Your shingles should lie flat on your roofing system. If they look wavy or rippled, however, this can be an issue. Aside from being a cosmetic issue, wavy shingles may indicate moisture incursion or other underlying roof problems. Read on as Sterling Exteriors discusses the common causes of wavy or rippled shingles.
New Roof
If your roof is newly installed, it often looks a little lumpy. There are a few possibilities why this happens. For instance, if the material for your felt paper was damp or bubbled a bit, it could make your new roof appear wavy at first. Fortunately, within a couple of warm days, they should lay flat, and you will no longer notice the wavy look.
However, if your new roof is improperly installed, it may be more complicated. Instead of removing the old shingles, your roofer may have installed new shingles directly over them. In some cases, moisture can get trapped under and within the old shingles. The moisture is eventually absorbed by the newly-installed ones, causing them to curl or ripple. Shingle misalignment may also contribute to this problem. Shingle installations must be done with precision – otherwise, it can result in an uneven appearance. Make sure you work with a team of experienced roofers so you can have peace of mind knowing your new roof will be installed to manufacturer standards.
Old Roof
An aging roofing system with wavy shingles is typically bad news. We list a few reasons why this occurs:
- Roof leaks: Since water seeps in so slowly, water damage isn’t immediately visible, leaving many homeowners unaware of minor roof leaks. Leaks may damage shingles first and pool up on the underlayment for many weeks or months until water travels through the decking and into your home. The trapped moisture may warp the shingles surrounding the leak, causing ripples.
- Wind damage: Strong winds can lift shingles off from their place, which may lead to a wavy appearance. If there are no signs of creases or cracks, your roofer can smooth it down and reapply adhesive to hold them in place. However, if they have creased or cracked, you may need to replace them.
- Poor ventilation: If your attic is insufficiently ventilated, moisture can accumulate on the underside of the decking boards. It can seep through and eventually affect the shingles. The decking will warp, and shingles will curl and buckle. Improving the ventilation inside your attic should help prevent this issue.
If your shingles look wavy or rippled, get in touch with Sterling Exteriors! Our roofing team will inspect your roof and perform repairs or replacements as needed. Call us today at (513) 685-8055, or fill out our online contact form to request a free quote. We proudly serve homeowners in Cincinnati, Loveland and Newtown, OH.
