There are often less obvious issues that accompany a few missing or loose shingles. The following are a few things to consider when deciding between replacing the missing shingles or replacing the entire roof.

1. Decking Damage 

A few damaged shingles may not seem like a big deal, but they can be symptomatic of greater problems: decking damage. If water has penetrated the plywood decking, then extensive rot could be degrading the main structure of the roof. Replacing the shingles won't solve the decking issues, as rot can't be reversed. Make sure that the roofer checks the state of the decking both under and downslope from the damaged shingles. If there are signs of rot, then a full replacement of decking and shingles may be required.

2. Poor Weather Sealing

Between the decking and shingles is a membrane, made of roofing felt or plastic, which provides a weather seal against any moisture that manages to seep beneath the shingles. There may also be a drip edge weather seal along the edge of the roof. Shingle damage can mean that this membrane has also suffered damage. Replacing the damaged shingles isn't enough, since moisture will still be able to seep into the decking boards. The weather sealing membrane must be repaired, or a whole new roof may be necessary if the damage is extensive.

3. Color Matching

A common issue is finding matching shingles for a small repair. Shingle colors and even designs are often discontinued by the manufacturer after a few years. If your roofer doesn't have access to any old lots of matching shingles, then any patching done will be very obvious due to color differences. For areas of the roof that aren't very visible, this may not be a major concern. Yet in more visible areas you may prefer a full roof replacement so that the roof doesn't look like a patchwork quilt of shingle shades and finishes.

4. Hidden Damages

It may look like there are just a few missing or broken shingles on your roof, but there could be damages that aren't immediately obvious. Hail is notorious for causing hidden damages that lead to water leaks. This is because hailstones compress shingles and knock off the waterproofing granules. This is hard to spot with the naked eye, but the damage is severe enough that your roof could begin to leak as soon as the next storm. Make sure the roof is fully inspected for hidden damages before a shingle repair starts, so you can make the right choice between repair and replacement.

Contact a roofing contractor if you think it's time for a roof replacement. 

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