Missing roof shingles?

Shingles that have blown or fallen off leave the layer underneath exposed to rain. Photograph the damage from the ground and look for signs of water inside. Cover it only if you can do so safely from a ladder; otherwise a roofer can tarp it.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your roof and we’ll narrow it down.

Is water already getting in?

A stain or drip means the exposed area is leaking. Roof leaking

Likely causes

  1. Wind

    Most commonCall a pro

    Shingles are missing after a windy day or storm, often along the edges, ridge or corners, and pieces turn up in the yard.

    Part: about $975 (asphalt shingle repair, average)

  2. Age and brittle shingles

    CommonCall a pro

    Shingles are curled, cracked or crumbling, and more come loose over time. Three-tab shingles last about 20 years and architectural shingles about 30 with maintenance.

  3. Poor nailing

    Less commonCall a pro

    Shingles slide or lift soon after installation, or loose shingles show nail heads that were missed or set badly.

  4. Impact from branches

    Less commonCall a pro

    A damaged spot sits under a tree limb, with torn, cracked or dented shingles in one area after a branch fell.

Quick checks

Stay off the roof, especially when it is wet, icy, steep or more than one story: falls are the main risk. If you use a ladder, set it on firm footing, keep three points of contact and don't over-reach. Keep ladders and roof rakes away from the service wires. If water is near a light fixture or outlet, switch off that circuit at the breaker.

  1. Photograph the roof from the ground, and pick up any shingle pieces in the yard.
  2. Cover the spot only if you can do so safely from a ladder. Otherwise leave it for a roofer to tarp.
  3. If you can safely reach the attic, look for daylight through the roof or wet decking.
  4. Check ceilings below for new stains. If you find a leak, see roof leaking.
  5. Call a roofer, and keep your photos for the repair and any insurance claim.
Sharpen the read

Diagnose your roof in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

  • the roof area with missing shingles, taken from the ground
  • any shingle pieces in the yard, with something for scale
  • the ceiling or wall stain below, if there is one
  • the attic underside under the damage, if you can safely get there

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

Call a roofer for any missing shingles you can't safely cover from a ladder, and soon if the attic shows daylight or wet decking. For the bigger picture, see the roof guide.

Typical cost: HomeAdvisor puts roof repair at an average of $1,174 ($395–1,968), and an asphalt shingle repair averages $975. Interior water damage is not priced here.

Sources: HomeAdvisor: How much does roof repair cost? (updated June 19, 2026)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.

Related problems

  • Roof leaking?

    Roof

    A ceiling stain or drip after rain or snowmelt, from damaged shingles, flashing, vent boots, ice or ventilation trouble.

  • Ice dams on your roof?

    Roof

    Thick ice and icicles along the roof edge in winter, sometimes with stains on ceilings near outside walls.

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

Fixology helps you understand your home — it isn't a substitute for a licensed pro on serious gas, electrical, or structural work.