High winds, hail, and storm damage can all do a number on your roof, no matter how sturdy its construction or material is! You probably know that leaks need to be repaired as soon as possible in the event of a weather emergency, but what should you do if only some of your shingles get blown off?
How urgently are repairs needed? And will your homeowner’s insurance cover the replacement of these damaged shingles? Read on, as this brief guide can help you determine when, and how, to get your blown-off shingles replaced in the event of roof damage caused by inclement weather. Feel free to contact our team at RoofPRO for more information!
Storm Damage Can Include Missing Shingles that Get Blown Off
Storm damage is not just limited to leaks, holes, and other more obvious intrusions in your home’s exterior – chipped or missing asphalt shingles can constitute major damage to your roof’s integrity as well!
Risks of Damaged Roof Shingles for Your Home
Damaged or old shingles are more than just aesthetically unpleasant – they also leave your home at risk for extra damage! Your roof is a system of interdependent layers that all provide the necessary protection for your interiors; damage at one level (especially the outermost one) can likely damage the rest of your roof if left unaddressed.
Leak Formation and Water Damage
For one thing, damaged or missing shingles pose a risk for roof leak formation and water damage within your home. Shingles help to keep water from dripping into other layers of the roofing system and, eventually, into your walls and home interior. When shingles are damaged, your home becomes vulnerable to leaks, mold, and water damage.
Loss of Energy Efficiency
Damage to vents, punctures in the roof, or loss of granules can all negatively affect the roof system. If a roof vent is damaged and not allowing proper airflow, the attic can overheat, leading to rapid aging of the roof and higher temperatures in the attic and home.
Granule loss will have a slower-degrading effect on your roof, exposing the asphalt surface of the shingles to the sun. The granules help to reflect the UV rays and prolong the life of the roof.
Roof Deck Damages
Damaged and missing shingles can also leave your roof decking vulnerable to unnecessary wear and tear. Your decking is the layer directly under your underlayment and shingling, and it is vitally important for the integrity of your whole roof! Should excess moisture get into the decking and get trapped, your roof could grow mold or warp, potentially costing a great deal in repairs or even full replacements.
Additionally, strong winds or storms that are rough enough to damage shingles may already have damaged your deck; if you suspect anything is amiss with your roof decking, consult a professional roofer ASAP to get it inspected!
What Steps Should I Take if Shingles Blew Off My Roof?
While it’s unfortunate that damaged and missing shingles can be a significant detriment to the health of your roof, it means that your homeowner’s insurance is much more likely to cover the replacement of these important elements. Here’s what you should do in the event that your shingles are blown off your roof and you’re looking to get them replaced.
1) Carefully Assess and Document the Damage
As with any roofing damage, be sure to document the damage thoroughly in as many ways as you can: photographs of your property before (if available) and ample photographs of your roof following the damage.
Taking notes regarding the damage will be helpful in giving your insurance company the information they need to complete your storm damage claim.
If you suspect further damage, you may even consider getting an inspection as part of your documentation, though this may not be necessary for more minor shingle damage.
2) Get in Touch with Your Homeowners Insurance Provider
Next, you’ll want to get in touch with your homeowners’ insurance provider and file a claim. Be sure to take notes on important details regarding your claim – like your policy number, the name of the person with whom you spoke, a good callback number, plus any answers to any questions you have about what to expect. From there, they’ll process your claim and determine the amount you are due for repairs or replacement.
3) If Safe to Do So, Place a Tarp Over the Affected Area
If the storm has passed and if you are safely able to access your roof, be sure to place a tarp over the area with missing shingles. This small, but important action can help prevent further damage to your roof through moisture and leaks.
Make sure that the top of the tarp is tucked up under the above layer of shingles. This will help prevent water from getting under the tarp. You may also need to caulk the top and edges of the tarp or cover it with roof cement.
4) Get a Documented Report From a Local Roofing Company
Regardless of whether you have a homeowner’s insurance policy that covers missing shingles, you should try to contact a local roofing company as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with a written inspection report, which can help with your insurance claims process. Additionally, they will be able to get someone to replace the shingles to prevent further damage.
RoofPRO is a Top-Rated Roofing Company in Maryland
RoofPRO is extremely proud to be a highly trusted roofing contractor in Maryland. If you are local to the area and are looking for repairs, replacements, or installations, look no further than us! We are here to help when disaster strikes – contact our team today for a free inspection and estimate.
Trusted Roof Repair, Replacement, and Installation Services
In addition to our top-rated storm restoration roofing repairs, we offer a full suite of solutions for your home’s roof and exterior. From complete roof replacements to repairs for siding, gutters, and more, we’ve proudly become one of Maryland’s top contractors! Check out our full list of services here.
Working with the Best Materials in the Industry
On all of our projects, whether big jobs or small repairs, we rely on only the best materials in the industry! We can offer your home a wide range of roofing products to suit exactly what your home needs, from an array of colorways and matching shingles to additional features like energy efficiency, we’ve got you covered!
Proud to be a Locally Owned and Operated Company Since 2004
With over two decades of local experience serving homeowners in the state of Maryland, you can trust that we’ll get the job done in a timely manner with excellent attention to detail. We’re invested in the communities we conduct business in – we understand what our clients value, and we do everything we can to deliver it!
Contact Us Today for a Free Inspection and Estimate
In need of a repair or replacement following inclement weather? Interested in getting started on a new roofing project? Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate!
