Are Missing Shingles Really That Bad?

If you’ve ever looked at your roof and wondered if having missing shingles is really all that bad, you’re not alone; however, missing, curling or even cracked shingles could all be serious warning signs that you need a new roof.

But it’s only a couple of shingles, right?

Wrong. Shingles can be red flags for more serious structural problems. When shingles fall off, crack or even curl, it could be a sign that your roof is past it’s life expectancy. It’s important to pay close attention to damaged or missing shingles as well as noting if there are shingle granules in your gutters, all of which can be denote your roof’s age and wear.

How long can I put off getting a new roof?

When shingles fall off, it can open your home to a number of issues, most notably leaks. Roof leaks can happen even if the area of exposure to the elements is small. Any amount of rain water can seep into your home and damage floor boards, insulation and even affect the foundation of your house. While a little bit of water leakage may not seem like a huge problem, over time the small amounts of rain can accumulate and cause major and expensive damage to your home, resulting in the weakening of the roof itself and cracks within the foundation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you live in an area that experiences warmer temperatures, the exposed areas of roof are prone to losing all moisture, weakening and compromising the home’s structural integrity.

How did this happen in the first place?

There are a number of factors that can cause damage to your roof’s shingles, all of which largely involve weather and the elements such as wind, precipitation and aridness. For example, precipitation whether it be rain, hail or snow all slowly take a toll on your roof, and depending on how often your roof is exposed to these types of weather, will weaken it over time. Some elements such a wind can simply rip off tiles even if you’ve taken precautions to specifically protect against it. And lastly, the heat and dryness of the area you live in can play a role in damaging your shingles and roof tiles. While too much water causes leaks, each roof needs moisture to remain structurally sound to a certain degree. The moisture allows the roof remain waterproof and secure, but when the temperature rises, this can pull the moisture from your tiles and shingles.

So, what do I do now?

Call in the professionals of course! Glick’s Exteriors is a trusted and valued business run on strong Amish principals, providing quality roofing and exterior craftsmanship. Call us at 610-883-635 or visit our website for a FREE quote today!