Our rainy days and long winters can put your roof to the test. As your go-to roofing contractor in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and Bremerton we know that curling shingles are something you want to avoid. Let’s learn a little more about why shingles curl, and how you can avoid them.
Reason #1: Moss
Moss is part of living in the Pacific Northwest. And while it can seem like it’s no big deal, moss can cause a lot of damage. As it grows and gets thicker it works its way under your shingles leading to damage and potential leaks. And if you have a wooden roof, moss growth is more rapid than with composite or asphalt shingles.
At a minimum, you should treat your roof every two years. And as soon as it starts to accumulate, plan to have it removed. You can do it yourself using baking soda, powdered laundry detergent, or Moss Out for Roofs, and then use a leaf blower to push away any debris. Most importantly, don’t power wash your roof. Learn more here.
Finish by applying a Zinc treatment to your roof to kill any moss that may remain, and to help keep future growth at bay. Zinc is safe, and it won’t harm your pets, children, or your lawn.
Reason #2: Moisture
Excess moisture on your roof comes from two common culprits - rain and poor ventilation. Excess moisture is usually caused when the roof deck or underlayment is left exposed to the rain during a roof replacement. Once the shingles are laid, any excess moisture can cause the decking to shift and shingles to buckle.
Attic ventilation also plays a factor here. Without proper attic ventilation, any moist air that is trapped in the attic will cause condensation. Excess condensation is a common reason shingles begin to curl or buckle. This environment also causes mold to thrive in your attic and rot your roof deck. Proper roof ventilation is crucial to keeping your roof healthy. You can learn more in a recent blog post here.
Reason #3: Installation Gone Wrong
Another common cause for curling is improper installation of your shingles. When the roof installer fails to use enough nails per shingle or places the nails incorrectly, shingles will loosen and shift. This causes them to pull up from the roof and results in curling or buckling. Another reason shingles curl is when the tar lines (adhesive strips on the individual shingles) are not properly aligned and are unable to adhere correctly. When this happens during installation, the shingles may even begin to fall off.
Reason #4: Multiple Layers of Roofing
It’s not uncommon for some homeowners to opt to install a new roof over an older one. This can be a cost-effective option because it saves time and money. But it should be done under the guidance of a professional roofer.
Multiple layers of roofing can be problematic because the new layer of shingles will inevitably be less secure. When the shingles aren't secured tightly, this can cause buckling and curling. Additionally, this second layer is more susceptible to damage by storms and strong winds.
Curling shingles are often a sign that your roof needs professional help. If you notice that this is happening at your home, contact us today! We provide free estimates and offer a lifetime workmanship warranty.
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