What Are Lifted Shingles & Should You Fix Them?

As your shingles experience wear and tear over time, there’s a good chance that their edges will get lifted at some point. This is especially true if your home is hit by strong winds. In this article we’ll talk about fixing lifted shingles versus situations where you may need a full roof replacement.

What Do Lifted Shingles Look Like?

Shingles are supposed to withstand strong winds. However, if they weren’t installed correctly, or if they’re old and worn, the wind can cause them to “lift”. When a shingle is lifted, its edges will be a bit upturned and the space beneath the shingle will be noticeable. 

The easiest way to tell your roof has lifted shingles is if the shingles are no longer lying flat. This is something you can visually see from the ground level.

What Causes Lifted Shingles?

Strong winds don’t always cause lifted shingles. Your roof is designed to withstand wind, even stronger winds in bad thunderstorms. 

If your shingles are lifted, there’s a good chance that it’s due to the following:

Poor Installation

If the original roofer failed to nail the shingle in the right spot, this can cause its corners to curl. The shingle should be nailed onto the roof’s surface, but not too far down or too shallowly. 

As the wind blows on the shingle, its nails will try to hold it down. Any misalignment will cause one side to upturn.

Debris Under the Shingles

The wind can also blow debris into the gap under the shingles if they’ve been lifted for a long time. Due to the build-up of debris, the shingles will eventually be lifted even more. 

For this reason, it’s important to schedule a routine roof inspection with a professional roofer. At roofclaim.com, we will make sure that any issues with your roof don’t get worse or cause bigger problems over time. 

Damaged Shingles

If a shingle is damaged, it can lose its ability to withstand winds. Shingles are most often damaged through human interaction (someone walking on the roof), flying debris in storms, or hail. Once a shingle is compromised by damage, lots of issues can occur, including lifting.

Old Roof / Wear & Tear

Roofs aren’t built to last forever. It would be nice if they did, but everything breaks down over time. As you approach the average lifespan of your roof, you’re going to start noticing various problems, including lifted shingles.

Keep in mind that while most shingle roofs should last 15 to 20 years, the lifespan of your roof is shortened every time your home is subjected to strong storms as this really adds to overall wear and tear.

What Happens if You Don’t Fix Lifted Shingles?

Lifted shingles do more than impact your property’s appeal. If you fail to fix your shingles, here’s what you should expect:

• Water Leaks. You will inevitably have to deal with water leaks if your roof’s shingles have been lifted for a long time. It will create an opening for the rainwater, which will enter your home and cause damage to your floors, furniture, and more. 
• Mold Growth. Once the water has made its way indoors, it could turn your home into a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and more if it is left untreated. In turn, this can put your health at risk. Mold exposure can cause respiratory concerns, particularly for people with pre-existing medical conditions. 
• Blown-Off Shingles. Shingles may go through the lifting stage before they get completely blown off the roof. Don’t wait for this to happen, and instead, partner with a professional roofer that can address your roof concerns promptly. 
• Damage to the Rest of the Roof. A single damaged shingle is only the beginning. Soon, you’ll discover that the rest of the shingles have been lifted by the wind, as well. The moment you notice that the shingles were bent by the wind, get in touch with a professional roofer as soon as possible. 

What to Do When You Notice Lifted Shingles

When you notice any type of roofing problem, it’s time to get your roof inspected by a professional roofer. We’ll be able to evaluate whether or not you need a roof repair or roof replacement and guide you on next steps.

If you work with a company like RoofClaim, the inspection is always free and there’s never any obligation to get work done. If your roofing issues are covered by your insurance, all you’ll have to pay out of pocket for a full roof replacement is your deductible. 

If you want an even more convenient inspection that doesn’t even require you to be at home at the time of inspection, you can order a drone roof inspection.

In any case, do not try and conduct shingle repairs by yourself. Always leave this type of work to professional roofers.

The Bottom Line

The problem with lifted shingles is that they aren’t as easy to detect as blown-off shingles. This is especially true if your property is two stories tall or more.

Fortunately, you can count on roofclaim.com for fast, efficient roofing work. You can schedule your free inspection today to get started.