How to Replace Missing Roof Shingles
Missing shingles expose the underlying felt paper and decking to rain, UV, and wind. Water infiltration can begin within hours of shingles being blown off. Replacing a few shingles is a beginner-to-intermediate DIY job if you're comfortable on a roof with proper safety equipment.
Likely Causes
- 1Wind damage — shingles lifted and blown off during storms
- 2Old shingles that have lost their adhesive strip and loosened
- 3Improper installation (too few nails per shingle)
- 4Ice dam damage in northern climates
- 5Foot traffic that cracked and dislodged shingles
Missing shingles allow water into the roof structure. Address within days to prevent deck rot, insulation damage, and interior leaks.
How to Fix It: Step by Step
- 1Prioritize safety
Use a sturdy ladder secured at the base. Work on dry days only — wet roofs are extremely slippery. Wear rubber-soled shoes. Have a helper. Attach a safety harness for steep roofs (>6/12 pitch).
- 2Inspect the damage
From the roof, identify all missing shingles and check adjacent shingles for cracks, curling, or looseness. Inspect the underlayment (felt paper) beneath for tears.
- 3Purchase matching shingles
Take a damaged shingle to a roofing supplier or home center to match the weight (3-tab vs. architectural), color, and style. Bring the manufacturer name if visible on existing shingles.
- 4Remove damaged shingle remnants
Pry up the tabs of overlapping shingles above the damage area. Remove roofing nails from the damaged shingle using a flat pry bar. Slide out the old shingle.
- 5Slide in the new shingle
Slide the new shingle into position, aligning it with the shingles on each side. The bottom edge should align with the courses below.
- 6Nail and seal
Drive 4 roofing nails through the nailing strip (above the tabs) — one near each edge and two evenly spaced in the middle. Apply roofing cement under the tabs of overlapping shingles to reseal them.
Materials & Tools Needed
Warning Signs It's Getting Worse
- ⚠Water stains appearing on ceiling inside the house
- ⚠Decking feels soft or spongy when walked on
- ⚠More shingles blowing off in the next storm
- ⚠Black streaks or algae growing on the roof surface
When to Call a Professional
Call a roofer if you're uncomfortable on a roof, if shingles are missing over a large area (more than 10–15 shingles), if the roof is steep (8/12 pitch or greater), or if the underlying deck is rotted or damaged.
Not sure where to start?
Describe your problem and get a personalized repair plan — likely causes, repair steps, materials, and cost estimates.
Get My Repair Plan