What Causes Roof Shingles to Lift & How Should You Fix Them?
Troubleshooting a roof can feel overwhelming as the roof is your home’s first line of defense. The most common roof problems lie with shingles, a material that can break, crack, or lift away from the roof’s surface thanks to adverse weather like high and strong winds, heavy storms, and exposure to the extreme temperatures of the summer and winter months.
While shingle problems can be a DIY fix, you’ll want to do your research before you drag out the ladder and roofing nails. Shingles are on the front line of protection of your roofing system, so it’s crucial you repair them correctly or you could be causing damage to the other parts of the system without realizing it.
What Are Lifted Shingles?
If you’ve never heard the term before, “lifted shingle” refers to the upturned edge of a shingle when it should be lying flat against the roof. When a shingle is lifted, you’ll notice space between the shingle and the roof underlayment. This separation can lead to exposure to water, which over time, can lead to damage in the roof system and expensive repairs. You can spot lifted shingles from the ground as they won’t fall evenly with the rest of the roof line.
Causes of Lifted Shingles
Lifted shingles are a common ailment of roofs and their occurrence doesn’t have to be pinned down to just one particular cause. It could be a number of factors that cause a shingle to lift.
#1. Adverse Weather
One of the biggest threats a roofing system will face in its lifetime is adverse weather. It’s also the main cause for lifted shingles. Strong gusts of wind, devastating thunderstorms, hail or sleet, and heavy snow and ice are all challenges shingles have to face.
Over time, this exposure to the elements can cause the shingles to lift and separate from the roof. It doesn’t take but a few strong windstorms to lift shingles and create gaps between them and the roof, sometimes even causing the shingles to fly off completely.
No matter where you live, you’ll have some kind of adverse weather, which is why a roofing inspection is recommended for all homeowners at least once a year by a professional. You should conduct a visual inspection of the roof frequently, especially after a strong storm to survey any damage it may have caused.
#2. Improperly Installed Shingles
Not all homes get the same professional treatment they deserve. There could be a chance that your roof was installed by someone who wasn’t experienced or trained and that could lead to shingles lifting off of the roof. In the cases of a homeowner trying a DIY repair job, the shingles could be installed incorrectly and can start to separate and lift away from the roof.
It’s always crucial to have a reputable professional with plenty of experience complete roof repairs and replacements to prevent poor installation and problems like lifted shingles from occurring. If your roof is need of repairs, reach out to a contractor with the know-how instead of trying to fix it yourself.
#3. Old Shingles
The old adage that nothing lasts forever is true, even with your roofing system. Materials break down over time and this is especially accurate for a feature constantly exposed to the outer elements. Asphalt roofs are designed to last 15-20 years, and factors like strong storms and damage from debris can shorten this lifespan if you don’t maintain and inspect the roof.
A roof replacement is an expensive investment, but if you have several lifted shingles, you should consider a full replacement over repairs. Repairs work well if your roof is fairly new, but if your roof is already reaching the end of its life, a replacement should be in the future.
Fixing Lifted Shingles
Avoid water damage, structural and foundational problems, mold, and further roofing system issues by fixing lifted shingles as soon as you can. Although you may be tempted to save money and fix lifted shingles yourself, don’t!
Calling a professional roofing contractor to help fix lifted shingles is the solution for your roof. An experience roofing professional will stop one of the main causes of lifted shingles—improper installation. Roofing contractors have the correct tools, equipment, and training needed to install shingles on your roof, ensuring that they’re secured well enough to withstand storms and weather.
It’s also much safer to have a professional do this work for you. Climbing around on your roof can inflict more damage to your shingles if you aren’t careful, not to mention you could get hurt if you don’t follow correct safety guidelines.
For roofs with several lifted shingles that are nearing the end of their designed lifespan, consider having the entire roof replaced to better protect your home.
Feldco’s Expert Roofing Replacement
Replacing your roof can be an expensive upgrade to your home. Let us help you in making that decision. At Feldco, we provide a breakthrough design and triple layer protection to keep your roof healthy for what mother nature decides to throw at it. For a roof replacement, our installers are factory trained, experienced, and professional to get the job done right. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote today.
