Lifting Roof Shingles: 3 Common Culprits

Shingles play a prominent role in the protective qualities that a roof provides a home. For this reason, they must remain flat and intact to deliver the best results. Shingles that are curled or lifted in any other way are problematic. While not necessarily a significant issue, the state of these shingles is undoubtedly something that needs to be addressed, and the first step in solving the problem is determining how it happened.

Wear and Tear

The leading cause of raised or lifted roof shingles is wear and tear. A roof is an incredibly durable and well-designed structure, but at the same time, the fact that a roof is constantly exposed to the elements can't go noticed. This constant exposure undoubtedly adds to a roof's wear and can eventually lead to this issue. 

If wear and tear is the reason for your lifted shingles, the roof may be beyond repair. A new roof installation may be the better option for better protection for your home and a wiser investment than constant repairs.

Weather Conditions

As previously mentioned, constant exposure to the elements can alter the condition of your roof, including causing the shingles to shift and lift. One of the greatest weather culprits is wind. Heavy wind can blow under a shingle and, with enough force behind it, cause the shingle to lift even slightly. 

At first, the raised shingle will likely go unnoticed, but with each new burst of wind, the shingle will loosen more and eventually become visible. Ice dams, which occur when the snow melts and then refreezes on the roof, can also cause this issue. 

Improper Installation

If you have a newer roof and experience this issue, an issue with the installation of the roof is the likely culprit. One issue is the quality of the shingles. Shingles can sometimes come from the manufacturer slightly curved. If they are curved at installation, they will lift once on the roof. Another issue is insufficient fastening. If the nails are not securely affixed deep into the roof's structure, the nails may loosen over time. 

As the nails shift, the shingle will shift and eventually lift. Even if the affected area is small, if you find an installation issue, it is best to have the entire roof inspected to ensure there are no other issues that have not surfaced yet. 

If you have lifted shingles on your home's roof, speak with a local roofing contractor as soon as possible.

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