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, you must have your roof inspected by a professional roofer promptly to avoid the hassle of more costly damage.

Causes of Curled Shingles

Curling roof shingles aren’t just unattractive—they indicate there is a problem that needs to be addressed. 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 at 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 have earned their “Top of the House” certificate. If you choose us for your roof replacement, you will benefit from having 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 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 roofer 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. 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.

Preventing Curled Shingles

When you take the proper preventative measures, you can avoid the problem of curled shingles. We recommend the following:

1. Choose high-quality roofing materials.

One of the main things you can do to avoid having your shingles curl is to invest in top-notch residential roofing materials from the get-go. That’s why our team at American Way Exteriors works with Owens Corning shingles, which are prized for their durability and resistance to this common problem.

2. Ensure proper installation.

When you work with an experienced roofer such as American Way Exteriors, you can trust that your shingles are being installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, minimizing the potential for curling.

3. Maintain adequate ventilation.

It’s important to prevent heat and moisture from building up in your attic. With the right ventilation in place, including soffit vents or ridge vents, you can allow for adequate airflow and reduce curling.

4. Get regular roof inspections.

Ongoing roof inspections conducted by a professional, particularly after a bout of severe weather, are essential for preventing excessive curling and ensuring any issues are promptly addressed.

When to Call a Roofer About Curled Shingles

If you have curled shingles, it’s important to schedule a professional roof inspection right away. The affected shingles likely 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 the curled shingles, you could need either a roof replacement or repairs.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Shingle Issues

Curled shingles aren’t the only issue to watch out for. There are a few other problems that should lead you to call for a roof inspection and may also require a shingle roof replacement. Here are some questions we are commonly asked in this regard:

Why are my roof shingles cracking?

Roof shingles may begin to crack for a variety of reasons, including aging and constant exposure to the elements. Poor installation practices and the use of low-quality roofing materials can also increase the risk of cracking.

What causes granule loss in roof shingles?

Granule loss is another problem that occurs in shingles. This is generally attributed to aging, as shingles naturally begin to lose their granules when their usable lifespan is reaching an end.

Why do roof shingles buckle?

Buckling is typically the result of improper nailing during the installation process. However, it can also be associated with thermal expansion resulting from insufficient ventilation.

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 to conduct the inspection. Instead, the drone will take accurate images and precise measurements of your roof. We can assess any storm damage and create a 3D computer model to provide you with an accurate estimate for your roofing repair or roof 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. Our roofers will also take a look at your attic to verify that it is properly ventilated so you avoid the hassles of curled shingles. Contact us for a roof inspection today.