Homeowners prefer asphalt shingles over any other roofing alternative because they offer high performance at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are susceptible to curling with age, excess wear and tear, or other common challenges. Why do shingles curl? Read on to discover the causes of shingle curling.
7 Reasons Why Asphalt Shingles Curl
1. Unwelcome Moisture Intrusion
The most common explanation for curling is a shift, even a slight shift, in the roof decking. It is caused by moisture penetration beneath a shingle and into the underlying roof deck, causing the decking to shift. Moisture can also make its way to the underlayment through other access points, such as damaged flashing, loose or missing shingles, sealant cracks, or gaps in roof protrusions.
2. Poor Attic Ventilation
If a home has inadequate ventilation, excess heat and moisture will become trapped in the attic. Without adequate airflow, moisture will impact the sublayers of a roof, eventually leading to curling.
3. Defective Shingle Material
Not all shingles are created equal. Some are better than others. Even reputable asphalt shingle manufacturers can produce a bad batch of shingles. Unfortunately, a homeowner may not realize their shingles are flawed for many years. After installing a new asphalt shingle roof, keep your roof warranty in case this issue should occur.
4. Excess Wear And Tear / Premature Aging
Outside elements can negatively impact a roof’s longevity. Consequently, an asphalt shingle roof may age before its time. Sun, lack of sun, heat, cold, wind, humidity, hail, rain, snow, and ice are extreme weather conditions that might cause roofing materials to deteriorate prematurely. Routinely assessing a roof’s condition is necessary.
5. New Shingles Installed Over Existing Shingles
Many homeowners elect to add new shingles over existing ones rather than removing them. In some cases, homeowners are attempting to save money. However, most reputable roofing professionals recommend against this course of action. New shingles layered over older shingles may not attach properly, resulting in premature curling.
6. Shoddy Roof Installation
Correctly installing a roof requires a skilled professional with a thorough knowledge of where to place adhesive strips and/or nails. If a row of shingles is not aligned correctly, they won’t have adequate adhesion and curling shingles. Misplaced nails or an insufficient number of nails often produce curling because the shingles are not fully attached to the roof decking.
7. Roof Has Reached Its End Life
Generally, architectural asphalt shingles last between 20 and 30 years, while 3-tab asphalt shingles are more likely to have an expected lifespan of 12 to 20 years. If your home’s shingles show signs of curling, they may be nearing the end of their life. Replacing them sooner rather than later helps to avoid other problems, such as roof leaks and mold growth.
Addressing Asphalt Shingles That Curl
If you have curling shingles, don’t delay. Contact Moss Roofing today! We assist homeowners throughout Indianapolis, IN, and surrounding areas with unsurpassed residential roofing services.
