If the edges of your roof shingles are starting to curl or lift, it’s not something to ignore. At first, it might not look like that big of a deal, especially if only a few shingles seem affected. But over time, those turned-up edges can let water sneak in and weaken parts of your roof. What begins as a small visual change can lead to leaks, wood rot, or even interior water damage if it goes unchecked.
In Athens, Georgia, the mix of high heat in the summer and damp, stormy days through the year adds extra pressure on roofing materials. Shingles that once laid flat can begin to curl at the edges for a few different reasons, and once that happens, the protection they offer starts to slip away. Staying ahead of these kinds of issues makes a big difference in how long your roof lasts and how well it holds up during bad weather.
Common Causes Of Shingle Edges Turning Upward
Shingles can curl or lift for many reasons, and most of them don’t happen overnight. The good news is that many of these issues are preventable when caught early. Below are some of the most common reasons shingle edges start to rise and why it happens often in areas like Athens.
1. Weather changes day to day
In Athens, warm afternoons can quickly give way to cool evenings, especially during fall. This kind of temperature swing makes shingles expand and contract more than they’re built to handle. That constant movement puts stress on the edges, and over time, they can start turning up.
2. Improper roof installation
If shingles weren’t nailed correctly or there wasn’t enough overlap between rows, the roof might look fine at first. But as heat and humidity set in, weak spots begin to show. Shingles that aren’t sealed down completely or weren’t spaced correctly have a higher chance of lifting long before they should.
3. Normal wear and tear
Even the best-made shingles wear out after years of dealing with sun, wind, and rain. As they age, the material dries out and becomes stiff. When that happens, the edges lose flexibility and begin curling or lifting on their own.
4. Lingering moisture under the shingles
If water finds its way under a shingle and can’t dry out properly, problems start to build fast. Moisture trapped underneath roofing layers swells and pushes against the shingle from below. That push eventually lifts the edge. Poor attic ventilation or clogged gutters often contribute to this kind of trouble.
5. Improper attic ventilation
Heat that gets trapped in the attic space acts like a slow-cooking oven just beneath the shingles. Without a way to escape, hot air and moisture build up, making the underside of your roofing materials hotter than they’re designed to be. Over time, that heat breaks down the material and causes curling.
Shingle edge curling doesn’t always show up across the entire roof. You might see it on one side of the house that gets more sunlight or in spots where airflow is reduced. Watching for these patterns can help catch issues before they get worse.
How To Spot Shingle Edges Turning Upward
If you want to prevent roofing problems from getting out of hand, early signs matter. Spotting shingle curl before it spreads can help guard the rest of your roof from more serious damage.
Look for these warning signs:
– Corners or sides of shingles visibly lifted off the roof surface – Uneven roof lines when viewed from the ground – Shadow lines that suggest space under the shingles – Granules gathering near gutter downspouts – Shingles that feel brittle or loose when touched
Making a habit out of checking your roof after major storms or long hot spells can go a long way. You don’t need special tools to do a basic walkaround your yard and look for visible changes on your roof. Even if it’s just one row or a small patch, that could still mean deeper issues are forming underneath.
Keeping inspections safe is just as important. While looking from ground level or using binoculars is okay, getting on the roof yourself isn’t always a good idea. Without the right gear and experience, it’s easy to get hurt or overlook small but important details. In those cases, calling a roofing professional is the smarter move.
Preventative Measures to Keep Shingles Flat
Catching roof problems early makes a big difference, but avoiding them in the first place is even better. A few basic steps will help keep your shingles from curling and make your roof last longer, especially in areas like Athens where rain, sun, and humidity take a toll.
Start with a strong installation. A roof that goes up the right way the first time holds up better over the years. That means proper shingle alignment, correct nail placement, and full sealing across every section. When any of those steps are skipped or rushed, shingles lose their grip sooner.
Ongoing maintenance matters just as much as installation. Here are some helpful tips to stay ahead of issues:
– Clean out gutters two to three times a year to avoid water pooling – Check flashing during seasonal changes for cracks or gaps – Trim branches that touch or hang over the roof – Remove moss and algae before it spreads
Another major factor is attic ventilation. When warm, damp air has nowhere to go, it collects under the roof and weakens shingles from underneath. Over time, that trapped moisture and heat make shingle edges curl up. Good airflow helps prevent this and makes your whole roof system last longer.
Athens homes, especially older ones, often don’t have enough ventilation to handle modern weather patterns. If your upstairs rooms feel hot or stuffy even with AC running, you might be feeling the effects of poor attic airflow. Bring that up the next time you schedule a roof check.
When It’s Time to Call a Roofing Professional
Not all roof problems mean you need a full replacement, but shingles that are curling or lifting can go downhill fast. Once water sneaks into the roof or decking begins to swell, repairs get more involved and expensive. If lifted edges are showing up across more than just one small area or if shingles break when touched, it’s time to let a professional step in.
Here are signs that it’s time to stop waiting:
– Curling in multiple areas around the roof – Water spots on ceilings after a storm – Buckling around chimneys or vents – Missing shingles after moderate winds
Trusting a trained eye can help figure out whether the damage is just on the surface or deeper in your roof’s structure. A complete inspection checks under the shingles, reviews nail placement, and confirms that layers beneath are still secure and dry. Skipping all that leaves room for future trouble.
Needing repairs doesn’t always mean starting over with a brand-new roof. A trusted roofer might suggest replacing just the affected areas, boosting attic ventilation, or sealing vulnerable sections. The most important part is not letting things sit too long and spread during one more season of heat or heavy rain.
Protecting Your Roof from Curling Shingles in Athens
Curled or lifted shingle edges might seem like a small cosmetic issue, but they often point to hidden damage or moisture problems. In places like Athens, where storms roll through one day and sun bakes the roof the next, your shingles go through a lot. Paying attention to changes like raised edges or brittle spots keeps your home safer and helps your roof last longer.
Being consistent with checks and maintenance is one of the best ways to stay prepared. Mix visual walkarounds with the help of roof experts to really understand the condition of your home’s top layer. If something doesn’t look right-like curling at corners or dark patches near vents-it’s time to get it checked. Letting things sit only gives issues more time to grow.
With the temperature swings, rainy seasons, and hidden moisture traps that come with Athens weather, acting quickly on early signs goes a long way. The earlier you fix small stuff, the more you avoid bigger repairs down the line. A healthy roof guards everything beneath it, and shingle edges are one of the first things to watch. Stay alert, stay proactive, and give your roof the protection it deserves.
If you’re starting to notice shingle problems after recent storms, it’s a good time to get ahead of any bigger issues. For dependable help with leaks, drainage, or aging materials, an experienced Athens roofing company can make sure everything is handled the right way. At Accent Roofing Service, we focus on practical fixes that protect your roof and your home for the long haul.
