Take a step back and examine the shingles on the roof. In some cases, the shingles may no longer appear to lay flat against the surface. They may even begin to curl up around the edges. When this occurs, it is something that should be looked into – and fixed – as soon as possible.
An annual roof inspection is often a good way to identify any shingle damage risk. It enables a professional roofer to inspect the roof and identify any areas of concern that require repair. This is significant because missing or lifted shingles put the home’s structure at risk.
What Causes Shingles to Lift and Curl?
There are numerous reasons why shingles can become deformed like this, depending on your location, the age of the roofing material, and the overall maintenance it has received.
For example, in areas with high humidity, the asphalt shingles you use may curl as a result of the heat and humidity. As a result, the materials within the shingles warp.
Roofing Shingles That Buckle
Buckling shingles appear to be being pushed up from beneath them. They have a lift to them that is difficult to see at first but becomes problematic as it worsens. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common is that the attic space beneath the shingles is too hot. If there is insufficient attic circulation, the shingles will pull away from the structure.
Buckling shingles can also occur as a result of improper installation. By fastening them, the installer may not have ensured that they were flat against the surface. Another issue to be concerned about is that the shingles were not properly fastened into place, which can happen if the roofer is in a hurry or using limited materials.
Roof Shingles with a Curve
In other cases, the shingles may appear to be curling, with their edges turning upwards. The center portion of the shingle may appear to be sunken in. This concave shape is undesirable, but it is common.
Curling may occur in some cases because the shingle was not properly designed, or it may be an inferior product that simply does not last. Curling is very common on older roofs. It indicates that your roof’s lifespan is coming to an end and that a new roof may be required. This occurs as a result of normal wear and tear over time.
Common Roof Shingle Damage Causes
There are numerous types of damage that can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:
- Moisture
This is one of the most common causes of shingle damage. Moisture can cause damage to the roofing structure beneath the roof decking. Buckling shingles could be caused by the shingles absorbing too much moisture. Heat and humidity are major contributors to this significant moisture buildup, especially when there is limited airflow in the attic space, resulting in the right combination of hot and moist air becoming trapped behind the shingles themselves.
- Several layers of roofing
Roofs with more than one layer of shingles are not uncommon. Adding another layer is sometimes a less expensive way to get a new roof. While this can be advantageous in some cases, it also increases the risk of potential roofing damage over time. When you install a newer roofing system on top of an existing roof, you create more space for moisture to accumulate. Furthermore, the shingle has less structural integrity to hold onto over time. The shingles may begin to curl and buckle as a result.
- Inadequate roof shingle installation
This is a major concern for homeowners because it is difficult to know whether the roofer installed the shingles correctly. This is another reason to hire a certified roofer when installing a new roof. If the shingles are not properly installed, they may become loose. They could pull up or fall off the surface.
What to Do If Your Roof Shingles Are Damaged
Do not ignore areas of curling, buckling, or lifting shingles. Rather, you’ll want to fix them as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the roofing structure beneath. First, contact a roof technician to determine the source of the problem.
In some cases, your roof may be covered by a warranty. If this is the case, you may be able to have the roof replaced at no cost to you. Warranties differ from company to company. Also, if the damage was caused by weather conditions or hail, you may be able to get your home insurance to cover the cost of replacement. This, however, will be determined by the underlying cause.
Lift and Curling Shingles Could Indicate you need a new roof
When there is significant damage to your roofing structure, it is critical not to wait too long to get repairs. Look for the highest quality product for the least amount of money. Choose a higher-quality roofing shingle, for example, and make sure it comes with a long-term warranty to protect your investment. To reduce risks, you should also have it installed by a licensed and certified technician.
It’s also a good idea to avoid re-roofing or adding another layer of shingles on top. Allow your roofer to address all concerns, such as proper moisture barriers, attic ventilation issues, and structural inspections, to ensure your new roof will last for a long time.
Shingles that are properly installed can last for decades and look great. If your shingles are no longer in good condition and you are noticing problems, act quickly to avoid moisture or air leaks, which could make your home less comfortable and even damage its structural integrity. To learn more about your repair and replacement options, contact a roofer.
