If your shingles are curling, your roof is screaming for help. Curling is not just cosmetic; it is a sign that the asphalt has dried out and lost its ability to seal your home. Whether they are curling up (cupping) or under (clawing), water is now able to get underneath them. You need to act before the next storm.
Most asphalt roofing systems nowadays are manufactured to last for at least 20 years, as long as proper maintenance and inspections are performed on a regular basis. However, you can never rule out the possibility that your roof’s asphalt shingles can sustain damage.
Curling shingles often start as a small cosmetic issue but if left unchecked, they can lead to leaks, decreased protection, and ultimately full roof breakdown. To prevent that, a timely roof repair can make a real difference.
Reasons That Shingles Curl Up
- Old Age: Shingle curling is an age-old sign that your roof’s best days are behind it, and will need to be replaced in the near future. Keep this in mind, so that if you see signs of shingle curling on your roof, and your roof is more than 20 years old, you know to contact a professional roofing company immediately, to begin the process of replacing your roof.
- Bad Ventilation: Inadequate attic ventilation can cause your roof’s asphalt shingles to curl because, without proper ventilation, excess heat and moisture become trapped in your attic. This basically causes your roof to cook from the inside, and curling shingles are a result of this temperature strain. If you suspect inadequate attic ventilation to be the cause of your curling asphalt shingles, immediately contact a roofing contractor for an inspection, so that you can prevent further damage or costly leaks.
- Incorrect Installation: Another reason for shingle curling is that your asphalt shingles are poorly installed. If this happens to your roof, you can expect the shingles to curl as they allow more heat and moisture into your roof, similar to the improper ventilation point above. Once this happens, not only will you have a faulty roof on your hands but your warranty can be invalidated as well. Call a professional roofer to have your roof inspected as soon as possible, if you believe your shingles were installed incorrectly.
Cupping VS Clawing
Cupping (Edges Turn Up)
This happens when the edges of the shingle peel upward, creating a cup shape. The center of the shingle remains flat. This is usually a sign of age or extreme heat exposure that has shrunk the top layer of the asphalt.
Clawing (Edges Turn Down)
This is when the edges curl downward and the middle of the shingle puffs up. This often looks like the shingle is “clawing” at the roof deck. This is a classic sign of heat aging and moisture damage from inside the attic.
Can you just glue curled shingles back down?
Usually, no. Think of a shingle like a fresh cookie. When it is new, it is flexible and bends. When it is old and curled, it is like a stale, hard cookie. If you try to press a curled shingle flat, it will likely snap or crumble.
If only a few shingles are curling: We might be able to replace just those specific tabs.
If the curling is widespread: The shingles have lost their essential oils. Sealing them down won’t work because they are too brittle to bond. A roof replacement is the only honest solution.
Does Insurance Cover This?
Standard homeowner’s insurance covers “sudden and accidental” damage (like wind tearing off a shingle). It rarely covers “wear and tear” or maintenance issues like curling due to age. However, if the curling was caused by a specific recent event or improper installation by a previous contractor, it is worth discussing. We can help you assess the cause during an inspection, whether you need roofing help in Artondale or anywhere in Tacoma.
Why It’s Important to Act
When shingles start to curl:
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They expose edges and underlayers to moisture, increasing the risk of leaks.
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They compromise the protective seal and integrity of your roof system.
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They often indicate underlying issues (ventilation, installation, structure) rather than being the only problem.
If you’re seeing signs of curling shingles, you may want to read “Why Roofs Fail and How to Avoid This” — it covers the broader causes of roof failure and how to address them before small issues become large ones.
For residents in the region, trust your University‑Place roofing experts to inspect, diagnose, and repair curling shingles before the damage spreads.