Missing roof shingles are a common homeowner issue, but they are not difficult to repair. Your roof plays a vital role in keeping your loved ones safe and your belongings protected from the elements. So, it is important to keep your roof in good condition by taking great care of it and replacing missing shingles.
Homeowners in the Dallas Fort Worth area frequently inspect their roofs following storms. As you inspect your roof following severe weather, or as part of routine care of your home, you might be wondering if missing shingles can cause a leak in your roof. The answer is yes, but there are some guidelines you can use to determine how immediately you need those repairs.
How Shingle Roofing Works
The shingle roof is designed as an integrated roofing system with multiple protective layers. Roofing shingles with adhesive backing are applied over a layer of water-repelling felt that covers your roof decking. The adhesive backing helps prevent the shingles from lifting up in high winds.
Next, as professional roofing contractors apply shingles they begin at the edges of the roof and work their way up to the peak. As the shingles are nailed down to the roof, they are also nailed to each other in an overlapping pattern. Each shingle layer covers the seams of the shingle beneath it. This overlapping pattern reinforces your roof’s protection. It works to prevent water from entering the seams between the shingles before it can get to the felt layer beneath—or beyond.
What To Do If Your Roof Is Missing A Shingle
If your roof is missing a shingle, it’s important to schedule roof repairs to protect your existing roofing materials and your home. An exposed seam between shingles allows for the potential of water to get between the shingles and into the felt layer or roof decking underneath. Fortunately, these protective layers will prevent immediate water intrusion if they are still in good shape! But you do want to replace any missing or damaged shingles for that top layer of protection on your home.
Assess the area surrounding the missing shingle for any further issues. Look for crooked, lowered, or torn shingles. Check for any rot in the area as well, which might indicate water intrusion.
How Quickly Should You Replace Missing Roof Shingles
How long can a roof go without a shingle? If you just have a single missing shingle, or part of a shingle, and there is no exposed seam in the shingles immediately below, the necessary repairs are not as time sensitive. The shingle still needs to be replaced, but you won’t likely experience leaking or damage before you can get the repair done.
If you have multiple missing shingles, or a section of missing shingles, you want to have the repairs done as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage to your roof or home, and the missing shingle repair cost will be lower than repairs needed due to prolonged exposure to wind and water.
Hire Professional Roofers To Replace Missing Shingles
It is always a good idea to call a professional roofing company to replace your missing shingles. Professional roofers can replace your missing shingles safely, without disturbing the undamaged roof areas. They can also make sure that the replacement shingles match your existing roof. Another benefit of hiring professional roofers to replace your missing shingles is that they can inspect the affected area, and the rest of your roof, for any potential issues or leaks and catch them before your home incurs extensive and costly damage.
If you live in the Dallas Fort Worth area and have missing roof shingles, contact Korrect Roofing for a free roof inspection today.
