Missing Shingles After a Storm
High winds and hail are hard on DMV roofs. Once shingles tear off, the exposed area lets water reach the underlayment and decking, so a few missing shingles can become a leak fast. Here is what causes it and what a proper repair looks like.
Common Causes
Wind Uplift
Gusts catch the edge of aging or poorly sealed shingles and peel them back. Older roofs and ridge/edge shingles are most vulnerable.
Hail and Debris
Hail bruises and cracks shingles; falling branches knock them loose. Damage is often worse than it looks from the ground.
Failed Adhesive Strips
Heat and age break down the self-seal strip, so shingles no longer bond and lift in the next storm.
Warning Signs
- !Bare patches or visible underlayment
- !Shingle granules collecting in gutters
- !Shingles in the yard after a storm
- !New ceiling stains indoors
How We Fix It
- 1Inspect the full roof, not just the bare spot, for lifted, cracked, and bruised shingles.
- 2Replace missing and damaged shingles with matched material and re-seal surrounding courses.
- 3Check and repair flashing and underlayment so the area is watertight.
What It Costs
Spot shingle repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Storm damage that affects flashing or decking, or that qualifies for an insurance claim, can be larger.
If You Ignore It
Each storm widens the gap. Exposed decking rots, the leak reaches your ceilings, and what was a $400 repair becomes a partial or full roof replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover storm shingle damage?+
Can you match my existing shingles?+
Do you offer emergency tarping?+
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