Santa's Landing Pad: A Roofing BlogSanta's Landing Pad: A Roofing Blog


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Santa's Landing Pad: A Roofing Blog

Why do you need a strong roof on your home? To support Santa's sleigh, of course! In a more realistic sense, however, a strong roof is important for your home's protection. It keeps the wind and rain outside, and it also insulates your home against the chill of winter and the heat of summer. Most people think of roofs as being made from shingles, but roofers can make a strong roof from slate, tile, metal, or an array of other materials, too. We hope that as you read this roofing blog, you gain a lot of knowledge about the profession and about roofs in general.

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Latest Posts

Residential Roof Repair Following Hail Damage
30 May 2023

If your roof has suffered hail damage, it can comp

Troubles With Your Roof? Why You Shouldn't Postpone The Repairs
23 May 2023

If you've been postponing the roof repairs, it's t

Commercial Roofing Maintenance - How Professional Contractors Can Help
17 May 2023

If you're interested in having a commercial roof l

Protect A Shingle Rooftop During The Summer Months
9 May 2023

Shingles are prone to serious damage during the su

The Two Most Common Types Of Roofing Materials (And How To Choose The Right One!)
2 May 2023

There are many different types of roofing material

5 Problems That Can Arise From A Missing Shingle

Roof damage doesn't have to look extreme in order to be problematic. Even a single missing shingle can lead to major home repair issues later. The following are a few reasons why you should have any damage, no matter how minor, repaired immediately. 

1. Mold and Leaks

The most obvious issue with delaying a shingle repair is leaks. Water can seep in so slowly that you aren't even aware there is a leak—until you go up into the attic to find dampness and mold. Leaks can damage everything from the wooden rafters and insulation to the wallboard and ceilings below. Water from leaks can also get into other systems, like the electrical system, and cause shorts and other issues. 

2. Decking Decay

Even one missing shingle compromises the watertight seal of the roof, so some moisture will seep in. The decking, which is the plywood sheathing beneath your shingles, will take the first hit of water damage. Once water soaks into the decking, rot can begin. Instead of a simple shingle repair, you will now need to tear off the whole roof to replace the damaged decking. You can avoid decking damage by not delaying shingle replacement.

3. Shingle Loss

The overlapping nature of shingles creates a waterproof membrane but it also means that the shingles help hold each other in place. If a single shingle is damaged or torn off, the shingles around it will be more prone to being torn off during storms and wind events. More lost shingles open your home up to further water damage and more expensive repairs. 

4. Energy Loss

Holes and gaps in the roof shingles let more heat escape through the roof in winter, which can lead to much higher energy bills. The more shingles that are missing, the more likely that the energy loss will be noticeable on your heating and cooling bills. Keeping the shingles in good shape and making repairs as soon as damage occurs can help maintain the energy efficiency of your home. 

5. Pest Problems

Animal pests, like raccoons and squirrels, will sometimes tear up roofing in order to get into the dry, warm attic below. Animals are more likely to cause this type of damage when there is a missing shingle since the damage provides them a way to rip into the roof. This is especially true because the decking below softens and becomes easier to tear or chew through. Repairing the shingle can minimize the chances of pest problems. 

Contact a roofing company to learn more.