Roof problems
Missing shingles after wind: what to do
A few missing shingles expose the underlayment, which can keep water out for a short time but not for long. Photograph the damage from the ground, watch the attic for leaks, and get it addressed before the next storm. If shingles are missing in several places or the roof is older, replacement is often better value than repeated repairs.
Updated September 14, 2026
Why shingles blow off
- Adhesive strips that never sealed, often after an install in cold weather
- Shingles that have become brittle with age
- Nails placed too high, missing the reinforced strip on the shingle
- Wind catching an edge where the starter strip or drip edge is missing
How urgent is it?
Underlayment isn’t built to be the outer layer of your roof. It degrades in sunlight and can tear, so plan to cover or repair the area within days, not months.
Repair or replace?
Matching new shingles to a faded roof is hard, and brittle older shingles tend to crack when a roofer lifts them to make a repair. If the roof is near the end of its life, or the damage is spread across it, replacement usually costs less over time.
See a price range for your own roof
About 10 minutes, from aerial measurement. No salesperson.