Curling Damage

Curling damage is apparent on the corner of your home’s shingles, where the ends appear to be bent. The shingles will either curl upwards or under themselves.

Common with most roofing damage, curling is caused by moisture or poorly ventilated attic space. However, curling can be due to many other factors, including:

1. Misaligned Adhesive Strip: Each of your roofing shingles have an adhesive strip. This strip, which binds the shingle tabs to the row of shingles located directly below. If roofing shingles are not properly installed in accordance with the manufactures guidelines, this adhesive will not properly line up – thus causing the shingle tabs to curl.
2. High Nails: Curling of your roofing shingles can happen when the nails that secure the shingles to the decking are sitting up. Through the natural expansion and contraction of your roof decking, these nails can begin to inch upwards. These incorrect nailing patterns are setup when your roofer installs the shingles, this can cause a curling effect on your shingle tabs.
3. Improper Nailing: This is yet another nailing issue that leads to Curling. Improper nailing is a definite indication that your roof poorly installed. The nailing pattern of your roof installation is designed in a certain way. If your installer deviates from the manufacturer’s suggested installation procedure, a number of problems can occur. (including curling) The Houston Roofing Industry calls it “skip nailing.” For example the manufacture of your shingles may recommend four nails per shingle – although, the installer is attempting to save time and money by moving along faster and makes a decision to use only 2-3 nails per shingle. An unprofessional and unfair decision like this causes the shingles on your roof to slip downwards, causing a curling effect and leaves you with a less than quality roof installation.
4. Inadequate Ventilation: A poorly ventilated roof or a non ventilated roof, will retain a build-up of moisture in the attic. Not allowing this moisture to exit the attic space, will create condensation and begin to cause damage to your homes framing/roof decking. Eventually, the moisture becomes trapped in between the underlayment and the roofing shingles. This can cause the shingle tabs to curl from the underside.

FSR Services Recommends
If the curling of your roof is noticeable, you may have a ventilation problem. By adding a ridge vent to your roof along with soffit vents, you will supply the adequate amount of ventilation your attic space requires.

If a thorough inspection of the curling roofing shingles is conducted, you may have another solution. Carefully lift one of the curling shingle tabs and check for the cause underneath. In most cases, there might be a nail sticking up that may easily be re-nailed. If the adhesive strip is damaged or misaligned, you can remedy the problem with roofing cement. If moisture or condensation is present under the tab, this is another indication of a ventilation problem.

Removing the affected shingles is another simple solution to your curling issues. When removing the shingles, make sure to inspect the cause of your curling underneath them. Cut out a section of the felt underlying mat, which may be causing the curling as well. Replace the damaged are with new shingles and felt underlying mat. Depending on the size of the affected, you may want to consider  replacing all of your roofing shingles to maintain symmetry and appearance. Make sure you install these shingles in accordance with your shingle manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.

For a more permanent solution that will ensure the correction of your curling issue, have a complete re-roof with Owens Corning Shingles by an OC Preferred Contractor. These shingles are specifically designed to withstand the harsh Houston, TX climate conditions for extended periods of time and are backed by their strongest product warranties* available to homeowners.

For the average homeowner, the task of repairing their own roof is beyond their personal skill level. The task of repairing or re-roofing is difficult one, no matter the size of the project. Any type or size of roofing project can be a huge risk for any homeowner.

Houston Roofing Company – FSR Services is a certified installer & Owens Corning Preferred Contractor.

We recommend at minimum, scheduling a Free Roofing Estimate with one of our highly trained professionals. With your free estimate you’ll receive an in-depth and honest assessment of your roofing system. We will detect any and all of your roofing issues, including: Curling, Algae Growth, Damaged Flashing, Roof Blistering, Missing Shingles, Roof Buckling, Missing Granules, Roof Leaks/Ceiling Spots and Roof Rotting.