Quick Answer

If your roof has missing shingles after a storm, the immediate priority is to prevent further water intrusion. Temporarily cover the exposed area with a tarp, secure it properly, and then safely assess the damage from the ground or using a ladder with a spotter. Document everything with photos for insurance purposes before contacting a qualified roofing professional.

The Problem

High winds, hail, and heavy rains that accompany severe storms can wreak havoc on your roof, often leaving behind a tell-tale sign of damage: missing shingles. While a few missing shingles might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, they are a critical breach in your home's first line of defense against the elements. Each missing shingle exposes the underlying roofing felt and, eventually, the roof decking to direct water penetration. This can lead to a cascade of problems, including attic leaks, stained ceilings, mold growth, compromised structural integrity, and even electrical hazards. Ignoring missing shingles, even for a short period, drastically increases the risk of extensive and expensive secondary water damage inside your home, well beyond the initial cost of shingle replacement.

How It Works

Asphalt shingles are designed to shed water efficiently down the roof slope and away from your home. They are installed in overlapping layers, with each shingle secured by roofing nails to the roof deck, typically over a layer of felt paper or synthetic underlayment. The exposed portion of the shingle, called the tab, works in conjunction with the granules to protect the underlying asphalt and fiberglass mat from UV light and weather. The lower edge of each shingle is typically equipped with a self-sealing adhesive strip, which, when warmed by the sun, bonds to the shingle below it, creating a wind-resistant seal. This interlock is crucial for preventing wind uplift. When a storm brings high winds (often exceeding 50-60 mph for sustained periods or even higher in gusts), the force can be strong enough to break the adhesive seal, lift the shingle tabs, and, if the wind gets underneath, tear the shingles free from their nails. Hail, while often causing more subtle impact damage, can also weaken shingles, making them more susceptible to wind uplift. Once shingles are gone, the protective granule layer is removed, and the underlying asphalt is exposed directly to the elements. The felt paper beneath offers some temporary protection, but it's not designed for prolonged direct exposure to rain and sun. Eventually, water will penetrate the felt, reach the roof decking (usually plywood or OSB), and begin to rot, warp, or delaminate the wood. From there, water can seep into the attic, damage insulation, and eventually enter your living spaces, causing significant interior damage.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Prioritize Safety — Before doing anything, ensure your personal safety. * Stay Grounded First: Perform an initial visual inspection from the ground using binoculars. Look for obvious gaps, curled shingles, or debris that indicates damage. Never get on a wet or windy roof. Wait until conditions are calm and dry. * Ladder Safety: If you must use a ladder for a closer look or temporary tarping, always have a spotter to hold the ladder. Ensure the ladder is on stable, level ground and extends at least three feet above the eave. Wear rubber-soled shoes for grip. If you're uncomfortable or unsure about ladder safety, call a professional for assessment.

2. Document Everything — Crucial for insurance claims. * Take Photos/Videos: Use your smartphone to take clear, well-lit photos and videos of all damaged areas from multiple angles – both from the ground and from a ladder if safely possible. Include wider shots showing the general area and close-ups of missing shingles, exposed decking, and any interior water damage (like ceiling stains). Date and time stamp your photos if your phone allows. * Note Debris: Photograph any storm debris on your roof or around your property that could have caused or contributed to the damage.

3. Tarp the Exposed Area — Prevent immediate additional water damage. * Measure & Cut Tarp: Measure the damaged area generously. Cut a heavy-duty tarp (6 mil or thicker polyethylene) large enough to extend at least 2-3 feet beyond all edges of the exposed area, especially uphill. * Secure the Uplink Edge: Start by securing the uphill edge of the tarp. Roll a 2x4 piece of lumber or a similar sturdy material into the tarp's edge to create a secure anchor. Nail or screw this 2x4 directly into the roof decking through the tarp, focusing on areas not damaged if possible. Use 2-inch roofing nails or screws with neoprene washers at 6-inch intervals. * Drape & Overlap: Unroll the tarp, allowing it to hang naturally down the roof slope, covering the damaged section completely. Ensure there's enough overlap to prevent water from blowing underneath. * Seal Side Edges: Create a roll with a 2x4 on the side edges as well, nailing through the tarp and 2x4 into the roof deck. Alternatively, use battens (thin strips of wood) nailed over the tarp edges to hold them down securely. * Weight Down Bottom Edge: The bottom edge can be secured by rolling a 2x4 into the tarp and nailing it, or simply left weighted by sandbags if drainage isn't obstructed. The goal is to prevent wind from getting under and lifting the tarp. * Safety Note: Never nail or screw through the tarp into a clean, undamaged shingle surface unless absolutely necessary, as this can create new leak points. Prioritize securing into the framing or damaged areas. This is a temporary fix; tarps can be slippery when wet and are a fall hazard. Expect to re-secure tarps after subsequent storms.

4. Collect Documentation & Contact Insurance — Initiate the recovery process. * Gather Proof: Compile all your photos, videos, and detailed notes on the date and time of the storm and when you discovered the damage. * Review Policy: Read through your homeowner's insurance policy to understand your coverage for storm damage, your deductible, and the claim process. Pay attention to deadlines for filing claims. * File Claim: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with your documentation and follow their instructions for the claims process. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage.

