Quick answer: If you find a missing shingle, don’t panic. Step far enough back from your house to see the roof line and judge how bad it is. One or two missing shingles is usually okay because there’s typically underlayment behind them—but if you see missing chunks or giant patches, call a roofer or contractor first (not your insurance company). They’ll evaluate the damage, repair it if possible, or tarp it so you can go through the claim process as needed.
You’re out on your daily backyard stroll and you spot it: a missing shingle on the ground. It looks an awful lot like the ones on your roof, and you start to panic. Where did it come from? Before you do anything else, here’s what you actually need to do.
First, Don’t Panic
A missing shingle is usually not a freak-out moment. Often when a shingle goes missing, there’s underlayment behind it—so you’re okay for now. You should still get it addressed, but this isn’t an emergency you need to lose sleep over.
Step Back and Look at Your Roof Line
The first move is to get far enough away from your house that you can see the roof line. From that distance, you can actually judge how bad the problem is—and the severity is what determines your next step.
One or Two Missing Shingles
If it’s just one or two, you’re typically okay. There’s usually underlayment behind them protecting the roof. Still get it addressed, but there’s no need to panic.
Missing Chunks or Giant Patches
If you see multiple missing shingles—three, four, a whole bunch—or giant patches, that’s a different situation. That’s something you need to get on top of right away.
Call a Roofer or Contractor First
When the damage is significant, the first thing to do is call a roofer or contractor. Do not call the insurance company yet. Have a contractor come out first and evaluate the extent of the damage and the missing shingles.
What Happens Next
Once a contractor evaluates your roof, it usually goes one of two ways:
- It can often be repaired.
- If it can’t be repaired, it gets tarped—and from there, you can go through the insurance claim process as needed.
The Bottom Line
A missing shingle you find on your backyard stroll is rarely cause for alarm. Step back, look at the roof line, judge the severity, and call a contractor before the insurance company. They’ll tell you whether it’s a simple repair or a bigger job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I panic if I find a missing shingle? No. A missing shingle is usually not a freak-out moment. There’s often underlayment behind it, so you’re okay—but you should still get it addressed.
How do I tell if it’s serious? Get far enough from your house to see the roof line. One or two missing shingles is typically okay. Missing chunks, multiple shingles, or giant patches are something you need to get on top of.
Should I call my insurance company first? No—call a roofer or contractor first. Have them come out and evaluate the damage before you contact insurance.
What will the contractor do? They’ll evaluate the extent of the damage. Often it can be repaired. If it can’t be repaired, it will be tarped, and then you can go through the claim process as needed.
