Will Missing Roof Shingles Cause a Roof Leak?

Did you look up at your roof and notice missing shingles? Are you worried that the missing shingles will lead to a roof leak?

Finding missing shingles in your yard or seeing them missing from your roof is shocking. Naturally, your first worry is that water will get into your home.  

I understand this is stressful and you’re probably constantly checking the weather forecast for rain. But is this stress worth it? Do missing roof shingles immediately cause a roof leak? 

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped countless homeowners understand what to do and if it's time to panic when it comes to missing shingles. So, let's break down everything you need to know about missing shingles, from leak potential to if it means you need a new roof. 

By the end of this article, you'll the answers to:

• Will missing roof shingles cause a roof leak?
• What causes missing shingles?
• What are your options if your roof has missing shingles?
• Do missing shingles mean you need a full roof replacement?

Will missing roof shingles cause a roof leak?

Missing shingles won't cause a roof leak immediately, but it all depends on installation quality, how many are missing, how long they've been missing, and the amount of rain you get. A leak won't happen immediately if the shingles were installed correctly, plus water has to get through the underlayment and roof decking before it gets into your home.

But if left exposed long enough, a leak will happen and the wooden decking rots once water gets past the underlayment. However, a roof leak can show up quickly if there are nail pops where the shingles are missing.

Water catches the backed out nails and follows them down into whatever room is below the missing shingles. But no matter what, you shouldn't sit on missing shingles. 

You need to contact your roofing contractor as soon as possible for an inspection to get a better idea of the extent of the problem and appropriate repairs.

What causes missing shingles?

Now, you know missing shingles won't necessarily lead to a roof leak right away. However, the reason why they're missing helps you determine what happens next. 

The two most common reasons for missing shingles is improper installation and wind damage. 

Improper roof installation

When shingles are missing, the first thought is that they were improperly installed. This can be caused by not using the specified number of nails, nailing below/above the designated line, or not applying the appropriate amount of pressure.

(Improperly installed shingles)

Now, this could be inexperience, cutting corners, or just lazy workmanship. However, mistakes do happen, even with the best roofing contractors.

The important thing is how a roofer handles missing shingles that were improperly installed. If they’re a reputable roofing contractor, they should come out, find the problem, and fix it as soon as possible.

Wind damage

If you have a strong storm and found missing shingles, there's a good chance the roof has wind damage. Depending on the shingle type, specific shingle, accessories, and manufacturer, shingles are rated to handle up to 60-mph to 160-mph winds.

It really takes a strong storm to blow off newly installed shingles, but it can happen. However, older shingles that have started delaminating are more susceptible to wind damage.  

Unfortunately, wind causing missing shingles can really be a sign of improper installation. Shingles installed incorrectly are much more likely to experience wind damage, especially if large sections are missing.

Even worse, you can’t file an insurance claim because insurance companies won’t cover missing shingles caused by improper installation.

What are your options if your roof has missing shingles?

At this point, you know if missing shingles lead to leaks and what causes missing shingles. And as I said, you should contact a roofer once you notice them. 

But now you need to know what options are roofer will recommend to fix missing shingles. 

File an insurance claim for wind damage

If a roof has missing roof shingles, the first instinct is to file an insurance claim for roof damage. Once you contact your insurance company to start the claim process, they’ll either send out an adjuster or have you contact a roofing company for a storm damage roof inspection.

Missing shingles is usually clear evidence of wind damage, so you should have no problem getting your claim approved under normal circumstances. But the insurance adjuster has all the power in this situation, and policies are becoming stricter. 

So, even if a roofer says wind damage caused missing shingles, your policy and the adjuster has the final say on whether the claim is approved. But remember that your insurance company won’t cover a roof that was improperly installed.

Roof repairs

If you're not able to file a claim or wind damage wasn't the causes, the next option is a repair that replaces the missing shingles. To do this, you should first contact the roofing company that installed the roof.

(Shingle and ridge capping patch)

If your workmanship warranty is still applicable and it's an installation error, the roofer should take care of the problem with no questions asked and at no cost to you. But if your warranty is expired, you’ll have to pay to replace the missing shingles. 

Just know that this most likely will lead to a patchwork and mismatching shingles, which some homeowners don't like. However, there's no way to color match the new shingles with older aged shingles surrounding the area with missing shingles. 

Do missing shingles mean you need a full roof replacement?

No, missing shingles don't necessarily mean you need a full roof replacement. However, it depends on a few things. 

If it's an older roof, missing shingles can actually be a sign that it's time for a roof replacement. In fact, depending on how many shingles are missing and the full roof's condition, the only real solution could be a replacement. 

When it comes to insurance, missing shingles on a roof with RCV policy coverage means insurance should replace it. Now, this is getting into a full process that takes time and perseverance to get what you're owed for years of premium payments. 

So, whether or not your missing shingles leads to a new roof, all depends on what the roofer finds during their inspection. 

What are other signs that you need a roof replacement?

After reading this article, you now know what happens, the causes, and what to do when your roof has missing shingles. Also, missing shingles don't necessarily mean you need a roof replacement. 

However, they can be a sign of poor installation or shingle failure. So, you won't know if there's a larger problem or what the solution is until a roofer has a look. 

Luckily, there are more roof replacement signs other than missing shingles. And if your pair other signs with missing shingles, it's probably a good bet that you need a new roof

That's why I wrote another article breaking down all the warnings that your roof needs replacing.

Check out 8 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof to learn if missing shingles are part of a bigger problem that leads to a roof replacement.