Curling Roof Shingles: What Should I Do?

Curling shingles are a typical roof problem. Once they have curled, they will slowly expose the roof underneath and cause a lot of damage. In some cases, you may need to replace the curled shingled with new ones. Or if the damages are too extensive, you may be needing a whole new roof. Below are the reasons why shingles start to curl and the solutions.

Curling and cupping shingles are an indication that something is wrong with your roof. Cupping occurs when the center of the shingle becomes concave or depressed, so the tile forms a cup. Curling is when the edges raise up. If you notice cupping or curling on your asphalt shingles, you should call a reliable roofing company right away for an inspection.

Why Do Shingles Curl?

There are five reasons why your shingles are curling.

Improper Installations

Improper installations of roof shingles are the most common reasons why your shingles have started to curl. They could be the result of installation instructions not being followed. The nails used were not of good quality, the amount used was not enough to hold the shingles securely, or the length was incorrect.

In these cases, they will quickly lead to increased susceptibility for the shingles to pull away from the roof. If the nails are not correctly aligned or used in the wrong places, they will also cause damage and result in curling shingles.

Poor Ventilation

Moisture buildup caused by poor ventilation can get trapped between the materials that insulate your roof and attic. That moisture has nowhere else to go but up, causing the buildup to moisten your roof shingles and, through time, will curl them. The humidity can also lead to mold growth and cause many health problems for you and your family.

Wear and Tear Over Time

Shingles are installed with a forty-year or even lifetime warranty, but the wear and tear of time vary and sometimes, they will need to be replaced before the warranty expires. The roof’s foundation might need repairs and replacements before the shingles start to show damage.

In these cases, it may be advisable to install a whole new roof entirely. But you can extend their use if you are keen on maintaining all the other factors that could lead to your roofs’ premature wear and tear. This includes making sure that your windows are in good condition as well as your water pipes.

Materials Used

Sometimes the problems come directly from the materials used in manufacturing the shingles. One of the drawbacks is hiring unregistered contractors that are buying defective materials to make more money. Don’t make wrong choices by cost-cutting that might result in spending double in the long run.

If you start with high-grade materials referred by professional contractors, the quality would meet your expectations and cost you less money in the future and even fewer headaches.

New Roof Installed Over the Old One

In some cases, the contractors will not need to remove the old roof to put the new one. If the old roof is sturdy and does not have water damage, a new roof can be installed over the old one.

The problems start if the locking together of both tops is not secure and that there was damage from the old roof that was left unnoticed. But in most cases, if properly installed, the additional roof should add extra protection to the one below it.

How to Fix Curling Shingles

Curling shingles is different from a few shingles falling off. If your shingles are curling, then there are underlying problems that are causing the damage. Here are steps a roofing contractor will take to repairing your roof:

First, they will lift the lower shingles to access the roofing nails. Some roofs still have the old ones below them. If this is the case with your roof, the contractor should check if the damages are on both rooftops. If they are, then you may need to consider changing your entire roof with new shingles.

Shingle Removal & Replacement

The next step is to pull out the roofing nails with a flat nail bar. The damaged curled shingles are slid down, exposing the upper edge. They are then removed.

The damaged shingle is now replaced with a matching new one. Roofing sealant is applied on the portion of the new shingle that connects to the other.

The new shingles are securely placed using four 1 1/4 inch roofing nails. Roofing sealant can be used on the head of each nail for extra strength.

Final Takeaways

An increase in your electricity bills may indicate a crack or opening in your house that allows moisture to build up. These might be the reasons why your ventilation system has been fluctuating. And your heating system seems to be not enough to keep your home warm during the winters.

Don’t hesitate to ask for a roof assessment to prevent further damage to your roof. The longer the damages are left unrepaired, the more they will cost, not to mention the further damage within your home.

Are you thinking about a roofing project? Please contact 1-800-HANSONS for a free estimate.