You head outdoors after a storm or a particularly windy day, only to find shingles scattered across your yard. While one or two shingles might not be a problem, you’ve seen it happen several times now – and the bare patches on your roof are proof of this.
While it’s concerning to see shingles falling off, it doesn’t necessarily mean your house is falling apart. Shingles can fall off due to a variety of reasons, including:
- High winds
- Hail damage
- Installation problems
- Aging shingles
So what can you do if shingles are slipping off your roof?
1. Look for granules
In addition to the shingles on the ground, look for granules from your shingles in your gutters or on your driveway. This could be a sign that your shingles are deteriorating. While it could be normal wear and tear, it could also be an indication that you should have an inspection done at your home.
2. Call a roofing contractor
We know you probably don’t have the time or the expertise to figure out what’s wrong on your own. And that’s okay – roofing contractors have you covered!
High-quality roofing contractors will provide a roofing inspection and give you an estimate free of cost. They will also be able to identify any issues with your roof and provide available solutions for your specific needs and budget.
2. File a claim with your insurance company
If your roof was damaged from hail or a severe storm, file a claim with your insurance and see what coverage you can get to repair the damage.
When you file your claim, an insurance adjuster will come out to inspect the damages and give you an estimate for the cost/amount they will cover. Many customers often get full replacements covered when extreme damage happens.
Roofing contractors have experience communicating with insurance companies and can partner with you through the process if you’re unsure how to handle it. At Hopkins Roofing, we’re pros at working with insurance associates to help you get as much coverage as possible.
3. Follow up with your roof installation team
Do you suspect that your roof was installed incorrectly? If so, it’s important to call the roofing company that did the installation to get things straightened out.
First, check if you have a warranty that’s still in effect, and let the roofing company know if it’s still active. If your roof was installed recently, most good roofing companies have a workmanship warranty and will repair any faults or flaws at no cost for up to the first year.
4. Check your roof’s lifespan
If your roof is over 15 years old, it is probably coming to the end of its lifespan. While some roofs can last longer depending on what kinds of shingles were used, it’s likely that more damage will happen as time goes on. You may even need a new roof in the near future.
Can you repair your shingles yourself?
While the DIYers out there might want to take a stab at repairs yourself, we don’t recommend it.
Roofs can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the right tools or equipment. Your roof could be slippery, or there could be unknown structural damage that compromises the stability of your roof. Saving a couple hundred dollars isn’t worth an injury – or your life.
However, you can perform an easy 36-point visual inspection while safely on the ground. Download the free self-checklist below!
Don’t panic if you start seeing shingles come off your roof. Call the professionals at Hopkins Roofing, and get a roof inspection so you can have peace of mind before the next storm hits.