Have you spotted curling shingles on your roof lately? You’re not alone. This is one of the most frequent issues homeowners face, and it often points to bigger problems underneath. I’ve seen how confusing it can be to figure out what’s actually causing those shingles to curl up at the edges. Knowing what’s happening up there can save you a headache (and your wallet) if you’re looking for quality roofing services in Tallahassee. Let’s look at what curling shingles mean for your home and what you can do about it.
Curling Shingles
Spotted curling shingles? Don’t wait to fix them. Your shingles might be curling because they’re old, weren’t installed right, or your attic isn’t breathing correctly. Once they start curling, they stop doing their primary job – keeping water out. Your best bet is to call a roofer who can check how bad it is and tell you what needs to happen next.
Sometimes you’ll just need to swap out a few shingles, but if it’s awful, you might look at replacing sections or even the whole roof. Fixing this quickly stops minor problems from turning into big, expensive ones.
Missing Granules
Look at your roof – are there bald spots where those tiny granules should be? Those little bits aren’t just for show. They shield your shingles from the sun’s harsh rays and nasty weather. When they start disappearing, your shingles are going bald and getting weaker by the day. They’ll crack easier, curl faster, and blow off in the next storm.
Check your gutters too – if you see what looks like coarse black sand, that’s a dead giveaway your roof is shedding granules. Don’t ignore this! Catching it early can add years to your roof’s life. If you see lots of granule loss, it’s time to get a roofer over for a closer look.
Damaged Flashing
When’s the last time you checked your roof flashing? This thin metal stuff is super important – it keeps water from sneaking around your chimney, skylights, and where roof sections meet. Flashing can rust, crack, or pull away over time, especially after years of being baked in the sun and frozen in winter.
Look for rust spots, gaps, or pieces that look like they’re pulling away from the roof. If water gets past damaged flashing, you’re looking at leaks, mold, and potentially rotting wood in your attic. Trust me, finding and fixing flashing problems now is much cheaper than dealing with water damage later.
Algae Growth
Ever wonder what those dark streaks on your roof are? That’s probably algae – and while it won’t immediately wreck your roof, it sure makes it look shabby. Algae loves warm, humid places (sound familiar, Florida folks?) and spreads across shingles like an unwelcome guest. The good news? You have options.
Some people install special algae-resistant shingles when it’s time for a replacement, while others put zinc or copper strips near the roof peak that release metals that algae hate when it rains. Regular roof cleaning helps too. Taking care of algae isn’t just about looks – it helps your roof last longer.
Lifted Shingles
If your shingles are lifting instead of lying flat, you have a problem that needs fixing fast. This usually happens when nails pop up; the original installation is sloppy, or after years of sun baking and storms battering your roof. Another common cause? Your attic gets too hot without proper ventilation, making the shingles warp from temperature changes. This isn’t just an appearance issue – lifted shingles are like open doors for rainwater. Once water sneaks under them, it can rot your roof deck, grow mold, and eventually leak into your home. If you see shingles that aren’t flat, get a pro to check it out before the next rainstorm.
Don’t wait for a leak to tell you there’s a problem! Give your roof the attention it deserves with a professional inspection today. A quick check now can spot these issues before they turn into costly repairs or a complete roof replacement. Our roofing experts can walk your roof, identify trouble spots, and talk through your options in plain English – no pressure, no confusing jargon. Your home is probably your most significant investment – ensure the roof protecting it is in good shape!
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