How to Repair Roof Shingles Blown Off By Wind

Has your home been hit by strong winds? If you have a shingle roof, it’s possible that you may notice blown off or lifted shingles after a bad storm or strong winds. If this is the case, here’s what you should do.

What Do Blown-off Shingles Look Like?

You’ll know when shingles have been blown off your roof because it will be very noticeable. Your roof will look like patchwork and you may find the missing shingles in your yard. Those that haven’t been blown off will look like they’re hanging by a thread. 

It’s important to note that this shouldn’t happen unless your home was in the path of a very bad storm (hurricane and tornado force winds). Shingles are designed to stay put even when hit by severe thunderstorms.

If your shingles are getting blown off, it may mean something else is going on.

What Does It Mean When You See Blown-off Shingles?

Here are some reasons you might experience blown off shingles.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Shingles are strong, but even the most durable materials can get blown away due to abnormally strong winds. This is especially true for properties that are in tornado-prone areas or hurricane-prone states.

Your Roof May Be Getting Old & Worn

Roofs don’t last forever. Depending on the type of roofing material you have, the lifespan of your roof could be anywhere from 15 years to 50 years. Most shingle roofs are rated for 15 to 20 years.

If your home is nearing this point in its life, that’s probably why you’re seeing blown off shingles. It’s important to note, however, that homes that are repeatedly subjected to bad weather will have shorter lifespans, so you can’t always go by the averages.

Faulty Installation of New Roof

Did you have a new roof installed recently? If your roofer failed to secure some of the shingles, they will get blown away by the wind. The nails are supposed to go on the shingle’s “nailing strip” – if the roofer fails to nail on that spot, the shingles won’t be secured well enough. 

If you recently had your roof installed and you’re seeing blown off shingles, you should call the roofing company back out to inspect.

Underlying Damage to the Roof

If you’re noticing blown off shingles, it’s possible that your roof structure has underlying damage. Remember, the shingles need to be nailed onto a strong base such as plywood or an OSB board – if these materials aren’t in tiptop shape, the nails can’t penetrate them or hold properly.

What Happens If You Don't Fix Blown-off Shingles?

If you discover that your shingles have been blown off and you don’t do anything about it, you’re likely to face the following problems:

Roof Leaks

Shingles are meant to prevent water, moisture, and more from penetrating your property. When they’re blown off, they won’t be able to stop the water from soaking into the roof’s base. The water (along with dirt, debris, etc.) will seep into the materials that act as the barrier between your home and the outside world. 

If you’re already experiencing roof leaks due during rain storms, contact us today for roof leak repair. We don’t recommend repairing a roof leak on your own.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

If the shingles get blown off your roof, there’s basically nothing standing between the sun and your roof’s structure. Your HVAC will have to work twice as hard to keep the home cool and comfortable. As a result, your energy bill will be significantly higher. 

Damage to the Rest of the House

The longer the shingles go unrepaired, the more your home is subject to further damage (and the more expensive the problem will get). 

Every time it rains, water can enter the house. The standing moisture will often cause mold growth, which can put your health at risk. The water can even make its way into the electricals – this can put your property at risk of a fire.

For these reasons, it’s important to schedule a roof inspection immediately upon noticing roofing problems.

What Should You Do When You Notice Blown-off Shingles?

When you notice a single blown-off shingle, don’t ignore it. Your home will be vulnerable to the elements, and if you don’t deal with it in time, you’ll find yourself paying for more than roof repairs. Below, we’ve broken down the things you need to do when you discover that the shingles have been blown off.

Document the Damage As Best As Possible

If your shingles were blown off by the wind, don’t worry. You probably won't have to pay for repairs out of pocket. You’ll be able to file an insurance claim. You just need to make sure you can support your claim with the proper documentation. It’s very important to document the damaged shingles with photos, videos, and so on.

If you have RoofClaim do a free inspection, we’ll document the damage as well and we can document it in much more detail. 

Mitigate the Damage

Has water started to enter the house? Put a bucket under the leak, and if possible, waterproof it with a tie-down tarp. You can also have a tarp put on your roof to cover the exposed areas. It’s important to do this right away if you’re experiencing active leaks.

Contact a Roof Replacement Company

It may be tempting to repair the roof yourself, but even if you’re confident in your DIY skills, don’t try to. Professional roofers are certified and trained. More importantly, if you do work on your roof improperly, it can void your ability to get repairs and replacements covered by your insurance policy.

There’s no risk or cost to having RoofClaim come out to do an inspection and make a recommendation on whether or not you should file a claim with your insurance company. Schedule your free inspection today.

Can Blown-off Roof Shingles Be Repaired?

Yes, but roofing companies don’t repair the actual shingles, they typically replace them. However, this may not be the best course of action. Depending on your roof’s condition, it may be best to opt for a full roof replacement, especially if it’s covered by insurance.

The Bottom Line

If your shingles get blown away during a storm, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. The shingles need to be replaced as soon as possible, otherwise, the rest of your home will be vulnerable to the elements.

Schedule a free roof inspection so we can come out and take care of your roofing problems. We’re licensed and insured and have a stellar reputation.