Steps To Take When Your Shingles Start Curling

Shingles don’t last forever, and one of the early signs that trouble is on the way is curling shingles. At first glance, they might not look like a major problem. But curled or lifting shingles can be a warning that your roof is starting to wear out. Left alone, this can lead to leaks, moisture beneath the surface, and more costly issues that hit both the structure and your wallet.

Late summer is a good time to take a closer look, especially after the long stretch of sun and heat. If you’ve noticed your roof looking a little off, it might be worth checking the condition of your shingles. Whether you’re standing in your yard spotting raised edges or you’ve already had a minor leak that got your attention, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.

Identifying Curled Shingles

Shingles are supposed to lie flat. When they start curling up at the edges or pulling away from the roof, something isn’t right. You might also notice some that look warped, wavy, or brittle. These signs usually show up near the end of a shingle’s lifespan, but they can appear earlier depending on weather conditions and how well the roof was installed in the first place.

There are a few common reasons shingles start curling:

- Age: Over time, shingles dry out, leading to cracking and curling.

- Heat and sun exposure: Shingles take a beating when exposed to direct sunlight day after day.

- Poor attic ventilation: Trapped heat from the attic can push shingles to warp.

- Improper installation: If shingles weren’t nailed down right or were layered improperly, they’re more likely to curl.

- Moisture buildup: Frequent rain or high humidity with poor drainage can weaken the shingles underneath.

Spotting the issue early can save you from larger repairs down the road. Stand back where you have a clear view of the roof and look for areas that don’t look uniform. Curled shingles often stand out along the edges or near roof peaks. In some cases, you might even find granules from deteriorating shingles gathering in your gutters. That’s another sign things are going downhill.

Immediate Steps To Take

Once you know something’s off, don’t wait. Acting early gives you the best shot at avoiding major structural damage. Start with simple steps:

1. Walk the perimeter of your house and visually inspect the roof from the ground. Use binoculars if needed.

2. Look for shingles that are lifting, cracked, or missing. Pay attention to flashing around chimneys, vents, and edges.

3. Check your gutters for shingle granules. If they’re full, your shingles may be breaking down faster than expected.

4. Avoid going up on the roof yourself. It's best to stay grounded until a professional can inspect it safely.

Sometimes roof issues look small on the surface but are worse underneath. If you notice staining on ceilings inside your home or signs of moisture near your attic, the curling may already be causing minor leaks. The sooner you respond, the less likely you'll deal with mold, wood rot, or insulation problems.

These quick checks don’t replace a full assessment, but they help you get a general idea of what might be going on up there. Even if nothing looks bad from the ground, curled shingles usually don’t fix themselves. They keep shifting, and one rough storm could make things worse in a hurry.

Long-Term Solutions For Curling Shingles

After you've spotted curling shingles and taken steps to monitor the situation, the next move is handling repairs that actually last. Ignoring the issue isn’t worth the risk, especially during the fall in places like Murfreesboro where storms can be tough on an older roof. Even if damage looks small now, curling often leads to worse problems once the seasons change and cooler weather creeps in.

Here’s a look at some effective long-term fixes:

- Replace damaged shingles: If only a small section of shingles is curling, a roofer may be able to replace those without redoing the entire roof.

- Reinforce flashing and edges: Weak points around chimneys, vents, and valleys are prone to lifting. Repairs in those areas help stop leaks early.

- Improve attic ventilation: Reducing the heat buildup under your roof can slow down the aging process of shingles.

- Upgrade old shingles: If the shingles have reached the end of their life or were poor quality, a full roof replacement might be needed to protect the structure underneath.

- Address moisture issues: A roof that curls because of trapped moisture needs attention from both the top (shingles and underlayment) and the bottom (ventilation and insulation).

One homeowner in Murfreesboro had curled shingles over a bay window that kept letting in water every time it rained. After a few patch jobs didn’t hold, it turned out the area had poor drainage and failed flashing. Once the section was properly resealed and the shingles were replaced with upgraded materials, the leak vanished, even through months of bad weather.

These long-term fixes should always match what your roof actually needs. Some jobs are small, while others require more planning. A trusted roofing pro can help guide that decision so you don’t spend on the wrong repair or, worse, delay until you’re dealing with interior water damage.

Professional Shingle Roof Repair in Murfreesboro

Once shingles start curling, they rarely stay put. Wind can peel them back further, rain can seep under the cracked corners, and eventually, all that moisture finds its way into wood and drywall. Tarping isn’t a true fix. Re-nailing them down doesn’t stop the underlying problem. What you need is someone with experience who can trace the cause and make it right from top to bottom.

A full inspection doesn’t just take a look at the shingles. It includes your roof slope, ventilation, old trouble spots, and the general wear. Catching those details early limits surprise repairs down the road. In places like Murfreesboro where humid summers and strong storms show up regularly, those conditions can speed things up if your roof is already worn out. The last thing you want is to get caught in heavy rain or go into winter with a weak roof.

Having a professional check things out also gives you peace of mind. They’ll help you figure out if temporary repairs are enough or if it’s time to start planning for a re-roof. And down the line, when something else comes up, you’ll already have someone familiar with your roof’s history. Fixing the issue now saves stress and money later.

Protect Your Roof with Expert Help

Curling shingles might not seem like an emergency, but they’re often the first warning sign of bigger problems ahead. Whether the issue is caused by sunlight, poor airflow, moisture buildup, or just old age, it needs to be handled before it turns into something more costly.

Even if you don’t notice leaks yet, all it takes is one storm to lift those loose shingles and invite water into your home. Spotting the warning signs early and acting fast will save frustration down the road. Regular maintenance and the right repairs can prevent a small problem from becoming a big headache.

If you’re in Murfreesboro and seeing early signs of shingle curling, it’s time to take the next step. A professional opinion from someone who knows what to look for will make all the difference. Let Edwards Roofing help you stay ahead of trouble and keep your roof ready for the changing seasons.

Don't let curling shingles cause more trouble than they need to. Count on Edwards Roofing for expert help with shingle roof repair in Murfreesboro to prevent leaks and damage before they escalate. Our team is ready to inspect your roof, identify any issues, and recommend the best course of action to keep your home safe. Get in touch for assistance and make sure your roof stays sturdy through every season.