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Reviewed by Tom Reilly — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Roofing, Carpentry & General Contracting

Who to call · Roofer

Missing shingles: call a roofer — or fix it yourself

Missing or damaged shingles expose the underlayment and decking to rain, wind, and UV damage. If left unrepaired, the exposed area can quickly develop leaks. A roofer can replace the missing shingles and inspect the surrounding area for hidden damage.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Visible gaps or bare spots on the roof surface

  2. 02

    Shingle granules accumulating in gutters

  3. 03

    Curled, cracked, or lifted shingle edges

  4. 04

    Pieces of shingles found on the ground after storms

Who to call

Roofer

A roofer replaces individual shingles with matching ones, reseals flashing, inspects the whole slope for wind-lifted tabs you cannot see from the ground, and documents storm damage for the insurer.

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Fix it yourself

How to fix missing shingles

Missing shingles

hard 30–90 min

Tools: binoculars, flashlight, tarp and sandbags (temporary cover)

Steps

  1. From the ground with binoculars, count missing or lifted shingles and note whether the underlayment is torn or bare wood shows.
  2. Check the attic in daylight for pinpoints of light and after rain for damp spots on the underside of the roof.
  3. If rain is coming and a single-storey roof section is bare, a tarp weighted with sandbags along the edges keeps water out until repair — only if you can place it without walking the roof.
  4. Photograph the damage for your insurer; wind damage after a storm is often covered.
  5. Check the gutters for granules — heavy shedding across the roof means the shingles are at end of life, not just storm-damaged.

Stop and call a pro if

  • the roof is above one storey or steeper than you can stand on comfortably — this is pro work
  • more than a few shingles are missing, or the damage is near a valley, chimney or vent
  • the roof is over 20 years old

What a pro does that you can't

A roofer replaces individual shingles with matching ones, reseals flashing, inspects the whole slope for wind-lifted tabs you cannot see from the ground, and documents storm damage for the insurer.

DIY cost: $20–50 for a tarp, as a stop-gap only

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Missing shingles?

Call a licensed roofer. Roofers have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose missing shingles safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 5 steps (hard, 30–90 min, $20–50 for a tarp, as a stop-gap only). Stop and call a roofer if the roof is above one storey or steeper than you can stand on comfortably — this is pro work.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most roofers offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Missing shingles?

Visible gaps or bare spots on the roof surface. Shingle granules accumulating in gutters. Curled, cracked, or lifted shingle edges. Pieces of shingles found on the ground after storms.

Who to call

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