Lifted Shingles: A Subtle Roof Problem To Watch Out For
Some roof problems are really obvious. For example, if the flashing flies off from around your chimney, you'll probably notice. If a whole row of shingles blows off during a storm, that is also hard to overlook. But there is one other roofing problem that can be far more subtle and easy to overlook: lifted shingles. Keep reading to learn about the problems presented by lifted shingles, how to recognize them, and what to do about them.
What are lifted shingles, and how do you spot them?
Lifted shingles are basically shingles that have come detached from the roof along one edge. It's often the bottom edge of the shingles that come unattached. But sometimes, you may see shingles lifted along the right or left edge, or both.
To see lifted shingles, you may need to crouch down a little so you can look straight across the roof surface. If you see any shingles that are not lying flat on all sides, those are lifted shingles. They're easy to spot once you know what you're looking for.
Why are lifted shingles a problem?
Lifted shingles are a problem because they invite leaks. Water can seep under the lifted edge and then come straight into contact with your roof deck, which is the wood that forms the base of the roof. This can cause the roof deck to slowly start rotting and breaking down, which weakens it.
Lifted shingles are also destined to become missing shingles if you ignore them for too long. Wind may catch under the lifted edge and peel the shingles off further. Or, when it is cold outside, water may freeze into ice under the shingles and cause them to peel off.
What should you do about lifted shingles?
Call a roof repair company. They will look at the shingles and assess whether there has been any damage to the underlying roof deck. If the roof deck is already wet and deteriorating, your roofer may need to remove a patch of shingles, repair the roof deck, and then reshingle that part of the roof.
If the roof deck is in good shape, the roofers will either "tack down" the lifted edges, or they may replace those lifted shingles completely.
Now that you're more aware of lifted shingles, you are prepared to watch out for them and take action if you do see them. Contact a local company to learn more, like Minnesota 1st Choice.