Where are missing shingles or shakes most likely to occur on a roof?

Missing shingles or shakes are most likely to occur at the hips and ridges of a roof due to their structural design and exposure to various weather conditions. Hips and ridges are the points where two planes of the roof meet, which makes them more susceptible to lifting and flapping in high winds. Additionally, these areas often deal with the runoff of water and debris, creating a higher chance of wear and damage over time. As shingles are installed at these locations, any improper installation or degradation from environmental factors can lead to them being dislodged or missing altogether.

The other locations, while they can also experience issues, do not have the same combination of exposure and stress factors that hips and ridges face. Valleys, for instance, are designed to channel water down the roof but might not see missing materials as frequently as hips and ridges. Eaves are the edges of the roof where it overhangs, and while they can see damage from ice or gutters overflowing, they are typically not as prone to losing shingles. Gutters, on the other hand, are structures that accumulate water and debris, but they do not lose shingles; rather, they can be affected by the shingles’ performance.