What Causes Roof Shingles to Curl?

Your roof protects your home from the elements, boosts resale value and curb appeal, maximizes energy efficiency, and prevents water from infiltrating your home. So, if you see problems such as curled shingles atop your home, or moisture stains on your ceiling, it’s vital that you have your roof inspected by the pros promptly to avoid the hassle of more costly damage.

Curling roof shingles aren’t just unattractive—they indicate there is a problem that needs to be addressed. A number of causes lead to this damage and they put your roof at risk.

Here are some of the reasons your roof shingles curl and what to do about it.  

Why Are My Roof Shingles Curling?

There are several possible root causes for roof shingle curling, including:

1. Inadequate attic ventilation

When attics are well ventilated, air circulates in and out of them freely, leaving them the same temperature as the outdoors throughout the year. However, poorly ventilated attics allow hot, moist air to rise, which gets trapped in your decking, causes mold to thrive, and consequently makes roof shingles start to curl.

2. Improper installation

We can’t stress enough the importance of the proper installation of your roof shingles. If the contractor who installed your current shingles cut corners, you may experience the problem of curled shingles as a result.

When you need a new roof, be sure to thoroughly research the roofer you choose so you get the premium installation you deserve. At American Way Exteriors, we meet the strict reliability standards of Owens Corning, and we earned their “Top of the House” certificate so if you choose us, you get an Owens Corning specialist trained in roofing, ventilation, and insulation to maximize your home’s energy efficiency and prevent roof shingle curling.

3. Old roofing

Roof shingles may curl simply because your roofing is approaching the end of its lifespan. If your roof is old, and you see curling as a result, it’s particularly important to have it professionally inspected promptly. Don’t risk the possibility of putting your home in danger of moisture intrusion due to a leaky roof. Although there are general guidelines that impact how long roofing material should last before you need a roof replacement, keep in mind that the weather in the Dayton, Ohio area can impact that timeframe.

4. Multiple layers of roofing materials

Typically when a roof is replaced, a contractor removes your old roofing before installing a new one. However, sometimes homeowners opt to have the pros leave their old roof on and install a new one over it. This may save some of the initial costs of installation, but it can lead to the problem of their shingles curling. Unfortunately, roof shingles that are layered over an existing roof aren’t as secure as traditional single-layered solutions. As a result of being layered, they curl due to the impact of high winds.

5. Defective manufacturing

Unfortunately, manufacturers can make mistakes that impact the performance of roof shingles. If yours curl up shortly after they are installed, it’s likely due to a defect in manufacturing. Contact your roofer if you experience this type of scenario, and take a look at your warranty for coverage details.

Are Curled Shingles a Sign It’s Time for Roof Replacement?

If you have curled shingles, they need to be replaced to avoid the costly damage a leaky roof can cause. Depending on the age of your roof and the root cause of curled shingles, you could need either roof replacement or repairs.

When you need a roof replacement, hire a reputable contractor to walk you through the material selection process and install it with precision. Take time to learn about their reputation for both materials and installation by reading online reviews, then check BBB ratings and Angi.

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Get an Accurate Roof Inspection to Prevent Problems

Staying on top of your roof’s condition will help safeguard your home from damaging moisture intrusion. At American Way Exteriors, we provide drone roof inspections without disrupting your day. The beauty of this is that no one needs to climb on your roof while the drone takes accurate images and precise measurements of your roof. We can assess any storm damage and create a 3D computer model, so you get an accurate estimate for your roofing repair or replacement needs.

Learn about how our precision drone roof inspection can help you catch and address damage early so your property doesn’t become at risk. We’ll also take a look at your attic to verify it is properly ventilated so you avoid the hassles of curled shingles. We look forward to hearing from you!