27 Apr Buckle Up for Damaging Moisture: Why Roof Shingles Begin to Buckle

When we’re at home, we may not stop to think and look up very often. But when we do, we certainly don’t want to see something wrong with our home.

So what do you do if, upon first glance, some (but not all) of your shingles look… wrong?

Well, particularly if the spring and summer seasons have swung back in full bloom, you are likely to be facing a matter of buckling. Allow us to walk you through the details:

The Bare Bones of Buckling

Simply put, buckling when the shingles are “not laying flat due to the wrinkling of the roofing underlayment or the movement of the wood deck,” the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association explains.

And if you’re wondering what, exactly, to look for, we simply encourage you to keep an eye out for bulging. This is because, when a shingle buckles, it will appear as though there is a force pushing up in the center from beneath it. That being said, some shingles may also curl at the edges.

And while a little bulge or slight curl of your shingles may not seem like a big problem, the reality is that you’ll want to tackle them as soon as possible with a qualified professional.

Not only can buckling cause the shingles to fall off of your roofing structure, but it may also render the underlying components of your roof more vulnerable, thereby potentially shortening its overall lifespan.

What’s Behind (or Beneath) the Buckle?

The primary culprit when it comes to buckling shingles? Simple — it’s moisture.

“Roof decks expand and contract while absorbing moisture as a liquid or vapor, and then drying,” according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). “This can lead to buckling or splitting of the shingles.”

Specifically, the following may ultimately lead to buckling:

• Summer humidity
• Improper ventilation
• Tight spacing of roof sheaths
• Moisture entrapment during the installation process
• And more

Consequently, the best solution is correction. For example, inspect your attic and ensure it is adequately ventilated. You may also want to install exhaust fans inside the space. Otherwise, the affected shingles need to be removed and replaced, as they cannot be individually repaired and should not be left in place.

Building Back from Buckling with the Best

Particularly with hurricane season on the horizon, the combined summer storms and humidity will press up and against your home from all angles, thereby rendering your roof more vulnerable to menacing moisture.

Thankfully, here at Universal Roof & Contracting, we know exactly what it takes to fortify Floridans’ homes against even the heaviest of downpours!

Having served both Jacksonville and Central Florida for over 28 years, you can rest assured that our team will arrive on-site equipped with the knowledge and experience required to keep you safe. What’s more, we also offer FREE inspections in addition to the nation’s best warranty!

At the end of the day, moisture won’t wait, so why should you? Get started with Universal Roof & Contracting today by calling 855-ROOF-HELP!