Shingles on the lawn after a storm mean the roof has an opening somewhere above. The underlayment may be holding for now, but it is not designed to be the roof. Here is what to do, in order.
The First Hour
- Photograph the shingles where they landed and the bare spot on the roof from the ground. Note the date and time.
- Do not climb the roof in wind or rain.
- If water is coming in, call (561) 650-1355 for same-day tarping.
- Check the attic for daylight or wet insulation under the bare spot.
- Keep the shingles. The adjuster may want to see them.
Is It an Insurance Claim?
Wind is a covered peril. Whether it is worth filing depends on which deductible applies: the hurricane deductible during a named hurricane, or the smaller all-other-perils deductible for any other wind. A few shingles on one slope is often below a hurricane deductible and above a standard one. A free wind damage inspection gives you the repair price so you can compare. Details on the wind damage insurance guide.
Why They Blew Off
- Age. Seal strips weaken after years of Florida heat; once unsealed, a shingle lifts in ordinary wind.
- Nailing. Four nails instead of six, or nails driven above the nail line, hold less. Florida’s high-wind nailing pattern exists for this reason.
- Edges. Rakes and eaves catch wind first. Missing or loose starter strips and drip edge let the first course lift.
- Prior repairs. Shingles slid in without being sealed lift again.
How the Repair Works
New shingles are woven into the existing courses, nailed to the high-wind pattern and hand-sealed. The inspector checks the surrounding shingles by lifting gently; any with a broken seal are resealed or replaced so the repair holds. If seals have failed across the slope, the honest answer is that a repair buys a season and replacement is coming.
Matching
Shingle colors change and lines are discontinued. If a replacement would not reasonably match, Florida’s matching statute (Fla. Stat. § 626.9744) can require the carrier to cover more than the damaged area on a covered claim. For cash repairs, the roofer sources the closest match and shows you a sample first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can the underlayment hold without shingles?
Days, not months. Underlayment is not UV-stable and is not designed to shed wind-driven rain on its own. Tarp or repair promptly.
Can I glue the shingles back on myself?
Blown-off shingles are usually torn at the nail line and will not hold. The repair uses new shingles.
Will a repair match my roof?
The roofer sources the same manufacturer line where available. On older roofs a slight color difference is normal and fades as the new shingles weather.
Talk to Sunny Roofing
Sunny Roofing is a veteran-owned, BBB A+ accredited, Florida-certified roofing contractor (CCC1333142) serving Orlando and Central Florida since 2018. Every job gets a dedicated project manager, a 15-year workmanship warranty and a cleanup guarantee. Book a free inspection online or call (561) 650-1355.