Had a pretty wild storm roll through last night, and woke up to find a few shingles scattered across my yard. Climbed up to check it out, and yep, there's a patch missing. Never dealt with this before, so I'm kinda winging it here. Wondering if anyone's had something similar happen and how big of a hassle it was to fix yourself... or if it's better to just call someone in?
Had a similar issue last spring after a nasty windstorm. If you're comfortable with heights and have basic DIY skills, it's not too tricky. First, check if you have extra shingles stored somewhere (garage or shed maybe?), matching them can be a pain otherwise. You'll want roofing nails, a pry bar to gently lift surrounding shingles, and roofing sealant. Honestly though, if the damage area is large or your roof's steep... might be safer (and less stressful) to get a pro up there.
"Honestly though, if the damage area is large or your roof's steep... might be safer (and less stressful) to get a pro up there."
Good advice here. A couple quick things I'd add from experience:
- Check under the shingles around the damaged area too—sometimes wind loosens more than you think.
- If you don't have matching shingles, try a local roofing supplier. They often have leftover bundles or can point you in the right direction.
- And yeah, steep roofs are no joke... learned that the hard way myself. Better safe than sorry.
Good points all around. A couple more quick tips from dealing with wind damage myself:
- Snap a few pics before you start repairs—insurance might ask for them later.
- Check your attic after the next rain. Sometimes water sneaks in through spots you didn't even notice.
- And yeah, steep roofs... been there, done that, got the shaky knees to prove it. If you're even slightly unsure, just call someone. Not worth the ER trip.
The advice above is solid, especially the part about documenting damage for insurance purposes. If you decide to tackle it yourself, make sure you match the shingles as closely as possible—differences in thickness or style can cause issues down the road. Also, pay attention to proper nailing technique and placement; incorrect installation can lead to premature shingle failure or leaks. If you're not comfortable with heights or unsure about the process, calling a professional is definitely the safer bet.
