What to do before missing roof shingles issue get worse
Shingles go missing all the time. It’s common. Annoying, but common.
If you’re in Toronto, you’ve probably noticed it more after a windstorm. You glance up and see a patch. Or you find one in the yard and wonder, “Was that always there?” That’s where it starts. But here’s the thing – missing shingles don’t fix themselves.
You leave them, and your roof starts to rot from the inside out. Small gaps lead to leaks. Water finds a way. Fast.
Let’s break down what causes shingles to go missing, why it matters, and what Toronto Roofer does to fix it before it gets worse.
What causes shingles to go missing?
Heavy wind
Toronto gets some rough gusts—especially near Lake Ontario. Shingles that are loose or aging lift and tear off. One strong gust can take a whole line with it.
Old or brittle shingles
Shingles wear out. Asphalt ones get brittle. Once they dry out, they start cracking. After a few hot summers and frozen winters, they’re toast.
Poor installation
If a roofer skipped nails, or placed them wrong, those shingles were never going to hold. We’ve seen roofs barely 2 years old with bald spots already.
Ice and snow damage
Winter does a number on Toronto roofs. Ice dams build up, snow freezes and thaws. It creeps under the edges of shingles and pops them up.
What happens if you ignore it
A lot of homeowners see one or two missing shingles and think, “It’s not that bad.”
It’s not that bad—until it is.
Here’s what usually follows:
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Water damage – Rain hits exposed wood
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Mold – Once it’s wet, mold moves in
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Rot – Wood softens, starts breaking down
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Leaks inside – Water stains on ceilings
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Higher energy bills – Missing shingles = heat loss
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Insurance fights – Delayed repairs can void coverage
It builds up slowly. But once it starts, the fix gets expensive fast.
How to spot missing shingles
Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes not.
Here’s what to look for:
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Bald spots on your roof (darker patches = missing shingles)
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Shingle pieces in the yard or gutters
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Exposed nails or shiny spots on the roof
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Water stains on ceilings or walls
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Peeling paint under the roofline
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Strange drafts or warm spots in the attic
You don’t always have to get up there. Grab binoculars. Look from across the street. Or call Toronto Roofer—we’ll check it for free.
Fixing missing shingles: DIY vs pro help
When a DIY patch might work
If it’s one shingle, and you’ve got the tools, sure. Get a ladder, slide the new shingle under, nail it down, and seal it.
But it has to match. And if more shingles are loose, you won’t know until you’re up there. Then what?
When to call a roofing company in Toronto
Call a pro if:
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You’re missing more than one
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Shingles are curling or cracked nearby
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You see signs of water damage
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You want to keep your roof warranty valid
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You’re not 100% confident on a ladder
Toronto Roofer handles this stuff fast. We handle emergency roof repairs across Toronto, usually same day. We match your shingles and check the area around the damage to make sure it’s not spreading.
What Toronto Roofer does to fix it
Every roof is different. But our process is simple.
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Free roof inspection – We show up, check the roof, and take photos
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Straight quotes – No fluff, no pushy upsells
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Fast repairs – We patch the spot, match your shingles, and check surrounding areas
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Cleanup – We don’t leave nails or scraps behind
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Honest advice – If your roof’s in bad shape, we’ll say so. If it’s not, we won’t pretend it is
Some roofs need full replacement. But most shingle fixes are fast and affordable if caught early. We’re not here to replace roofs that don’t need replacing.
Prevention tips: stop shingles from going missing
You can’t stop the weather. But you can stop the damage.
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Schedule roof inspections twice a year (spring and fall)
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Replace shingles when they curl or crack
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Clear your roof of leaves and branches
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Remove ice dams and snow buildup in winter
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Trim trees that hang too close
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Check the attic for signs of water or light
Your roof doesn’t need fancy tech. It needs regular checks. You miss those, and small problems become huge ones.
FAQs
How serious is a missing shingle?
One missing shingle isn’t the end of the world. But it opens a path for water. Water leads to mold, rot, leaks, and insulation damage. You don’t want to wait.
Can I replace a missing shingle myself?
Yes, if you’re careful and know what you’re doing. But if it’s more than one, or the roof is steep, it’s safer to call a pro. The wrong repair can cause more harm than good.
Will insurance cover missing shingles in Toronto?
Sometimes. If it was storm damage and you act quickly, most policies help. But if it looks like wear and tear or neglect, they might deny it. Fast repairs give you the best shot.
How much does shingle repair cost in Toronto?
It depends. A single repair might run $150–$500. More damage? Could be $1,000+. But catching it early keeps costs low.
How fast should I fix missing shingles after a storm?
Immediately. Even one day of heavy rain can push water inside. Call a roofing company right after the storm, especially if you see signs of damage.
What kind of shingles are best for Toronto weather?
Architectural asphalt shingles hold up well here. They resist wind and cold better than the flat 3-tab ones. We recommend shingles rated for high wind and freeze-thaw durability.
Should I repair or replace my roof if shingles keep falling off?
If you’re repairing the same spots every year, it might be time to replace. Older shingles stop holding nails and blow off easier. At a certain point, patching is a waste of money.
Summary
Missing shingles don’t look like a big deal—until you find a roof leak. Or mold. Or hear dripping behind the walls. It doesn’t take much for water to get in.
The fix is simple if you catch it fast. Toronto Roofer repairs missing shingles all over the city. We’re local, fast, and honest. No pressure. No games.
If you think something’s off, give us a call. We’ll take a look before it turns into a major repair.
Shingles missing? Don’t wait for leaks.
📞 Call Toronto Roofer at (647) 847-8826
Fast repairs. Clear pricing. Local experts. We’ve got you covered.
