Lost Shingles in a Windstorm? What to Do

Lost shingles in a windstorm? Here's what to do.

Published October 13, 2026 · John Beal, Owner, John Beal Roofing

First, stay off the roof. Missing shingles leave your roof open to water, so don't wait for the next rain. Snap photos from the ground, then get it covered fast. We're out there 24/7.

A big Midwest windstorm rolls through, and the next morning there are shingles in the yard, maybe a bare patch on the roof you can see from the street. It's unsettling, and it's easy to either panic or put it off. Here's what to actually do, in order.

First, stay off the roof

We know the urge. You want to get up there and see how bad it is. Please don't. A roof that just took a beating can have loose shingles that slide out from under your feet, debris, and weakened spots you can't see. Add wet shingles or a breeze that hasn't died down yet, and it's a dangerous place to be. No missing shingle is worth a fall. Look from the ground, or from a window that gives you a view of the roof.

Missing shingles leave your roof open to water

Shingles work as a team. Each one overlaps the next, so water runs across them and off the roof. Take a few away and you've opened a gap straight down to what's underneath. Rain gets into that gap, soaks the underlayment and the wood, and can work its way into your attic and ceilings.

The shingles around the gap are in trouble, too. With their neighbors gone, their edges are exposed, and the next gust has an easier time catching them. A small bare spot after one storm can be a much bigger one after the next.

So don't wait for the next rain

This is the mistake that turns a small repair into a big one. "It's only a few shingles" holds up fine until the next thunderstorm. Get the roof covered before the weather comes back.

Snap photos from the ground

Before anything gets cleaned up, take pictures. The roof from a few angles, shingles and debris in the yard, damaged gutters or siding, and any water stains inside. Note the date of the storm. Those photos help your roofer and they help your insurance claim. Wind damage is usually covered, but every policy is different, so get the roof inspected and the damage documented before you file.

Then get it covered fast

A roofer can tarp or temporarily cover the damaged area right away to keep water out, then come back to make a proper repair or, if the damage is widespread, talk with you about replacing the roof. Covering it fast is the single best thing you can do to protect your house after wind damage.

Watch out for door-knockers

After big storms, out-of-town crews show up knocking. Ask where their office is, check their local reviews, and never sign anything on your porch.

We're out there 24/7

We're a family-run Midwest roofer, here since 1947, and we answer the phone around the clock, including the night of the storm. Call and we'll get it covered.

What John says in the video

Transcript: Lost shingles in a windstorm? Here's what to do. First, stay off the roof. Missing shingles leave your roof open to water, so don't wait for the next rain. Snap photos from the ground, then get it covered fast. We're out there 24/7. Call me, 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to climb on the roof after a windstorm?

No. Wind-damaged roofs can have loose shingles, debris and weakened areas, and a wet or damaged roof is easy to slip on. Look from the ground and let a roofer get up there.

Can a few missing shingles cause a leak?

Yes. Each missing shingle exposes what is underneath to rain, and the shingles around the gap are easier for the next wind to catch and tear off.

Should I take pictures of wind damage?

Yes. Take photos from the ground of the roof, shingles in the yard and any damage inside. They help with your insurance claim and with your roofer.

Will insurance cover shingles lost in a windstorm?

Wind damage is usually covered by homeowner's insurance, but it depends on your policy. Have the roof inspected and the damage documented before you file.

Can John Beal Roofing cover my roof after a storm?

Yes. We answer 24/7 and can get missing shingles covered fast. Call 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.