On average, shingle roofs need to be replaced once every 20-25 years, barring any acts of nature or other unforeseen issues. Depending on how long you've owned your home, you might not know exactly how old your roof is or how much attention it might need. It's important to keep an eye on your roof - if you notice a missing shingle, it probably means that your roof is on the older side.

If you spot a missing shingle, it's important to replace it as soon as possible to prevent any water from leaking into the building. Even a tiny bit of water can cause serious damage.

Leaks

Missing shingles can create leaks in your home.  If you notice a leak in your roof, it's important to call in a professional; the missing shingle or broken area are not always close to where the leak is causing damage in your home. If water is getting inside your home, there might already be significant damage in the ceiling or walls by the time it becomes apparent. The only early indication you might have that there is a problem is the missing shingle.

Rot

If you have missing shingles and don't remove them quickly, you can end up with rot in your roof deck - or areas of your roof deck that become weaker due to moisture exposure. If the roof deck is not strong or in good condition, it can collapse - this creates a safety issue on top of an expense.

Prevent Further Damage

Any missing shingles are a warning sign that repairs are necessary - and what you see from the ground might just be part of the problem. While very few homeowners do so, most home and roof professionals recommend inspecting your roof at least once a year, if not twice - it is best practice to make an inspection before and after the winter months to check for any loose or missing shingles.

Avoid Excessive Damage from Storms

If you have missing shingles on your roof, any storms that come through will cause much more damage. The bare areas of the roof can allow rain and wind to get under the remaining components, causing further damage and potentially widening the problem area on your roof. This makes any damage caused by serious storms to be even worse than it would have been if all your shingles were attached firmly in place. 

Contact Our Professional Roofing Company Today! 

If you notice a missing or loose shingle on your roof, reach out to a roofing contractor immediately for replacement services. Calling a professional when you see signs of concern will reduce the possibility of experiencing water damage in your home, saving you a plethora of money in the long run. At Arrow Home Improvements, we take pride in providing quick and efficient shingle replacement services. Our roofing contractors understand the importance of your roofing and will have your shingles repaired or replaced in no time. Don’t ignore the problem and risk costly damage to your property. Give our roofing company a call today to schedule a consultation. We offer various roofing services to homeowners in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, NY, and the surrounding areas.