Do you notice excessive shingle granules in your gutters or shingles scattering the yard during the storm season? If so, then it could be a sign that your shingles are falling off.
Shingles act as your roof’s first line of defense, and when they’re not doing their job, everything underneath is at risk due to the chance of leaks, water damage, and structural decay. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind why shingles might be falling off your roof, what they mean, and what you can do to fix the problems. Let’s dive in!
Reasons Your Roof Shingles Are Falling Off
Age Of The Roof
Roofs, like most things in life, don’t last forever. The older your roof gets, the more wear and tear it endures, making it more likely that shingles will begin to fall off the roof. Over time, even the highest-quality roofing shingles will begin to break down due to exposure to sun, wind, rain, and other fluctuating temperatures. This natural degradation weakens the material, making it easier for shingles to detach from nails and adhesive.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material found on residential homes, but they only have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. After that, they begin to crack, curl, or lose their protective granules. All of these signs indicate that the roof is aging and it might be time for a replacement.
If your roof is nearing that 20-year mark, shingles falling off the roof might just be a sign that your roof is simply reaching the end of its lifecycle. This is the time to think about getting it replaced rather than spending money on constant repairs, which might only provide temporary solutions.
Poor Installation Techniques
If your roof is still considerably young, but the shingles have already started to fall off, then this might be due to poor installation. Over the years the roofing industry has begun to significantly boom in Oklahoma, and while there are many roofing companies available to provide you with service, sadly, not everyone has the expertise and experience to handle the job successfully.
If the contractor who installed your roof initially took shortcuts, or lacked the necessary experience, they may not have driven the nails in at the right angle, or used enough adhesive to hold the shingles firmly in place. As a result, the shingles were left vulnerable, making it easy for even a moderate storm to tear them from the roof and leave them scattered across your yard.
Look out for signs of poor installation like uneven shingles, misalignment, or exposed nails that shouldn’t be visible. This is why hiring an experienced and reliable contractor is so important since it can save you from these headaches later on.
To help you in your search, here is a list of some of the best roofing companies in Tulsa: Top 10 Tulsa Roofing Contractors (2024)
Poor Quality Shingles
Hiring an inexperienced roofing contractor can be very damaging to your home, but even a good roofing company cannot save you from shingle damage if the shingles are of poor quality
.
Not all shingles are created equal, so if your roof was installed with low-quality or cheaper shingles, it’s no surprise if they start falling off sooner rather than later. Cheaper materials may save money upfront, but they often don’t hold up as well to the elements and wear out faster than premium options.
Poor-quality shingles might have less durability, weaker adhesive backing, or inadequate protection from UV rays. Over time, these factors add up, and you may start seeing shingles fall off long before the roof is considered old.
When choosing shingles, it’s best to invest in good-quality, durable materials. It may cost more in the beginning, but you’ll save money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
Your Roof Doesn’t Have Adequate Ventilation
Believe it or not, your attic’s ventilation plays a major role in keeping your shingles in place. Roofs need to breathe, and if your attic doesn’t have proper airflow, heat and moisture can build up, leading to problems for your shingles.
When your roof gets too hot, it can cause the shingles to blister, warp, or even crack. Likewise, if moisture gets trapped in the attic, it can weaken the shingles and the roof deck underneath, making it easier for them to come loose and fall off.
The solution here is to ensure that your attic has proper ventilation. This will regulate temperature and reduce moisture buildup. Both of which will extend the life of your shingles. If you’ve noticed that your attic is stuffy or incredibly hot, it might be worth checking if your roof is ventilated properly.
Also Read: Roof Vents 101: Ventilating Your Attic The Right Way
Severe Weather Conditions
Weather can take a serious toll on your roof, especially in places like Oklahoma, where high winds, heavy rains, and hailstorms are common. Even if your roof is relatively new, these conditions can cause shingles to come loose or fall off.
During storms, strong winds can lift shingles up, especially if they weren’t installed properly or have already started to wear down. Rain can also become a problem. If water doesn’t drain properly from your roof, it can get underneath the shingles, loosening the adhesive and causing them to slide off over time. Hailstones are another issue, since they easily dent or crack shingles, making them weaker and more likely to fall off down the road.
In Oklahoma, where extreme weather events are frequent, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof after every major storm.
What Do You Do If Your Shingles Are Falling Off?
What can you do if you find your shingles falling off? First off, don’t panic. The good news is that not every loose shingle means your whole roof is about to fail. But it’s important to take action sooner rather than later since minor issues turn into big, costly problems.
If your roof is still under warranty, it is better to contact the contractor who installed the roof initially for roof repairs that should be covered under the agreement if the shingles are failing due to poor workmanship.
You can also do a basic inspection yourself and check for any missing or cracked shingles, inspect your attic for signs of leaks, and look for granules in the gutters. But for more serious issues, it’s best to call in a professional roofer. They’ll be able to assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s a simple repair or a full replacement.
Regular roof inspections, especially after storms, are key to catching problems early. And if your roof is getting up there in age, start planning for a replacement before shingles start failing.
To know more about this process, visit: What To Do If Shingles Come Off Your Roof
How We Can Help With Your Roofing Project!
If you notice that your roof shingles are damaged and you want to replace your roofing system, look no further than the team at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing. With decades of experience in shingle roofing, we ensure that each shingle is installed correctly by our team of licensed and insured roofing contractors, giving you peace of mind during the replacement process. Our team also holds the prestigious GAF Master Elite® certification, the highest level of certification offered by the industry-leading shingle manufacturer, GAF.
We exclusively use shingles crafted by industry experts and provide solid warranties on our services. If you’re ever uncertain about your roof’s condition, don’t hesitate to call our professionals at (918) 402-7167.
