Why Do Roof Shingles Blow Off?

As roofers, we are often asked why shingles blow off even when there hasn’t been a bad storm or high wind day. There are a few different reasons roof shingles blow off. Some are obvious, while others…not so much. Let’s explore…

The Obvious – Age

You’ve heard the phrase ‘nothing lasts forever.’ That certainly applies to roofing — most standard shingle roofs have a life expectancy of around 20-25 years. When shingles near their end, they begin to fail. They come loose from their seals and attachments, they crack, and they break. Wind and weather will eventually pry these failing shingles loose and they will blow off.

When you experience shingle blow offs due to age, it’s time to call a licensed roofing professional. An honest roofer will inspect the roof and let you know if a repair will get you through another few years, or if your roof is in danger of causing more serious damage to your home such as leaks.

The Not-So-Obvious – Poor Installation, Underlying Roof Issues, and Product Defects

If age is not necessarily the culprit of your shingle blow offs, it could be that your roof was either installed improperly, that there is an issue beneath your shingles, or even that the shingle installed is defective.

Poor Installation

Having a roof installed by someone who is not licensed is risky at best. There are reasons licensing exists – and that is to ensure that installers are trained, and that the consumer is protected. Improper installation can be caused by not using the proper tools, sealing, underlayment, and nails. It can also be caused by not nailing the shingles to the roof in the proper location. If your roof was installed by a professional who may have simply had a bad day, no worries. They will make it right! However, installed by someone unlicensed and you’re on the hook for having it fixed.

Compromised Plywood

If what is beneath your shingles is compromised, it can cause shingles to come loose and blow off. At the base of your roof, there is plywood. As we know, plywood is not impervious to moisture, unless adequately protected. Should that protection become compromised, damage can occur. A common cause of water beneath shingles is the improper or failed sealing of pipes and vents that protrude through your roof. Look atop any home’s roof and you will see several protrusions that are necessary to the home. As with anything that requires sealing, these items should have periodic re-sealing to prevent water damage to plywood.

Product Defects

It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then a shingle manufacturer will produce a product that fails years before its expected end. If the shingle was produced by a reputable manufacturer like CertainTeed, GAF, or EcoStar, there is no need to worry. They will work with you on replacement. Another solid reason to install a highly rated product by a highly rated roofer!

The Surprising – Blow Offs on a Brand New Roof!

On occasion, it is possible for shingles to blow off of a new roof – even one installed by a licensed professional. That is because it can take a few weeks for the seal that is beneath the shingles to set. The seal needs a bit of heat to set, which is usually produced by the sun even when the temps outside are freezing. However, if your new roof is installed when it is cold, if it does not have direct sunlight, and you experience a windy day, blow offs could occur. Here again, hiring a pro is key. Should this happen, rest assured that it will be fixed!

Need Help? Give Us a Call!

If you have experienced shingle blow offs on your home, give us a shout. Our roofing professionals will inspect your roof to see whether a fix or replacement is necessary. Call 866-836-7663 or complete our online Estimate Request form.