Are you inspecting your roof regularly for possible damage? You should be.
Even if you haven’t had a bad storm you should keep a watchful eye on your roof. Any loss of materials on your roof can lead to costly damage to your building.
What if you see a few shingles missing? Does this mean you need a new roof?
Not necessarily.
Carefully Inspect the Damage
If you have a loss of shingles on your roof, first perform an inspection to determine the extent of the damage. You can do this yourself or contact a licenses inspector. It’s very important to know what condition your roof is in before making any decisions on repairs.
While on the roof look for structural damage and remove debris. Inspect the flashings to see if they have deteriorated and also look at any caulking for signs of holes or leaks.
Inspect your roof from both the exterior and interior. Any daylight coming in to your building is a bad sign, of course. Look for tar inside the building under the roof, this is a sign that shingles have been torn from the roof and there is a penetration of your roof.
A few lost shingles and minor damage is not a sign that you need a new roof. But you do need to make the repairs promptly. The most responsible action you can take is to consult a licensed inspector and/or contact your insurance claims adjuster. These professionals will be able to offer an informed recommendation.
Granule Loss in the Shingles
If you have fiberglass or organic shingles and you see loss of granules on your shingles, you might have more serious issues with your roof.
Granules are important because they exist to protect the shingle from harmful ultraviolet light and adverse weather. An asphalt roof will have a different type of shingle than other types of roofs and a loss of the granules will present itself in a different way. Granules will wash down into your gutters, for example.
If you see granule loss of any type you should consult a roofing inspector.
A Few Lost Shingles Does Not Mean You Need a New Roof
You may simply need to have a few shingles replaced and some minor damage attended to. A careful inspection and consultation with a professional can save you a lot of time and money.
