Missing Shingles After Wind Storms: Can You Replace Them Yourself in Asheville?

Discover when DIY shingle replacement is appropriate after Asheville wind storms and when to call professional roofers. Expert advice from Lane Roofing on safely handling roof damage.
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Missing Shingles After Wind Storms: Can You Replace Them Yourself in Asheville?

Wind storms are common in Western North Carolina, and they can wreak havoc on Asheville roofs. One of the most visible signs of damage? Missing shingles. If you’ve walked outside after a storm to find dark patches on your roof or shingles scattered across your yard, you’re facing a decision: tackle the repairs yourself or call a professional roofer? At Lane Roofing and Restoration, we want you to make informed choices about your home. Sometimes a DIY fix is possible, but other situations demand expert attention. Let’s explore when you can safely replace missing shingles yourself and when it’s time to call us for help.

When DIY Shingle Replacement Might Work

There are certain scenarios where replacing a few shingles yourself might be reasonable. Consider a DIY approach when:

The damage is limited to just a few shingles in an easily accessible area of your roof. If you’re dealing with 3-5 shingles that have blown off from a relatively flat section, this might be manageable for a handy homeowner.

You have the right safety equipment. At minimum, you’ll need a sturdy extension ladder, non-slip footwear, and ideally a safety harness. Asheville’s varied terrain often means homes have significant height and steep slopes, making safety equipment essential.

You can match your existing shingles. Newer roofs are easier to match, but if your roof is older, finding identical shingles can be challenging. The color matching needs to be exact, or your repair will create a noticeable patchwork effect.

The weather forecast is clear. Roof work requires dry conditions and moderate temperatures. Western North Carolina’s weather can change quickly, so check forecasts carefully before starting any roof work.

Warning Signs That Call for Professional Help

Even if you’re comfortable on a ladder, certain situations signal the need for professional assessment. Contact Lane Roofing when:

Multiple areas of your roof show damage. If shingles are missing from different sections, this often indicates a larger problem that DIY fixes won’t adequately address.

You notice granules in your gutters or downspouts. Excessive granule loss means your shingles are deteriorating, and simple replacement won’t solve the underlying issue.

Your roof is more than 15 years old. Older roofs in Asheville have likely weathered numerous storms. What looks like simple wind damage might actually be a sign that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan.

Water stains appear on your ceiling or walls. If you’re seeing interior water damage, the problem extends beyond missing shingles – you likely have more serious water infiltration that needs professional attention.

Your roof has a steep pitch. Many Asheville homes feature steep roofs that match our mountain terrain. These slopes are dangerous for inexperienced people to navigate and require specialized safety equipment and training.

The Risks of DIY Roof Repairs in Asheville

Before climbing that ladder, consider these local factors that make DIY roof work particularly challenging in Western North Carolina:

Our mountain climate creates unique roofing challenges. Asheville experiences temperature fluctuations, heavy rains, occasional snow, and strong winds – all of which affect how roofing materials perform and are installed.

Improper installation can void warranties. If you have a newer roof with manufacturer warranties, DIY repairs might actually invalidate these valuable protections.

What looks simple rarely is. What appears to be just a few missing shingles could be masking more significant structural damage or weakened decking underneath.

Insurance considerations matter. If the damage resulted from a storm, improper DIY repairs might complicate future insurance claims. Professional documentation of the damage and repairs can be valuable for claim purposes.

Get a Professional Assessment Before Deciding

Not sure if your missing shingles require professional help? Lane Roofing offers free roof inspections throughout the Asheville area. Our team can quickly assess the extent of the damage and help you make an informed decision about repairs. We’ll never recommend professional services if a simple DIY fix would suffice – that’s part of our commitment to honest, transparent service for our Western North Carolina neighbors.