5. Get Multiple Quotes — Choose a reputable roofing professional. * Research Contractors: Look for licensed, insured, and reputable roofing contractors in your area. Check online reviews, ask for references, and verify their credentials with your state licensing board. * Detailed Bids: Obtain at least three written, itemized bids for the repair or replacement work. Ensure the bids specify the materials to be used (shingle type, brand, color), the scope of work (e.g., tear-off, decking inspection, underlayment replacement), and warranty information. * Compare Apples to Apples: Don't just pick the cheapest bid. Compare the scope of work, materials, and proposed timelines. A significantly lower bid might indicate cut corners or inferior materials.

6. Understand the Repair Process — Know what to expect. * Shingle Matching: If only a few shingles are missing and your roof is relatively new, a direct shingle match might be possible. Older roofs, however, often have discontinued shingle styles or colors, and new shingles may not perfectly match faded existing ones. Your contractor should discuss expectations. * Decking Inspection: A critical part of any repair is a thorough inspection of the underlying roof decking for rot, water damage, or fastener issues. Any compromised decking should be replaced before new shingles are installed. * Proper Fastening: New shingles must be nailed correctly with the appropriate number of fasteners (typically 4-6 nails per shingle in a specific nailing zone) to meet manufacturer specifications and local building codes for wind resistance. * Sealing: Ensure new shingles are properly sealed to adjacent shingles, either through their self-sealing strips or with a dab of roofing cement, especially in cooler weather when the self-sealing strips might not activate quickly.

Common Causes

• High Winds: The most obvious culprit. Sustained winds over 50-60 mph or powerful gusts can lift and tear shingles from the roof. The wind gets underneath the shingle tab, breaking its adhesive seal and pulling the nails free.
• Old, Brittle Shingles: As asphalt shingles age (typically 15-20 years for a 20-30 year shingle), they become less flexible, their adhesive strips degrade, and granules wear off. This makes them significantly more vulnerable to wind uplift and hail impact.
• Improper Installation: Shingles nailed too high (above the nailing strip), too few nails, or nails that don't penetrate the decking adequately, are prone to tearing off in storms. Poor sealing of shingles can also contribute.
• Hail Damage: While hail often causes dings and granule loss, severe hail can weaken the shingle structure, making it easier for subsequent winds to rip them off.
• Poor Adhesion: If shingles were installed in cold weather, or if the initial adhesive never activated properly due to insufficient sun exposure, their resistance to wind can be compromised.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring the Damage: Doing nothing after discovering missing shingles is the biggest mistake. Even a small exposed area can lead to significant water damage, mold, and rot inside your home.
• Delayed Tarping: Waiting to tarp the roof can allow rain to infiltrate your attic and home, compounding the damage and potentially complicating insurance claims.
• Improper Tarp Installation: Tarping poorly (not enough overlap, not securely fastened, or using too light-duty a tarp) can lead to the tarp blowing off, tearing, or even causing new leaks. Always secure all edges properly.
• DIY High-Risk Repairs: Attempting to climb on a tall, steep, or wet roof, especially after a storm, is extremely dangerous. Leave extensive repairs or detailed inspections to professionals. Only attempt temporary tarping if it's safe and you have the right equipment.
• Not Documenting Thoroughly: Without clear photos and videos before any repairs (even temporary ones), it can be much harder to prove the extent of the damage to your insurance company, potentially resulting in a lower claim payout.
• Choosing the Cheapest Contractor: While cost is a factor, opting for the lowest bid without vetting the contractor's credentials, insurance, and reputation can lead to shoddy work, warranty issues, and further problems down the line.

Cost & Time Breakdown

Tips & Prevention

• Regular Roof Inspections: Perform a visual inspection of your roof from the ground (with binoculars) at least twice a year (spring and fall) and after every major storm. Look for curled, cracked, broken, or missing shingles, and excessive granule loss.
• Maintain Gutters: Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under shingles, leading to rot and ice damming in winter, further weakening the roof structure.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Remove any tree branches that hang over your roof. These can scour shingles, rub off granules, and become projectile hazards during high winds, directly contributing to shingle damage.
• Verify Shingle Warranties: Understand your shingle manufacturer's warranty regarding wind and hail damage. Some warranties are voided by improper installation or lack of maintenance.
• Consider Impact-Resistant Shingles: If you live in an area prone to severe storms, consider investing in impact-resistant (IR) shingles when it's time for a roof replacement. These are designed to withstand hail and high winds better and may qualify for insurance discounts.
• Proper Attic Ventilation: Ensure your attic is properly ventilated. Poor ventilation can lead to excessive heat buildup, which can prematurely age shingles and degrade their adhesive sealant, making them more susceptible to storm damage.

When to Call a Professional

Always call a licensed and insured roofing professional if you have extensive damage, if the roof pitch is steep or the roof is high, if you are uncomfortable working on a ladder, or if you suspect structural damage to your roof decking. Professionals have the training, safety equipment, and expertise to safely assess and repair storm damage, ensuring the work meets local building codes and manufacturer specifications. If you notice signs of water intrusion in your attic or home, or if the temporary tarping fails, it's also a clear signal to get professional help immediately. They can accurately diagnose underlying issues, coordinate with your insurance adjuster, and provide a warranty for their repair work, ensuring your home is properly protected against future weather events. Never attempt repairs on an active gas line, high-voltage electrical components, or the main plumbing stack, as these require specialized expertise and licensing.

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