If you’ve ever taken a look at your roof and wondered whether those missing shingles play a significant role in anything and you’ve shrugged that off as a minor problem, then you’re not alone.
Thousands of others do so too but they really shouldn’t. There’s nothing small about missing shingles, whether you’ve lost just a few or so many, as these seemingly ordinary roof accessories are quite pivotal.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the how and why missing shingles are that bad:
Why Are Missing Shingles a Bad Thing?
1) Roof Shingles Help Weatherproof
Roof shingles serve as the first line of defense to the delicate adhesive layers underneath, and in their absence, these weatherproofing materials are left to the mercy of the elements.
Consequently, what follows not long after is a rapid deterioration of the said roof whose ability to counter blistering and freezing conditions steadily depreciate with each passing day. If your home is starting to feel a little too hot or cold for comfort, it could be down to those missing shingles you waved away as a non-issue.
2) Missing Shingles Can Cause a Leak
Sometimes the leak is so small that it’s almost unnoticeable but, in the long run, it’s a problem with dire consequences. Perhaps even more so than an outright visible leakage. Water slowly slips in between the now vulnerable spaces with the constant dampness causing damage to insulation and floorboards before eating its way to the heart of the house’s foundation.
3) Missing Shingles Can Cause Dryrot
An opposite effect to those mentioned above, dry rot occurs due to the penetration of hot and dry air which takes away lubrication and moisture from essential components that require these two compounds to cushion expansion and its adverse effects. Consequently, these parts begin to crack or break over time resulting in cascading structural failures that reverberate throughout the entire home.
4) Missing Shingles Can Lead to a Shortened Roof Life
That’s right, shingles that aren’t there can actually shorten the life of your roof. The material helps protect the underlay and waterproof membrane from harsh UV rays and extreme weather conditions which otherwise would limit their lifespan considerably. If you’re seeking peace of mind for years to come, then you need to take better care of that roof.
What Causes Missing Shingles On A Roof?
There are several triggers to point fingers at, and they include:
1) Your Roof is Old
Nothing lasts forever, and that also holds true for shingles. If your house has a couple of decades in existence, then it could merely be a case of wear and tear resulting from constant battling with the elements.
2) Harsh weather
No roof is exempt from Mother Nature’s fury, even those specially tailored to withstand wind damage. Blizzards, rainstorms, hail, tornados, pacing winds, and other overbearing weather elements with a significant physical force can shake your shingles loose.
Even droughts are undesirable because, as mentioned before, moisture is a prerequisite for specific roof types, and with overwhelming dryness comes the breaking of tiles and consequently shingles.
How Do You Know If Your Shingles Are Missing?
The easiest way to see if your shingles are missing is to look at the roof. Check the roof carefully and systematically. You’re looking for any type of damage, as well as making sure each shingle is level on the roof. If you discover a missing tile while inspecting the roof, it’s time to call a professional. If you have a pair of binoculars, those will make it even easier to find any damage.
If you notice a leak in the ceiling of your home, a missing shingle may be the cause. This is why it is best to call a professional roofer as soon as you see a leak.
Who Can You Turn to For Help?
Now that we’ve taken a look at the implications of missing shingles, the next question swirling at the back of your mind is where to get help. Installing new shingles requires the expertise of an experienced professional as it is a process that requires high precision and a vast amount of experience to know what works best for which roof varieties.
Orlando and Tampa roofer, Janney Roofing, has helped countless clients across the state of Florida. If you are out for perfection and will settle for nothing less, are the right people for the job.