Will a Roof Leak with One Shingle Missing?
One shingle missing on a roof will cause a leak
When you find out that one of your roof shingles is missing, your immediate thoughts are that a leak is in the offing and this will lead to subsequent damage. Even though it can be an almost unnoticeable loss of just that single shingle, if not attended to in good time, it can have much worse disastrous effects. The article below explains the potential effects a missing shingle may cause and why timely leakage repair is important for your roof.
How Shingles Protect the Roof
A shingle’s purpose is to protect your roof from the erosive action of precipitation, wind, snow, or the ultraviolet energy in the sun. Each shingle overlaps its neighbors in order to create a tight seal in which water cannot penetrate inside your home. When just one shingle is missing, that seal is broken, and your roof becomes open to additional leaks.
Does a Missing Shingle Leak?
The likely leak would be at the roof if the shingle is missing, leading to more probable leakage chances if left unchecked. The space will become open for water penetration into the underlayment and the structure of the roof beneath, which may have a great chance for water damage or the growth of mold. This would not cause a leak immediately but considerable destruction overtime.
Factors to Increase the Likelihood of Leakage from Lost Shingle
- Location of Lost Shingle: In case the lost shingle is found in an area that receives heavy falls of rain or snow, the leakage situation should worsen. The likelihood of water penetration tends to grow high where shingles are found in valley areas or near the edge of the roof.
- Age and Condition of Roof: Older roofs have a higher risk of damage to the missing shingles. The aging roof may already have minor issues, and the loss of one shingle can accelerate potential leaks.
- Weather Conditions: Inclement weather, such as storms and windy days, can worsen the situation. Water may leak into minuscule cracks in your roof, but without that protective shingle, it becomes vulnerable to moisture.
Why Instant Roof Leak Repair?
This type of leakage tends to be ignored once the shingle is lost only to become costly in the long run. Water penetrates your roof’s protective layers, leading to water stain, growth of mold, and in extreme cases, structural damage. More seriously, the build-up of moisture in your attic or insulation may raise concerns for indoor air quality. Quick action can be taken on such matters to prevent such effects and extend the use of your roof.
What To Do When You Find A Missing Shingle
If you can see a missing shingle, seek immediate roof leak repair. A roofing contractor will survey the area, look for potential hazards, and replace the missing shingle. They may also look at other neighboring shingles that may also be near the end of their cycle for potential damage from the missing shingle.
How to Prevent Roof Leaks from Missing Shingles
Regular maintenance of the roof is about identifying problems early on before they become problematic. After seeing any severe weather, it can be inspected for missing or damaged shingles early on. Annual inspections with a roofing professional is also a good idea to find potential vulnerabilities in your roof and address them before they get out of hand.
Conclusion
One missing shingle could seem like a minor issue, but left unchecked, it can lead to major roof damage and possibly expensive repairs. Always be quick to tackle roof leak repair in order to protect your home from water damage and keep your roof structurally sound. Remember that timely maintenance and repair will save you time, money, and worries in the long term.
About Mosaic Roofing Company
Mosaic Roofing Company aims to deliver top-quality roof leak repair and maintenance services. With the span of their experience combined with quality delivery, they are there to offer reliable solutions to homeowners in keeping their roofs in top condition. Anything from a single missing shingle to annual inspection, Mosaic Roofing Company has it all.
