How to Tell if Your Roof Is Missing Shingles

July 23, 2021 5:07 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Your roof shields your home, its contents and your family from the elements. If it’s missing shingles, however, your first line of defense is weakened. Missing shingles allow water penetration, heat transfer and insect invasions. Keeping an eye on your roof is the best way to spot the damage, so you can repair it right away. Here’s how to tell whether you have missing shingles, and what to do if you do.

Signs of missing shingles

There’s no need to get up on your roof to look for missing shingles. In fact, that can contribute to additional shingle loss! Instead, grab your binoculars and keep your feet on the ground. Slowly pan the entire length of your roof, on all sides. If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to call a pro for repair or replacement:

  • Gaps in the shingles: The most obvious sign of missing shingles is obvious gaps. You might see the missing shingles near the edge of your roof, or they could have blown away in the last big storm. These should be easy to spot—but they also mean that your roof is vulnerable to water damage, insects and more.
  • Cupped or broken shingles: Cupped and broken shingles don’t necessarily mean you have shingles missing just yet, but you may in the future. Cupped and broken shingles mean you may already have water damage. It’s only a matter of time before they fall off.
  • Dark streaks: Dark streaks can indicate mold and mildew, which are often signs of bigger problems. If your shingles look streaky, there may be additional roof damage lurking beneath the surface. It’s smart to call a professional to check them out.
  • Sagging: Sagging roofs usually mean there’s roof rot or structural damage. Missing shingles are only a matter of time once you spot this phenomenon. If your roof is sagging, that means there’s serious damage that goes far beyond a few missing shingles.
  • Plant growth: Finally, look for moss or lichen on your roof. Their presence indicates that there’s trapped moisture in and around your roof. Too much plant growth can dislodge the shingles, which makes your roof even more vulnerable. Remove the plant growth with a stiff brush, then call your trusted roofing pros to check for water damage.

What to do if you have missing shingles

If you’re just missing a few shingles, you might be able to repair the roof yourself, as long as you’re comfortable with being up on a ladder. However, if you see any of the other signs above, that indicates there’s a bigger problem than a missing shingle here and there. These signs should tell you that it’s time to call a roofing contractor for assistance. A professional is skilled at spotting issues and knowing which solution will work best for your roof.

When you need help restoring your roof to like-new condition, reach out to Dallas Cherry Roofing today. We’ll replace missing shingles, repair major problems or install a whole new roof.

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