• Exposed underlayment or bare wood

• Lifted or curling shingle edges nearby

• Damage near ridges, valleys, vents, skylights, or chimneys

A quick roof repair is more likely when:

• Only 1–3 shingles are missing

• Surrounding shingles are fully sealed

• The roof is otherwise in good condition

It’s usually a bigger issue when:

• Multiple tabs are missing

• Shingle corners are lifting across an area

• Damage appears near transitions or edges

• The roof has had repeated repairs in the same zone

Temporary fixes like caulk, roof cement, or random nails often fail because they don’t restore the roof’s wind seal or address why the shingles came loose in the first place.

If you’re in Pasadena or the surrounding foothill communities, a documented roofing inspection removes the guesswork and shows whether you’re dealing with a straightforward repair or an early system failure

What’s Actually Happening and Why

Wind rarely pulls shingles off “randomly.” It usually exposes an existing weakness.

Common reasons shingles blow off

Aging shingles
Over time, the adhesive seal strips lose grip, and the material becomes brittle common on older residential roofing systems across Southern California.

Edge and ridge vulnerability
Roof edges and ridgelines experience the highest wind pressure, especially on two-story homes or properties in exposed areas.

Improper fastening or past repairs
Shingles nailed too high, overdriven nails, or patchwork repairs weaken wind resistance.

Underlayment exposure
Underlayment is designed as secondary protection — not a long-term exterior surface.

Transition failures
Wind-driven rain exploits flashing points around vents, chimneys, skylights, and valleys

Why the Damage You See Might Not Be the Only Problem

Wind damage often causes partial lifting across a wider section of the roof. Even if only a few shingles are missing, nearby shingles may have broken seals.

That’s why ceiling stains sometimes appear days or weeks later — and not always directly below the missing shingle.

Water can travel along the roof decking before showing inside the home

What Homeowners Should Do Next (Safe Steps Only)

You don’t need to climb on the roof to take smart action.

Step 1: Check from the ground

Walk the perimeter of your home and look for:

• Dark rectangles or exposed areas

• Shingle tabs or ridge pieces in the yard or gutters

• Areas that appear lifted, uneven, or flattened

Step 2: Protect interior areas

If the damage appears above a living space:

• Move valuables away from ceilings

• Place a bucket if water intrusion is visible

• If attic access is safe, use a flashlight to look for damp insulation or darkened wood
  (Do not step on drywall.)

Step 3: Document what you see

Photos help speed diagnosis:

• One wide roof photo

• One medium shot of the damaged area

• Any debris found on the ground

Step 4: Avoid quick patches

Handyman fixes often:

• Break the roof’s designed water path

• Create new nail penetration leaks

• Fail during the next wind or rain event

When to Call a Roofing Contractor

A professional roofing inspection is recommended quickly if any of the following apply.

Immediate inspection triggers

• Missing shingles near valleys

• Damage around chimneys, skylights, or roof vents

• Exposed wood decking or torn underlayment

• Interior ceiling stains or bubbling paint

• Multiple damaged areas

Signs the issue may be larger

• Widespread lifted corners

• Ridge cap damage

• Repeat repairs in the same location

• An aging roof nearing replacement range

Waiting often turns small wind damage into soaked insulation, stained ceilings, and expanded repair costs.

What a Proper Roofing Inspection Should Include

A real inspection involves more than a glance.

You should expect:

Roof surface evaluation

• Missing or creased shingles

• Lifted edges and seal failure

• Ridge, hip, and perimeter condition

• Valleys and drainage paths

Flashing and penetration review

• Pipe boots and vent flashing

• Chimney and skylight transitions

• Roof-to-wall and stucco interfaces

Underlayment and structure clues

• Signs of torn underlayment

• Soft decking indicators

• Attic moisture patterns (when safely accessible)

Clear documentation

• Photos of damaged areas

• Plain-language explanation of why it failed

• Repair options that restore wind resistance — not just appearance

This approach helps homeowners understand whether roof repair is sufficient or if roof replacement planning should begin

Homeowner Checklist: Wind Damage Edition

Save this for future storms:

• Walk the perimeter after high winds

• Check gutters and yard for shingle pieces

• Photograph roof areas from multiple angles

• Look closely at ridges and roof edges

• Note which side faces the prevailing wind

• Watch ceilings for stains over the next 72 hours

• Inspect the attic only if safe

• Avoid DIY nailing or caulking

• Keep photos if insurance becomes necessary

• Schedule an inspection before the next rain

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Climbing on the roof during wind or wet conditions

• Assuming “no leak yet” means no damage

• Patching without restoring the roofing system

• Ignoring flashing and transitions

• Waiting until the next storm confirms that the damage worsened

Frequently Asked Questions

Can missing shingles cause a leak right away?
- Yes! Especially near valleys, flashing, or if the underlayment is torn.

Do I need a roof replacement if only a few shingles are missing?
- Not always. Isolated damage on a stable roof can often be repaired.

If your home experienced high winds and you’re seeing missing shingles, a professional inspection provides clarity before minor damage turns into a larger problem.

Green Ladder Roofing provides residential roofing inspections throughout LA County and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, with photo documentation and straightforward explanations, so homeowners can make informed decisions without pressure.

If you’d like a clear answer on whether this is a quick roof repair or something more, scheduling an inspection is the safest place to start.