What missing shingles mean — and what your insurance probably owes you.
Don't ignore it
Even one missing shingle exposes the roof deck to water intrusion. After Alabama spring storms, missing shingles are extremely common.
It's likely a covered claim
Missing shingles after a windstorm typically qualify for an insurance claim under standard Alabama homeowners policies.
Look for hidden damage too
For every shingle that's gone, several more nearby may be wind-creased — meaning the seal strip is broken even though the shingle is still in place.
Tarp first, repair next
Get a tarp on the exposed area before the next rain. We provide 24/7 emergency tarping across North Alabama.
Document everything
Photos of the damage, the date, and the storm event are critical for your insurance claim.
Need a real opinion on your roof?
Free, no-pressure inspections across Huntsville and North Alabama.
Local Factors That Change Missing Shingles After a Storm in Huntsville
North Alabama averages well over 50 inches of rain a year, and the Tennessee Valley sits in a spring severe-weather corridor. That combination — heavy rain, spring hail, and fall straight-line wind — is what turns small roofing defects into interior damage here faster than in drier climates.
Local code matters too. Roofing work inside Huntsville city limits follows the International Residential Code as adopted locally, which sets nailing patterns, drip edge, underlayment, and attic ventilation minimums — and allows no more than two roof coverings before a full tear-off is required. When a roof is replaced, the new installation has to meet current code even if the old one predated it.
What to Do Next
- 1Write down when you first noticed the issue — carriers and contractors both ask for a date.
- 2Look for granules in gutters and at downspout outlets, which signals shingle wear or impact.
- 3Avoid climbing the roof yourself; wet or aging shingles cause most homeowner falls.
- 4Have the roof and attic inspected together, since half the useful evidence is underneath.
- 5Compare any two estimates line by line: underlayment, flashing, ventilation, warranty.