You look up and notice bare spots where shingles should be. Maybe wind took them. Maybe they just gave up after years of San Diego sun. Now you are wondering how bad this is and what you should do.
The answer depends on a few things.
Immediate Concerns
Missing shingles expose the layer underneath - usually felt paper or synthetic underlayment. This layer is water-resistant but not designed for direct sun exposure. UV breaks it down fast.
A few missing shingles are not an emergency, but they are not something to ignore either. The exposed underlayment will degrade. When it fails, water goes straight into your roof structure.
If you notice missing shingles right after a storm, check inside your attic with a flashlight. Look for daylight coming through (bad) or any signs of water entry. If the underlayment is intact and no water got in, you have time to arrange repairs. If you see light or water, call a roofer immediately.
What Caused This
Wind is the most common culprit. Shingle edges lift, the material flexes, eventually pieces break loose. Santa Ana winds are particularly hard on roofs.
Age and deterioration make shingles more vulnerable. Old shingles get brittle. The adhesive strip that holds them down loses grip. What would stay put on a newer roof blows away on an older one.
Poor installation shows up over time. Shingles that were not nailed correctly or placed improperly are more likely to fail.
Multiple areas losing shingles in different spots usually signals roof-wide aging. One damaged area is likely localized storm damage.
What To Do
A few missing shingles in one area is a straightforward repair. A roofer replaces the missing pieces with matching shingles and checks that surrounding shingles are secure.
Matching matters. If your roof is older, new shingles might not match perfectly in color. A good roofer can minimize the difference, but some variation might be visible.
If missing shingles are appearing in multiple areas or if your roof is approaching 20 years old, the repair conversation might turn into a replacement conversation. Fixing one spot while others are ready to fail is not cost effective.
Get a professional assessment. A roofer can tell you whether the issue is isolated or part of broader deterioration.
Peak Builders responds quickly to storm damage and shingle repairs throughout San Diego. We assess the full situation and give you an honest recommendation.
