Shingles are one of the most common types of roofing material. They are strong and are far more affordable than metal roofs. Many families depend on shingles to keep their homes and, therefore, their families safe, dry, and protected. Shingles are a popular roofing material because they are effective and affordable.
However, shingles do not last forever. If you have problems with shingles falling off the roof, it can expose the roof to severe damage. Keep reading to learn some reasons for shingles falling off roofs, the consequences, and how you can remedy the situation.
Common Reasons Why Shingles Fall Off
There are several reasons why you may be dealing with shingles falling off roofs. These are the most common ones.
Age
Even the highest quality shingles cannot last forever. Over time, shingles will begin to deteriorate due to sun/UV exposure and general wear. Houses become more prone to shingles falling off roofing structures as they deteriorate. Most shingles will last around 20 years.
Strong Winds
If you live in a windy place, then strong winds are the arch nemesis of your shingles. High winds can begin to lift and tear the shingles off of a building. This problem is widespread in places that are prone to tornadoes. Contractors do not often use shingles in commercial roofing because of their vulnerability to wind.
Storm Damage
Storm damage is one of the most common reasons you may have shingles falling off roofs. Hail, high winds, snow, sleet, and debris such as fallen branches can cause major storm damage to shingles.
Consequences of Shingles Falling Off
It may be tempting to ignore a few fallen shingles. However, there are potentially severe consequences to homes if they have shingles falling off roofs. It is easy to avoid these problems if you act quickly when you notice the damage. Waiting can cause the issues to become more severe.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are the primary concern you should have if shingles start falling off your roof. Shingles are only effective at repelling water if they overlap and there are multiple layers of coverage.
If there are shingles falling off roof structures, water can begin to leak into the roofing and cause severe damage to the roof or the home. Most of the other consequences of shingles falling off roofs directly result from water leaks.
Mold
Once the water begins to collect in your roof or attic, your house is at risk of developing a mold infestation. Once mold begins to grow, it can be challenging to remove it.
While mold does not directly threaten the structural integrity of your home, it does pose a threat to anyone living in the house and any belongings you may have stored in your attic.
Mold can cause a variety of severe illnesses in both human beings and pets. It can also ruin clothing items and other valuables in your attic or crawl space.
Animal Infestations
Another common problem that can arise from shingles falling off roofs is animal infestations. Animal infestations can come in a variety of different forms. Birds may begin nesting on your roof, or termites/ants may make their home in the exposed parts of your roof.
Rodents like mice and rats can also take advantage of missing shingles, as can larger animals like raccoons.
Animal infestations are one of the most damaging consequences of shingles falling off a roof. It is possible to remove the animals. However, it can be time-consuming and expensive.
Structural Damage
The most significant consequence of shingles falling off roofs is structural damage. You can solve most other problems on this list with relatively minor fixes. However, if water damage causes significant structural damage to your roof and home, the only option may be to replace the entire roof.
Replacing the entire roof is expensive and time-consuming, but you have to do it. A structurally unsound roof puts you at risk for collapse and endangers the occupants of the home.
Energy Loss
In addition to protecting your home from the elements, shingles add a layer of insulation. Insulation is vital for keeping the heat in the winter and the cold air in the summer.
Missing shingles can decrease the energy efficiency of your home. Additionally, animal infestations and structural damage can cause more severe insulation problems if you ignore the damage.
What to Do If Shingles Fall off Your Roof
If you have noticed shingles falling off roofs on your home, there are several steps you can take to remedy the situation.
Contact a Roofing Contractor
The first thing you should do if you notice some fallen shingles is to call a roofing professional. A roofing professional can give you an appraisal and tell you precisely the extent of the damage and the following steps to take.
A professional opinion can help you save money in the long run and ensure you do not overreact or apply the wrong solution.
File a Claim With Your Insurance
If inclement weather or unfortunate events cause shingles to fall off, you should contact your insurance company. Depending on your policy and the cause of the damage, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairs.
Repair Damaged Shingles
If the damage is relatively minor, you will likely replace some shingles with new ones. Replacement is a relatively little cost and can help you avoid more significant problems in the long run. If your shingles are old, you may need to replace all your shingles. A roofing professional can help you decide the best course of action.
Consider a Roof Replacement
If you have ignored the damage to your roof, or there was a severe weather event, you may need to replace your entire roof. Roofing materials often require replacement when there is significant structural damage to the beams underneath the shingles.
Fixing the Shingles On Your Roof
Now you know what to do if there are shingles falling off roofs. If you catch this problem early, you can quickly fix it. It may be tempting to ignore, but the long-term consequences can be severe. You should immediately contact a roofing professional so they can diagnose the situation and put you on the right track.
If you need assistance fixing the shingles on your home, our experts at Perfect Exteriors can help you. Contact us today.
