A storm rolls through and you notice shingles in your yard — or bare spots visible from the ground. Now what?
How Many Shingles Are Missing?
1-5 shingles in one localized area: likely a repair situation, depending on roof age and condition.
6+ shingles or damage across multiple areas: may be widespread enough to warrant a full inspection for insurance claim territory.
Missing shingles visible across large sections from the ground: beyond routine repair — call for an inspection before it rains again.
Why Missing Shingles Happen
When wind exceeds the seal strip rating, shingles lift and separate. On older roofs, sealant strips have dried out and lost adhesion — it takes less wind to lift them. A 40-mph gust can remove shingles from a 20-year-old roof that would have survived 70 mph when new.
What’s Exposed When Shingles Are Gone
The synthetic or felt underlayment is exposed. This provides temporary protection — it’s designed to shed water for a limited time. In Georgia’s rain environment, exposed underlayment needs to be covered within days, not weeks.
If underlayment is also torn or missing, the roof deck itself is exposed. This is a same-day call.
Age Matters for the Repair Decision
Under 10 years old: Replace the missing shingles. Done.
10-15 years old: Replace, but note surrounding shingles are aging. A broader inspection for other vulnerabilities is worthwhile.
Over 15 years old: Consider whether the insurance question applies. Missing shingles from a storm on an older roof may be a covered claim justifying full replacement rather than patching.
Active exposure? Call for same-week repair →