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I found shingles in my yard after a storm. Now what?

Shingles in the yard mean bare spots on your roof where wind or hail tore them loose. The exposed deck and nail holes let water straight in, so even one missing section is a real leak risk. Get an inspection quickly, because storm damage is easiest to document and repair before the next rain.

Do this right now

1

Save the shingles you find

Set the pieces aside in the garage. They help match color and type for the repair and can back up a storm claim.

2

Look up at the roof from the ground

Use binoculars or your phone's zoom. Note bare patches, lifted tabs, and any shingles curled back. Don't climb up. Wet or storm-damaged roofs are slick and unsafe.

3

Check the attic and ceilings for water

After the wind, watch for fresh stains or drips inside. A gap up top can leak the very next time it rains, so catching it early matters.

4

Take photos before you touch anything

Shoot the bare spots, the shingles in the yard, and any dents on gutters or vents. Date-stamped photos make an insurance claim go smoother.

St. Louis gets hit hard by spring and summer storms rolling in off the plains. Straight-line winds lift shingle tabs and snap the seal strip that holds them down, while hail bruises the surface and knocks the protective granules off. Once a shingle is gone, the deck and the nail holes underneath are wide open to water.

A roofer checks more than the obvious bare spot. They look for lifted shingles that will blow off in the next gust, hail bruises that crack open later, dented flashing and vents, and granule buildup in the gutters that signals the roof took a beating. On the ridges and edges, where St. Louis wind hits hardest, they check that everything is still sealed and nailed tight.

It's urgent when the deck is showing, when you see daylight in the attic, or when a storm is forecast in the next day or two. An exposed section can leak in the first hard rain, and our summer downpours don't wait. We can tarp over the bare area the same day to buy time until a full repair.

Storm damage across the region often qualifies for an insurance claim, especially after a widespread hail event. We inspect the roof, document what the storm did, and walk you through the claim so you know what you're dealing with. We cover the whole area, from Clayton and University City to Chesterfield, Maplewood, and Dogtown.

Common questions

Do I need to replace the whole roof if a few shingles blew off?
Usually not. If the rest of the roof is sound, a roofer can replace the missing shingles and reseal the area. A full replacement only comes up when the damage is widespread or the roof was already near the end of its life.
Should I file an insurance claim for missing shingles?
It depends on how much came off and your deductible. Storm and hail damage is often covered. We can inspect first, document what happened, and help you decide whether a claim makes sense before you file.
How long can I leave a bare spot before it leaks?
Not long in St. Louis. An exposed deck can leak in the next rain, and storms here pop up fast. Get a tarp over it right away and schedule the repair. The longer wood stays exposed, the more it can rot and swell.

Still not sure?

Describe what you're seeing to a real St. Louis roofer: call (314) 555-0149 or send the form. Free, no obligation.