Published on January 30, 2023 by Jason Reisman

What Happens When Shingles Fall Off Your Roof?

Do you need repairs on roof damage? Call Eustis Roofing in Tavares, FL, today at (352) 343-4240 for a free quote from our professional roofers. 

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the U.S., though they can easily suffer damage from strong winds, hail, wear and tear, and more. Clay tile shingles are even more fragile.

So, what happens when shingles fall off your roof? At Eustis Roofing, we want to help you understand shingle roofing composition so you can make the best decisions for your home. Below, we discuss why roof shingles detach and how to respond to the problem.

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What Causes Shingles To Detach?

Roof shingles may detach or become damaged for many reasons, including the following:

  • Wind: Shingles can only withstand certain wind speeds. Tropical storms, tornadoes, and hurricane-force winds may tear chunks of shingles from your roof. 
  • Hail: While hail usually will not detach shingles, it can damage the material’s surface, causing future problems. Blistered or cracked shingles cannot protect your home from water damage. 
  • Foot traffic: If you walk on your roof without the necessary precautions, you can pull up or damage a few shingles. On hot days, asphalt shingles become more flexible and vulnerable to damage. Clay tiles are extremely brittle and can easily crack with the slightest pressure. 
  • Faulty installation: Roofing professionals must follow specific installation instructions from the material manufacturer. Otherwise, the shingles may detach more easily. 
  • Age: Shingle roofs last around 12 to 15 years before they begin drying, curling, and detaching.

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Are Missing Shingles an Immediate Problem?

What happens when shingles fall off my roof? Missing shingles compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home from water damage, plant growth, and more. One hole in the roofing system can allow moisture to enter the underlying components, leak into your roof, freeze and create ice dams, or generate mold and algae. 

If you notice any of the following storm-damage or missing-shingle signs, you should call a contractor immediately for repairs before the problems worsen:

  • Missing or loose shingles
  • Exposed nails
  • Dry, curling, or cracking shingles
  • Dark patches across the roof (indicating areas of plant growth)
  • Loose shingles scattered across your yard or in your gutters
  • Water leak signs, like stains on the ceiling or walls in your upper floor or attic
  • Sudden spikes in energy bills

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What To Do After Shingles Fall Off Your Roof

If shingles detach from your roof, we recommend contacting a contractor to replace wind-damaged shingles with high-quality roofing shingles like CertainTeed’s SwiftStart, correcting problems from faulty installations, and replacing systems older than 12 to 15 years. We recommend the following options:

  • Contact a contractor to replace wind-damaged shingles
  • Only let professionals walk on the roof
  • Correct problems from faulty installations
  • Replace systems older than 12 to 15 years
  • Consider insurance claims for hail damage 
  • Call our team for a free quote to understand the extent of your damage

Call Us at Eustis Roofing for Shingle Repairs Today

Now that you know what happens when shingles fall off your roof, continue learning about the importance of roof maintenance. If your roof loses shingles, call our team at Eustis Roofing in Tavares, FL, today at (352) 343-4240 for a free repair or replacement quote. 

Jason Reisman

About The Author: Jason Reisman

Jason Reisman, ERC’s General Manager is a problem solver! Jason is hands-on with finding solutions to difficult problems as well as constantly researching, exploring new concepts, discovering new inventive ways and is passionate about being the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most dependable in the roofing trade. He’s hands-on with training and instruction ensuring every job have the up to date and state of the art equipment to perform with precision to be in and out without delays. Jason loves competing with his Dad on the golf course!