Why Are My Roof Shingles Falling Off? | Myrtle Beach

Have you noticed shingles falling off your roof?

Shingles can come loose for several reasons. From wind and poor installation to environmental wear and tear. Knowing the cause can help you determine whether a quick repair or a full roof replacement is the right move.

As local roofers in the Myrtle Beach area, we get calls all the time from homeowners who have lost roof shingles. It’s fairly common with the weather we experience here on the Grand Strand. In this article, you’ll find out why your shingles are coming off and what your next move should be to avoid further roof damage.

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

What Makes Shingles Fall Off Your Roof?

As a Myrtle Beach resident, you’re no stranger to high windspeeds, especially around hurricane season. Wind is a very common reason why roof shingles can come loose from your roof. But it’s not the only cause. And whether you have one missing shingle or many, it’s important to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

Let’s take a look at a few reasons your roof shingles may be coming off:

7 Reasons Your Roof Shingles Are Falling Off

1. Wind Damage

   Most modern architectural shingles are rated to withstand winds up to 130 mph. It’s also common for new construction homes to have 3-tab shingles. 3-tab shingles have a lower wind rating that sits between 70 to 110 mph.

   If any area of your roof has been compromised or if your roof is 15–25 years old, it’s likely your roof shingles have become more brittle and less flexible, allowing even small gusts of wind to lift or tear away shingles on your roof.

2. Installation Errors

   One of the most common reasons roof shingles fall off prematurely is improper nailing. Roofers use nail guns with adjustable air pressure. If the air pressure is too high, nails can shoot straight through the shingle instead of securing it. In the roofing industry we call these overdriven nails.

   

   We’ve also seen improperly placed nails cause shingles to fly away with the wind. When a nail is not driven into the right place on a shingle, it leaves part of the shingle unanchored. This is especially an issue for mansard-style roofs with nearly vertical slopes. Over time shingles will slide down the slope because the adhesive sealant alone can’t fight gravity without proper nail placement.

3. Material / Manufacturer Defects

   Sometimes, the shingles themselves are the problem. If the sealant lines (the adhesive strips that bond shingles together) fail to activate, shingles can’t properly seal. This defect can cause entire sections of your roof to lift and flap in the wind, regardless of roof age.

   This should be covered under a material warranty, depending on the manufacturer. At Linta Roofing we use GAF roof shingles, a trusted brand in the Myrtle Beach area. Learn more here: System Plus vs. Silver Pledge vs. Golden Pledge.

4. Aged or Brittle Shingles

   As shingles age, UV exposure and thermal cycling dry out the asphalt and weaken adhesive bonds. Older shingles (often 15–25 years) can crack or crease during normal winds or even small repairs, making blow-offs more likely.

5. Roof Design Factors (Head Wall / Mansard)

   Certain roof designs can be more prone to shingle displacement. For instance, head wall flashing, where a roof meets a vertical wall, can create trouble spots if the shingles above weren’t properly nailed and sealed to resist gravity and wind uplift.

6. Improper Attic Ventilation

   Poor attic ventilation traps heat and moisture, which accelerates shingle aging and weakens adhesion. Over time this can cause tabs to lift and blow off, especially during coastal storms.

7. Tree Rubbing & Environmental Wear

   Overhanging branches can rub against shingles, removing protective granules and loosening them. Combined with coastal weather, this can cause shingles to detach during moderate winds.

What Makes Roof Shingles Fall Off on a New Home?

Over the last few years the Myrtle Beach area has become a popular place to live. With that, there has been a lot of new construction from big name builders. Builders like these tend to install 3-tab shingles, which are not as durable as architectural shingles.

Even if 3-tab shingles are installed properly, you may see them fail around the 10–15 year mark. In circumstances where they were not installed correctly, you might lose shingles within the first year or two.

To learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and designer shingles, check out our article: 3-Tab Shingles vs. Architectural Shingles vs. Designer Shingles.

FAQs About Failing Roof Shingles

Does this mean I need a roof replacement?

Not necessarily. If only one or two shingles have come loose, a small roof repair might be enough. On the other hand, if you’re noticing large swaths of missing shingles, it may be because of an underlying issue.

Keep in mind that small roof repairs on older roofs can be tricky. This is because the surrounding shingles are less flexible and/or durable. During a repair, surrounding shingles can crease or crack if they have become brittle over time.

Can I replace missing shingles myself?

Technically, yes. But we don’t recommend it. Not only for safety purposes but also because shingle matching can be trickier than it may seem. Over time the color of your shingles will fade, meaning that roof repairs are obvious. To help make them less obvious, an experienced roofer can help you choose a color that best matches the color and shade of your current roof.

You’ll need to ensure:

• The replacement shingles are compatible in size and type: This is because shingle manufacturers discontinue shingles over time. Discontinued shingles will not be compatible with modern shingles.
• The color and brand match your existing roof: You’ll want to make sure you know the brand of your current shingles.
• The installation follows the manufacturer’s guidelines.

If you’re unsure what type of shingles you have, a local roofer can help you identify them if you send a sample or schedule a roof inspection. If you need help with this process, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection with us. We’re happy to help!