing asphalt shingles. It might seem minor—just a few shingles gone—but the exposed area beneath them is a direct gateway for water. This isn't just about a potential leak; it's about significant, hidden damage waiting to happen. Water can seep into your roof decking, attic, and even the walls of your home, leading to mold, rot, compromised structural integrity, and damaged insulation. What starts as a small gap can quickly evolve into thousands of dollars in repairs, far more than the cost of addressing the missing shingles upfront. The urgency lies in preventing this cascade of secondary problems that can linger, undetected, for months or even years after the initial storm.

How It Works

An asphalt shingle roof is a multi-layered system designed to shed water. At the very top, asphalt shingles, made from a fiberglass mat saturated with asphalt and covered with ceramic granules, act as the primary barrier. These are laid in overlapping courses, with each shingle covering the fasteners of the shingle below, creating a continuous waterproof surface. Beneath the shingles is an underlayment, typically felt paper or synthetic material, which provides a secondary layer of protection against water penetration, especially if a shingle is damaged or missing. Below that is the roof decking, usually plywood or OSB, which forms the structural base of your roof. When a strong gust of wind or impact from hail lifts and tears away a shingle, it exposes the underlayment, or worse, the bare roof decking. The underlayment is tough, but it's not designed for prolonged, direct exposure to UV rays and standing water. Over time, particularly in heavy rain, water will find its way through any small tear, seam, or compromised area of the underlayment. Once water penetrates the underlayment, it can soak into the roof decking, leading to rot, softening, and eventually compromising the structural integrity of your roof. From there, it can drip into your attic, saturating insulation, promoting mold growth, and damaging ceilings and walls below. The interlocking nature of shingles means that often, if one shingle is dislodged, the ones around it may also be loosened or have their sealant bonds broken, making them vulnerable to the next storm.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Prioritize Safety — Before you even think about climbing onto your roof, assess the situation from the ground. Look for downed power lines, unstable ladders, or slippery conditions.

• Safety Note: Never climb onto a roof in wet, icy, or excessively windy conditions. Always use a sturdy ladder placed on level ground and have someone spot you. Wear non-slip shoes with good grip. If you have any doubts about your stability or comfort working at heights, call a professional.

2. Assess the Damage from the Ground — Use binoculars to get a closer look at your roof from multiple angles. Identify the exact locations and number of missing shingles.

• Note the color, style, and size of your existing shingles if you can. This will help you find suitable replacements.
• Check for other signs of damage like lifted shingles, granules collecting in gutters, or exposed underlayment.

3. Gather Your Tools and Materials — You'll need specific items to safely and effectively replace the shingles.

• Existing Shingle for Match: If you have any leftover shingles from the original installation, this is ideal for a perfect match. Otherwise, you'll need to source new ones.
• Note: Take a picture of your existing shingle and a small sample (carefully cut from an inconspicuous area if needed) to ensure a good match in color and style at the hardware store or roofing supplier. The exact manufacturer and shingle line can often be found on the shingle wrapper if you have a spare bundle.

4. Safely Access the Roof — Place your ladder on a firm, level surface, extending at least 3 feet above the roofline. Secure it if possible.

• Ensure the ladder's angle is correct (roughly a 1:4 ratio of distance from wall to height).
• Wear appropriate safety gear: non-slip work boots, work gloves, and consider a safety harness if you're uncomfortable or the roof pitch is steep.

5. Prepare the Area — Once on the roof, carefully remove any old nails or debris from where the shingles were lost.

• Use a pry bar or claw hammer to gently lift the edges of the surrounding shingles if they are sealed down, being careful not to damage them further. You'll need to lift the shingle course above the missing area to slide in the new shingle.
• Ensure the underlayment is intact. If the underlayment is torn, apply a patch of roofing felt or self-adhesive flashing tape over the damaged area before installing the new shingle.

6. Slide in the New Shingle — Carefully slide the new shingle into place, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the adjacent shingles.

• The bottom edge of the new shingle should neatly tuck under the overlap of the shingle in the course above it, and its side edges should align with the surrounding shingles.

7. Secure the Shingle — Once positioned, lift the overlapping shingle just enough to expose the nailing strip of the new shingle.

• Drive two 1-inch roofing nails through the top corners of the new shingle, approximately 1 inch from each end, ensuring the nails pass through the nailing strip. The nail heads should be flush with the shingle surface, not sunken or raised.
• Important: The nails should go through the new shingle and the top edge of the shingle below it, ensuring proper overlap and security. Avoid over-nailing, which can crack the shingle, or under-nailing, which can leave it loose.

8. Apply Roofing Cement — For added sealing and wind resistance, apply a small dab of roofing cement under the bottom edge of the new shingle and press down firmly.

• Also, apply a small bead of cement under the overlapping parts of the shingles immediately above the newly installed one to help re-seal them to the new shingle.

9. Re-seal Lifted Shingles — If you had to lift surrounding shingles to work, apply a small bead of roofing cement under their lifted edges as well.

• Press down firmly to ensure a good seal. The sun's heat will help activate the adhesive over the next few days.

10. Final Inspection and Cleanup — From the ground, visually inspect the repaired area to ensure the new shingles blend in and are securely fastened.

• Remove any debris from the roof and gutters. Store leftover shingles properly for future repairs.

Common Causes

• High Winds: The most frequent culprit. Strong winds, especially those above 50-60 mph, can lift shingle edges, break sealant bonds, and tear shingles away, particularly if the roof is older or the shingles are already brittle.
• Hail Impact: Large hailstones can directly damage shingles, cracking them or loosening the granule surface, making them more susceptible to being blown off.
• Improper Installation: If shingles weren't nailed correctly (too few nails, nails improperly placed, or over-nailed/under-nailed), their resistance to wind uplift is significantly reduced.
• Aging & Wear: Over time, exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and weather cycles cause asphalt shingles to become brittle, lose their granules, and weaken their adhesive strips. Older shingles are far more likely to be damaged or dislodged by a storm.
• Tree Damage: Falling branches or even persistent rubbing from overhanging limbs can weaken shingles, making them easier targets for storm damage.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring Minor Damage: Thinking

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