Missing and Wind-Damaged Shingles — Roofing Knowledge

What Is Missing and Wind-Damaged Shingles?

Wind damages shingles in stages, and the visible blow-off is the last stage, not the first. Gusts lift tabs and break the factory adhesive seal strip; a lifted tab flexes until it creases — a horizontal fracture line through the mat that permanently weakens the shingle. A creased shingle usually looks intact from the ground because the tab lies back down, and broken seals leave shingles loose to lift in the next event. Hail can crack shingles, dislodge granules, dent vents and flashing, and many times, hail damage isn’t visible from the ground. Age produces a different crack: splitting is age and thermal-cycling wear (random or map-pattern cracks, brittle shingles), while a crease is a single mechanical fold line from wind at the tab hinge. Telling them apart is on-roof work — documenting creases requires close-up photos taken on the roof. A roof inspection assesses visible roof conditions, where safe access allows, before the scope of work is set. Localized repair may be appropriate when the surrounding system is sound. Replacement is warranted when damage is widespread, the roof is near the end of its useful life, or the system can no longer be repaired reliably. A few visible damaged shingles do not establish that a small repair is sufficient.

Important Distinction

Note: A creased shingle can be damaged even while it remains on the roof. An inspection documents visible conditions; insurance coverage is determined separately by the policy and the insurer’s assessment.

Dealing with this on your own roof? Call (512) 893-7663 or get an instant online quote — Zilker Roofing inspects before recommending. Honest assessment.

Also Known As

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These are the search terms and phrases that commonly refer to this topic, so you can find it however you describe it.

What this topic can lead to

Missing, lifted, or creased shingles require an assessment of the whole roof. Localized repair may be appropriate when damage is isolated and the surrounding system is sound; widespread damage or an unreliable repair can require replacement.

Leads to: Shingle Roof Repair CAN LEAD TO

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