Following a storm, your asphalt shingle roof may have significant damage, including having shingles blown off the roof. Often, a professional roofing contractor can repair the roof in lieu of replacement.
Shingles Blown Off Roof Following A Storm:
4 Practical Recommendations
Assess And Document The Damage
If you notice the loss or loosening of shingles, identify them from ground level. Document (photograph or video record) evidence to support your observations.
Mitigate The Damage Quickly
Missing or badly damaged shingles result in significant water intrusion risks. A tie-down tarp or other weatherproofing effort can reduce further problems.
Perform A Professional Roof Inspection
A certified and trained roofing inspector will comprehensively evaluate your roofing system. They will note and document issues involving missing shingles.
Address The Damage (Repair Or Replace)
Ultimately, missing shingles require replacement. Whether in the form of a patch or a new roof, the homeowner cannot afford to leave this matter unresolved.
Repairing Damaged Shingles Vs. Replacing Your Roof: 4 Essential Considerations
Your Present Financial Situation
The average homeowner does not have $10,000-$20,000 of liquid funds to replace a roof. However, if the homeowner has access to financing, replacing a roof remains on the table for consideration. If installing a new roof is not a dire need, your current budget will likely steer you toward repairing damage while saving money for a long-term replacement.
Your Roof’s Age And Condition
An experienced roofer can often repair a damaged roof at a reasonable price with adequate time and effort. However, if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan (5 years or less remaining), you may want to consider replacing it rather than sinking resources into fixing something nearing the end of its shelf life. Most reputable roofers will recommend replacement.
Your Roof’s Extent Of Damage
This decision often comes down to one critical factor: how badly damaged your existing roof is. Can your roof be fixed practically? If the time and expense of repairing your roof make it unreasonable to pursue, replacing your roof becomes the default option (whether you like it or not.) A roof beyond repair is no longer safe or functional.
Your Short-Term And Long-Term Housing Plans
Are you planning to sell your home in the foreseeable future? Or do you intend to remain in your home for the long haul? A new roof can enhance your home’s curb appeal and marketability. On the other hand, depending on the prevailing housing market, replacing a roof can cost (much) more than the return on investment from the sale of a home.
5 Proactive Steps To Prevent Storm Damage To Shingle Roofing
Clean Gutters And Downspouts
Few issues cause more substantial challenges to a roof’s performance than clogged gutters. A gutter filled with debris no longer channels water safely away.
Conduct Preventive Roof Maintenance
Hire an experienced, certified roofing inspector to facilitate a comprehensive roof inspection and provide recommendations to address problematic areas.
Install Heavier Or More Durable Shingles
If shingle loss remains an issue, replacing shingles with a high-performance product may be the ideal solution to reduce or eliminate future problems.
Repair Unresolved Roof Damage
Unaddressed roofing issues exasperate and intensify the damage to a roof during and following a storm. Fix roofing problems proactively.
Trim Trees And Remove Other Obstructions
Problematic tree limbs can damage your roof. Hiring a professional tree trimmer to address potential issues safeguards your roof in the event of a storm.
Hiring The Right Professional To Repair Or Replace A Shingle Roof: 4 Helpful Tips
Perform A Detailed Online Search
Visit the website of any roofing company you consider. Search reputation monitoring sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Evaluate any online reviews and recommendations. If there is smoke, there likely is fire. Steer clear of contractors that lack integrity or demonstrate a poor or inconsistent reputation.
Interview The Roofing Contractor
Ask questions. Not just any questions. Ask pertinent questions that give you a complete picture and thorough understanding of their qualifications, business practices, and customer service process. Don’t assume they possess the right expertise just because they have the word “roofing” in their business name.
Verify The Roofing Company’s Qualifications
Ensure the roofing contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded in your state. Check that they are in good standing with your state. These easily verifiable considerations protect you as the homeowner from the fly-by-night or unreliable operations that, unfortunately, remain pervasive in the roofing industry.
Request A Free Written Estimate
Any established roofing company willingly provides a complimentary assessment of the likely cost of repairing or replacing a roof. Ideally, it would be best to secure multiple estimates (especially for a more significant project.) Use the information from this exercise to make an informed decision about what to do next.
For all your roofing needs in the Twin Cities (Minnesota), Midwest Exteriors Plus has you covered. We expertly repair and replace asphalt shingle roofing. To learn more, contact us today.