Nowadays, around 11% of all asphalt is used in creating roofing materials. This material makes sense on roofs because it is so durable, provides adequate protection, and is easily produced.
While a wonderful addition to any roof, asphalt shingles do have their downsides that you have to watch out for. Occasionally, they can begin to buckle or curl which eventually leads to them falling off and needing to be replaced. Replacing a roof is a major investment, so figuring out the cause of the shingle problem can save you a lot of money in the long run.
We’ve put together a guide with the six most common causes for shingle curling and buckling in residential roofing so you can keep your eye out!
1. Underlayment Wrinkles
A roof is made up of several different parts, each working together to provide full coverage and protection for the interior. When any piece is missing or damaged, the whole system breaks down and you start experiencing issues.
We often consider all of the outside factors that can affect shingles first before looking underneath and what’s going on there.
The underlayment is a piece of that roofing system that has a tremendous effect on the shingles themselves. It’s basically a barrier between the wood roof and the shingles. Underlayment’s main purpose is to keep moisture out and is the second line of defense. Sometimes it’s installed incorrectly and has wrinkles instead of laying completely smooth.
When that’s the case, you’ll likely start to see shingles popping up that won’t lay flat either. They need a solid foundation to be attached to. Working with a roofing contractor is your best bet for finding a smooth resolution.
2. Excess Moisture
Excess moisture is the bane of any home’s existence. It creeps in all of the smallest places and causes all kinds of chaos. Sitting water can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs if you’re not careful.
This is definitely the case for the roof, which is why there are so many layers to try to protect it.
When shingles have excess moisture hanging out underneath them, they’ll begin to warp out of alignment with the rest of the roof and need to be replaced. Luckily, asphalt shingles are so popular because they are highly water-resistant. So it takes a lot of this sitting water to make a difference.
If you can catch the moisture early enough, you can completely avoid that type of damage altogether.
3. Improper Installation
The best way to ensure your asphalt roofing will work the way it’s supposed to be is to have it installed completely correctly. When this doesn’t happen, there is no way for the shingles to repel as much water leading you to much bigger issues down the road.
This is why it’s always recommended to use a professional roofing contractor. These experts have the knowledge, skillset, and tools needed to get everything placed exactly right for the tightest installation. You won’t have to worry about shingles buckling or curling after just a few months (or even years) when they’ve been so carefully placed.
A key to watch during installation is that everything is lined up straight and laying level. If one area gets off balance, it will affect the whole rest of the roof!
4. Lack of Ventilation
Unfortunately, water from the outside isn’t the only threat to a roof. There are ways it can get into the layers from the inside of the house if you can believe that!
This is why ventilation systems are so important for homes, especially in the kitchens, bathrooms, and attics. They are the best way for excess condensation or steam to exit the home safely and quickly. Without those escape paths, the water in that air will sit close to the surface of the roof, which will break down the materials over time and cause curling.
But when those paths are clear for the water to move out of the home, you won’t have that same worry at all.
5. Missed Maintenance
Since roofs are notoriously hard to reach, they often fall into the category of out of sight, out of mind for home maintenance. They are built to last and homeowners take that fact for granted in a lot of ways.
Roof maintenance is a crucial component to making sure your shingles don’t start having issues. At the very least you should be doing a visual inspection of the roof a few times a year and then cleaning it off after seasons change or a major storm. Those things will allow you to clean up smaller issues before they turn into major ones.
6. Large Storms
Dealing with storms is an inevitable part of owning a home, especially if you live in an area that is more prone to those weather patterns. An asphalt roof should be able to withstand strong winds and heavy rains.
But it’s important to take a little time once the storm has passed to check on your shingles.
Often, you’ll find a few that are still attached but in less than ideal shape. It’s a good idea to change out those ones as soon as you can to avoid any further damage to the other parts of the roof. Then when the next storm comes, you know you’re as prepared as you can be!
Reasons Asphalt Shingles Get Damaged
The roof is arguably one of the most important aspects of your home. It protects everything inside from the elements and makes it so you can feel comfortable when you’re there.
Adding asphalt shingles is a great way to invest in your roof. They’re designed to withstand sun exposure and storms for years and years. The key to giving them a long life is to watch for any issues that come up and get them resolved as fast as possible. Replacing a few shingles is much easier than an entire roof and well worth the effort.
If you’re in need of a roofing expert for an inspection or work done on your home, contact us today to schedule an appointment!