Say No to Curling Shingles.
7 Reasons Why Shingles Curl and How to Fix Them!
Hey there, homeowners! Is your roof feeling a bit “curly” lately? You know, those pesky shingles that can’t stay flat? Well, fear not. We’re here to unravel the mystery behind those funky curls on your rooftop and help you fix them like a pro.
1. Poor Attic Ventilation: Let Your Roof Breathe!
Picture this: your roof is like a living, breathing organism. And just like you need fresh air, so does your roof. When your attic ventilation is lacking, moisture and heat get trapped, causing your shingles to curl up like hair in humidity. Eek!
A poorly or improperly ventilated attic can cause early degradation of your roof. Moisture accumulation in the attic can cause nails, flashing, and duct straps to rust, resulting in damaging leaks. Excessive moisture can also allow mold and mildew to grow beneath your shingles, causing them to rot.
2. Multi-Layered Roofs: No Roof-on-Roof Action!
Multiple layers of shingles mean layering a whole new shingle roof on top of the old one rather than completely stripping the roof to expose the sheathing and replacing it with new shingles.
Some think adding a new roof layer over the old one is a money-saving move. But trust us, it’s a lousy date waiting to happen. Those second-layer shingles are way too loosey-goosey and will end up curling themselves, only to compound your problems. Save yourself the heartache and get a fresh start instead.
3. Improper Roof Installation: Measure Twice, Nail Once!
A roof is made of much more than just asphalt shingles. Several other roof components are necessary for a proper water-shedding roofing system.If any parts of the roof were not installed or have fallen off over time, those are signs your roofers needed to pay more attention to their work on your roof.
Installing shingles is like a dance – you’ve got to follow the steps to the beat. Miss a move, and you’ll end up with shingle-shimmy. Nails in the wrong places? Disaster! Make sure your roofing guru sticks to the manufacturer’s guidelines, or else you might have to call for a roof rescue.
4. Defective Shingles: Blame the Factory!
Sometimes, it’s not you; it’s them – the shingle makers! If your roof shingles come with built-in curls, it’s not your fault, promise.
Inspecting and identifying material defects on an existing roof is a challenge because (presumably) if the imperfections were visible during initial installation, they never would have been installed. Symptoms of defective shingles can be subtle and only appear over time. Catching issues early is not only relevant for preventing leaks but also making sure they are discovered within the material warranty period provided by the manufacturer. Get a pro to document the flaw so you can claim that warranty like a boss.
5. Shingles-on-Shingles: A Roofing No-No!
Stacking new shingles on old ones sounds tempting, like double-decker tacos. But alas, it leads to shingle chaos! The newbies won’t seal correctly, and your roof will be more fragile than a house of cards in a windstorm.
Roofing over an existing roof with asphalt shingles may seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution for roof repairs, but it is not a recommended practice. Putting shingles on top of shingles can lead to many problems, including bumpy surfaces, improper inspections, long-term costliness, lack of leak installation, weight strain, warranty concerns, building regulation violations, and decreased energy efficiency. Avoid the mess and let your old shingles retire gracefully.
6. Misalignment Mishaps: Shingles Gone Rogue!
When the shingles go rogue, it’s all about the adhesive strip, folks! If it fails or is placed wonky, your roof will look like a misplaced puzzle. And trust us, it won’t win you any design awards.
Asphalt shingles must be precisely aligned horizontally and vertically and each course of shingles laid out in a staggered, stepped pattern. The edges of the shingles in one course must also be offset from the shingles below. Otherwise, if the shingle edges are lined up with each other, water can leak into the roof deck.
7. Max Lifespan Reached: Time for Retirement!
We hate to break it to you, but nothing lasts forever – not even your roof. After battling the elements for years, your shingles might want to put their feet up and take a break. Time to say goodbye to the curling club and get that fresh new roof you deserve.
Most asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, based on your area’s weather conditions and climate. The type of asphalt shingle also influences its lifespan:
- Three-tab shingles last from 15 to 20 years and are the cheapest option
- Architectural (dimensional) shingles last from 20 to 30 years
- Premium shingles last from 25 to 40 years and are the most expensive of the three.
The Ripple Effect: Curling Shingles and Their Rampage!
Let’s talk about the consequences of ignoring those curls. Trust us, it’s like inviting trouble to a tea party. It can become stressful when you notice cracks, leaks, or breakage anywhere in your home. It’s especially overwhelming when the area that needs repairs or replacement is on a structural element of the building, most notably the roof.
However, ignoring curling shingles can lead to leaky roofs, structural meltdowns, moldy surprises, and even decreased air quality (no thanks!). Save yourself the headache and fix those curls ASAP!
How To Fix Curling Asphalt Shingles?
To fix the curling shingles on your roof:
- Lift the lower shingles to access the nails
- Remove existing nails and shingles
- Lay down each new shingle
- Apply roofing sealant
- Use new nails of the appropriate length to secure shingles to the roof
- Use sealant to add extra strength to the nail heads
Before you grab a ladder and a superhero cape, remember: roofing ain’t no child’s play! This job requires experts who know their stuff. So, summon the roofing heroes (local roofing companies) to the rescue. If you’ve noticed signs of curling on your roof’s shingles, it’s vital that you have your roof looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
There you have it! The lowdown on curling shingles and how to kiss them goodbye. Get your roof inspected pronto and keep it as smooth as your favorite dance moves. Your home deserves some love, and with a spiffy, uncurled roof, you’ll be the talk of the town – in a good way!
Remember, a happy roof means a happy home. Keep it youthful, keep it lively, and keep it curl-free! Until next time, stay curious and never stop chasing the sunshine.
*Disclaimer: No shingles were harmed in the making of this article. 🏠🔨
