Lost roofing shingles expose your roof to further weather damage, including leakages, rot, and corrosion. Roofing shingles don't just fall off the roof without reason. Below are some of the reasons your roof might be losing shingles.
Aging
The aging of asphalt shingles takes different routes. For example:
- The oils evaporate from the shingles, causing the shingles to become brittle
- The shingles lose their protective surface granules
- The shingles develop minute cracks
Sunlight, rainfall, snow, and ice all contribute to the aging of shingles. After about 10 to 30 years, the shingles age to a point where they can't remain intact on the roof. At that time, some of the shingles will start falling off the roof. The exact durability of shingles depends on various factors, such as the type of shingles, the local weather, and roofing maintenance.
Storm Damage
A storm can also send shingles flying off the roof even if the roof is relatively new. The damage can occur in several ways; for example:
- Strong winds can lift shingles off the roof
- Strong winds can send trees crashing on your roof, which can dislodge shingles
- Big hailstones can crack and shingles and interfere with their nailing
Some of the factors that determine storm damage include the strength of the storm, the age of the roof, the roof design, and the maintenance quality of the roof.
Foot Traffic
Foot traffic is not always a good idea on any roof, and not just asphalt shingle roofs. Walking on the roof dislodges the surface granules that protect the shingles. Foot traffic can also crack the shingles. You can also fall or drop objects on the roof, causing further damage. The damage might be instantaneous, or the roof might experience gradual damage that ends in dislodged shingles.
Poor Installation
Lastly, poorly installed shingles can also fall off the roof prematurely. Some of the installation errors that can lead to loss of shingles include:
- Using short nails on the shingles
- Driving nails through the wrong part of shingles
- Poor overlap of shingles
- Installing wet shingles
Professional roofers are unlikely to make such mistakes. However, homeowners who resort to DIY repairs may make such mistakes.
Good roof maintenance can help you keep the shingles on the roof. For example, you need to keep the roof clean, minimize foot traffic, and fix damages as soon as they occur. If your shingles are still falling off the roof, consult a roofing contractor for diagnosis and repair.
