4 Causes of Shingles Curling and Buckling

Shingles roofs are some of the most common types of roofs in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. From their durability to their curb appeal, shingles are the go-to solution for most homeowners and contractors alike.

However, sometimes, individual shingles will start to curl, curve or even develop a cup-like shape. And while it may be hard to notice them at first, over time, the entire roof will look wavy and distorted. When that happens, it’s time to get a professional to check your roof out.

But first, in order to better understand what’s happening, we need to take a look and see what causes shingles to curl.

Bad Ventilation

Many people don’t know that ventilation is not only essential for your attic but also for your roof. Why? Because your roof has more than one layer of shingles — it also has a deck made of plywood or chipboard and a layer of roofing felt. Those layers not only give your roof durability but also trap moisture and heat.

Proper ventilation can keep the heat in check and allow moisture to escape. As a result, bad attic ventilation allows moisture to accumulate, which eventually infiltrates the shingles and causes them to curl and buckle.

Inadequate Binder Coating

If your roof’s shingles have begun to curl soon after installation, then you are most likely dealing with a faulty installation. More specifically, the contractor probably hasn’t applied enough binder when installing the shingles. Therefore, the granules washed off, causing the backing to crumble up and curl. Luckily, if this happens, one call to your contractor will usually resolve the issue.

Poor Storage

The way your shingles were stored before being installed is a factor that can affect whether they curl over time. More specifically, if they are improperly stored, they can get saturated by rain or overheated by direct sun exposure. If that happens, the shingles will be weaker, causing them to curl or buckle in less than a few years.

Wear and Tear

Every type of roofing material has a lifespan, which determines its quality and durability over time. As the years go on, it is unable to withstand the elements as it did before, allowing water to infiltrate the roof. Eventually, the older your shingles get, the more they will start to curl as a result of getting weaker. Fortunately, when that happens, some shingle replacements are enough to bring your roof back on its feet.

The Bottom Line

All in all, while a shingle roof is durable and has a long lifespan, it can still suffer from a few problems later down the road. Not only can the shingles curl, but they can also break and fall.

And even though shingles can always be replaced, sometimes the roof is too damaged. But even if that happens, you can always count on a professional contractor such as Prime Roofing. Our team specializes in both shingle and metal roofs in the Jacksonville FL area. We offer free estimates, just give us a call at (904) 530-1446.

So stop wasting your time and money on unreliable contractors — it’s time to go pro with Prime Roofing!