Missing Roof Shingles After a Storm? Here’s What to Do Now

Storm damage always shows up when you least expect it. You walk outside after the wind settles and instantly feel that something is off.

Maybe the yard is covered in debris or the roofline looks uneven in a way you have never noticed before. That little gut punch hits because storms rarely leave without leaving a mark. 

Then the real worry sets in when you spot missing roof shingles, one of the clearest signs that your home took a hit and may need replacing missing roof shingles before water finds a way inside.

Most homeowners are not sure what to check, what to document or what steps to take next. That is exactly why we created this guide.

Our goal is to walk you through what to do right now so you can protect your home, prevent leaks and avoid bigger issues later on.

What Causes Missing Shingles During a Storm?

Storm damage can look completely different from one home to another. One house loses a few shingles while the neighbor’s roof ends up with entire sections exposed.

It always feels random, but there are clear reasons why shingles fail during bad weather. Understanding these causes helps you make smarter repair and prevention decisions.

Common Causes of Missing Shingles

• High Winds: Strong gusts lift the edges of shingles and break the seal. Once the wind gets underneath the shingle, it can peel back or blow off entirely, creating a common cause of roof leaks during storms.
  

• Hail Impact: Hail hits the surface hard enough to loosen granules and crack the shingle structure, making it easier for future storms to pull them off.

  
  

• Heavy Rain and Moisture: Repeated saturation weakens the adhesive and can wash granules into gutters, leaving shingles vulnerable during high winds.
  

• Aging Roof Materials: Older shingles become brittle over time. Even moderate storms can snap or break worn-out shingles that no longer have strong adhesion.
  

• Improper Installation: Incorrect nailing patterns, weak sealing, or poor alignment create weak points that storms expose quickly.
  

• Existing Hidden Damage: Prior storms, heat cycles, or poor attic ventilation can weaken shingles long before they fall off. A new storm simply reveals what was already compromised.
  

Homeowners are often surprised by how fast a “small storm” exposes deeper roofing issues. The shingles may have already been loose before the storm.

In other cases, the adhesive weakened over the years from sun exposure and temperature changes. 

A storm can also strike at just the right angle to lift shingles that were barely holding on. No matter the reason, the result is the same. You end up with vulnerable roof decking that needs immediate attention before leaks begin.

How to Spot Missing Roof Shingles After a Storm?

Storms move fast and damage often hides in places homeowners do not expect. The tricky part is you usually will not notice problems until water starts seeping in. That is why catching early signs matters so much. 

We help homeowners go through a simple ground-level inspection so they can spot issues before they turn into leaks.

Here is what you can safely look for without climbing onto the roof:

Check the Outside First

• Step back far enough to see the full roof surface

• Look for lighter or darker patches on shingles

• Identify bare areas where shingles are missing

• Check for shingles or fragments scattered in the yard

• Look at gutters for granules or debris washed down by rain
  

Then Inspect the Inside

• Go into the attic with a flashlight

• Look for damp insulation or water stains

• Notice musty smells that often indicate moisture

• Check ceilings directly under the suspected damage
  

Even one or two missing shingles can open a path for water. The sooner you spot the signs the easier it is to prevent long term structural damage.

If you are unsure about what you are seeing or want a professional eye, Hidalgo Brothers Roofing offers full storm damage inspections to identify missing shingles, hidden weaknesses and early signs of roof failure. Their team can assess the condition safely and provide clear next steps.

Documenting the Damage Before Making Repairs

We always tell homeowners to take photos before doing anything. Clear documentation helps your insurance company understand what happened.

Take pictures of every angle. Capture close up areas and wide shots that show the position of missing shingles. If you found shingles on the ground, take pictures of those too.

Write down the date and the time of the storm. If you remember hearing loud winds or noticing flying debris make a quick note. These details help speed up the insurance review process and protect you if additional issues appear later.

Temporary Fixes You Can Use Before Full Repairs

After documenting the storm damage, many homeowners want to take quick action to protect their home from water.

While full repairs should always be handled by a professional, there are a few temporary fixes you can safely use to minimize risk until help arrives. 

These short term solutions can prevent leaks and protect the exposed area until your roofing contractor takes over.

Roofing Cement for Small Exposed Spots

Roofing cement is a simple, effective option for very minor damage where only a shingle or two is missing. Apply a generous layer of roofing cement directly onto the exposed area to create a temporary waterproof barrier.

This is not meant to replace proper repairs, but it can stop moisture from entering your home during the next rainfall.

Using Spare Shingles as a Quick Temporary Replacement

If you have leftover an asphalt shingle from a previous roofing project, you can create a short term patch by following these steps:

• Remove any loose fragments or torn pieces left from the damaged shingle

• Slide the new shingle carefully into place, matching the alignment of the surrounding shingles

• Nail the shingle down securely

• Apply roofing cement under its edges to help seal it
  

While this is only a temporary solution, it adds a layer of protection until a full inspection is completed.

Know When to Stop and Call a Professional

If the damaged area is large, the roof is steep, or the surface is slippery, stop and stay off the roof.

Storm conditions make roofs unpredictable, and one wrong step can cause serious injury. A professional roofer can tarp your roof, assess the damage safely, and prevent further problems.

Hidalgo Brothers Roofing specializes in fast storm damage repair and emergency roofing services to secure your home after severe weather. Their team can quickly assess the damage and make safe, reliable repairs so you can avoid further issues. 

Repair or Replace? How to Make the Right Choice

Many homeowners ask us whether a few missing shingles mean they need a repair or a full replacement. The truth is there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The right choice depends on the condition of your roof, the age of the materials, and how badly the storm affected the structure.

If the damage is minor and limited to a small area, a focused asphalt shingle repair may be all you need to restore the roof. But when shingles are aging, curling, cracking, or missing in multiple sections, a full replacement often delivers better long term value and protection.

Older roofs tend to fail in clusters, so replacing only a small patch sometimes leads to repeated repairs.

The strength of the storm also plays a major role. Heavy winds can loosen shingles in ways that are not visible from the ground, and hidden damage often spreads over time. That is why a thorough inspection matters so much. You deserve accurate information, not guesswork.

This is where choosing the right team makes a difference. Hidalgo Brothers Roofing provides honest evaluations, clear explanations, and reliable roofing services that help you make the smartest decision for your home.

Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, their experts guide you through every step with transparency and care.

How a Professional Roofer Helps Restore Your Roof

When we inspect storm damage we break the process into several steps. First we assess the full roof surface and look for loose shingles, torn seals and missing granules. Then we identify the affected areas and explain what needs immediate attention.

Next we help you prepare documentation for insurance. Many homeowners feel overwhelmed with claim forms and adjuster visits. Our job is to simplify everything so nothing gets overlooked.

Once the plan is approved, we complete the repair or replacement using the correct materials and installation techniques needed to repair missing roof shingles and strengthen the entire roof system. 

A properly installed shingle system should withstand strong winds and give your home long term protection. Quality workmanship is the foundation of a reliable roof.

Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm Hits

Storm damage can feel overwhelming, especially when shingles go missing and leaks become a real threat. The good news is you do not have to handle any of it alone. With the right help, your roof can be secure again fast.

Hidalgo Brothers Roofing is here to guide you through inspections, repairs, and replacements with care and precision. If you want real peace of mind and experts who treat your home like their own, reach out today.

Schedule your storm damage inspection with Hidalgo Brothers Roofing and protect your home now.