Why Are My Shingles Curling? (7+ Reasons & Solutions)

Your roofing system amounts to a large part of your home. And when the shingles on your roof began to curl or buckle, it becomes a cause of concern.

But do you know why shingles curling?

It’s mostly due to lack of ventilation, moisture, old age, faulty roofing materials, poor workmanship, installing a new roof over an old one, etc.

Below I have discussed all of these causes in great detail with all the possible solutions to this problem. So that if you ever encounter curling shingles over your roof. You will know what to do.

What Do You Mean By Curling And Buckling Shingles?

Before diving into the causes of curling and buckling shingles let’s understand the difference between curling and buckling.

Curling.

We can say that the shingles are curling when the corners of the shingles lift and curl. This partially exposes the roofing layer underneath the shingles. Causing a string of roofing problems.

Buckling.

When a shingle bulges from the middle, we can say that the shingle is buckling. This phenomenon is also known as blistering. It is a result of poor ventilation and trapped moisture under the shingles. Which tries to escape, causing a blister-like formation in the middle of the shingle.

Reasons Why Your Shingles Are Curling?

Here are six possible reasons for shingles curling.

Moisture.

If unwanted moisture gets trapped in the decking or the roofing felt underlayment, before the installation of shingles. It may show itself in the form of curling or buckling shingles.

Moisture causes the decking to shift, resulting in curled shingles.

Moisture is the primary cause of buckling as mentioned above. However, curled or buckling shingles are only two of the many roofing issues caused by trapped moisture. The most common is roof leaks.

Lack Of Ventilation.

Trapped moisture goes hand in hand with the lack of ventilation, especially in the attic. When hot and humid air fills your home, it naturally rises towards your attic.

If there is proper ventilation, that is, if the vets carry out an equal amount of intake and outtake. The air along with the moisture can escape your home without causing any damage. If not, it gets trapped in your attic’s insulation and the underlying layers of the roof.

Eventually, the moisture turns into vapour due to the heat of the sun and reaches the shingles. Making them buckle and curl.

Ensure your attic has new exterior exhaust ventilation at a 1/ per 350sq ft attic ratio. Which is an ideal attic ventilation ratio nationwide.

Faulty Roofing Materials.

As professional roofers, we always stress the importance of quality roofing materials to our clients. However, sometimes due to budget constraints low quality roofing materials are chosen by the clients.

These roofing materials especially, shingles, may last up to a few years. But soon succumb to the elements and slight changes in the roofing system, and began to curl or buckle.

Sometimes, shingles are damaged due to manufacturing defects. In such cases, homeowners are eligible for refunds or replacements.

Old Age.

Shingles often come with a warranty. Better the quality of the shingles, the longer they last.

Typically, a shingled roof is estimated to last for 25 years. However, considering the climatic conditions, the shingles may wear in 15-20 years, which is long before the warranty expires.

If you have constant thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, rains, or windstorms. Your shingles are more likely to curl and buckle than in a dry climate.

Once your roof has crosse a decade, inspect it regularly, to check for wear and tear.

New Roof Over An Old Roof.

Budgeted homeowners often try to cut down the cost of roof replacement. So, they often install a new roof over the old one. As it’s expensive to tear down an old roof and replace it with a new one.

This may seem like a great scheme to save money at the moment. But will result in repairs worth thousands of dollars down the line.

Furthermore, a new roof can never be safely installed over an old one. As the old one needed replacement due to some sort of damage.

If this damage was moisture, leaks, rot or mildew. Then the shingles of your new roof are prone to curling or buckling. As the underlying damage will affect your new roofing system too.

Poor Workmanship.

Shingles need to be installed as per the specifications provided by the manufacturer. If these specifications along with the building code are ignored. Your shingles may curl and buckle due to improper installations.

Shingles Not Nailed Properly.

Each shingle should be nailed by for nails. If you have extreme climates, you may require six nails for your shingles to, lay flat on your roof.

If your contractor uses fewer nails, this means the ends and edges of your shingles are not flush and may curl or lift.

Use Of Cheap Nails.

Generally, galvanize, zinc-coated, steel nails with barbed shanks are recommended. However, if your roof uses other types of nails to cut the cost. It may be an issue later on.

Nail Length.

Nails as long as one to two inches are ideal to nail down the shingles. As these nails connect with the underlying layers.

However, nails longer than two inches may not stay flat against the roof. And short nails may come out easily.

Unnecessary Use Of Nails.

If the nails are not placed correctly, it may cause your shingles to curl at the edges.

The nails should not be placed too far away from one another. There must be an appropriate distance between two nails, otherwise, your shingles may be pulled in two directions curling in the process.

Shingles Not Aligned.

Un-aligner shingles often come closer and curl up. This is due to the adhesive tar line that helps shingles stay in their place for a long. If the shingles are not aligned they eventually come loose and curl.

How To Fix This Issue? (Shingles Curling)

Repair.

Sometimes it’s better to just repair the damage than to replace the entire roof. Especially, if you have a few shingles curling or buckling you can replace those with new ones.

Repairing seems like a good solution if you have curling shingles on one or only a few parts of your roof.

Conder the cost of your repairs against the cost of replacing the roof. And you will find your answer

Replace.

It’s best to replace your entire roof if you have most or almost all shingles curling. This is a result of moisture damage to the roofing layers below, which need to be replaced.

Also, repairing your roof is going to be a short-term relief. Then it’s better to replace the roofing system sooner than later.

Contact a reliable and experienced roofer, and conduct an inspection to finalize your decision on roof repair or replacement.

You can also read roof leaks around the chimney

Conclusion.

Shingles curling compromise your roofing system, no matter its age. It is essential to spot this issue and take immediate action against it to prevent further damage.

If you have any more questions about curling and buckling shingles or shingles in general contact us anytime!

Leak-Stop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).

We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!