Curling shingles are asphalt shingles whose edges or centers have lifted away from the roof, either turning up at the edges (cupping) or bowing up in the middle with corners pinned down (clawing). Both mean the shingle has lost its flat, sealed position. Whether you need a repair or a new roof depends on which type you have, how widespread it is and what caused it.
If you can see curled shingles from the yard, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 any time, or set up a look through our contact page.
Cupping versus clawing: two different warnings
From the ground both look like a wavy, uneven roof, but up close they tell different stories.
Cupping
The outer edges of the tab turn upward while the middle stays flat, so the shingle looks like a shallow dish. Cupping often starts as a heat or moisture problem working on the shingle from underneath.
Clawing
The corners stay down and the center of the tab humps up, like fingers gripping the roof. Clawing is more commonly a sign of age: the asphalt on top shrinks as it loses oils and pulls the shingle out of shape.
What causes curling shingles in North Texas
Most curling comes from one of four causes, and more than one can be at work on the same roof.
Heat from above and below
Summer sun heats the shingle surface, and a poorly vented attic heats the deck beneath it. Shingles cooked from both sides dry out faster, lose flexibility and distort. That's why curling often appears first on south- and west-facing slopes.
Poor attic ventilation
Blocked soffit vents, too little exhaust or mismatched vent types trap hot, damp air under the deck. Moisture that condenses on the underside of the decking can swell it and push shingles out of shape. Our article on attic ventilation problems in Texas covers the symptoms in detail.
Age
As shingles weather, they lose the oils that keep them pliable. Late in a roof's life, clawing and cracking tend to show up together across whole slopes.
Installation issues
Nails driven too high on the shingle, shingles laid over an uneven old layer, or bundles stored in the sun before install can all lead to curling on a relatively young roof. When curling shows up early and in patches, installation is worth investigating.
Why curling shingles matter
A curled shingle no longer lies flat against the course below it. That breaks the seal that keeps wind from getting under it, and it lets wind-driven rain reach the nail line. Curled tabs also snap easily in the next storm, and brittle, distorted shingles shed granules faster, which speeds up the aging of everything around them.
Repair or replace: how a roofer decides
There's no fix that flattens a curled shingle back into shape; it has to be replaced or the roof has to be. The decision comes down to a few checks.
How much of the roof is affected
A few curled tabs on one slope, especially around a specific cause like a missing vent, are a repair. Curling on multiple slopes means the shingles themselves are giving out.
How flexible the surrounding shingles are
To replace a single shingle, a roofer has to lift the course above it. If neighboring shingles crack when lifted, a repair will damage more than it fixes.
The flexibility check on a hot versus cool day
Shingles are more pliable in warm weather, so a careful roofer judges brittleness with the day's temperature in mind. A shingle that cracks when lifted on a mild morning is a strong sign the roof is near the end of its life.
Whether the cause has been fixed
Replacing curled shingles without correcting the ventilation that cooked them just starts the clock again. Any repair or replacement should include a look at intake and exhaust venting.
Getting curling shingles assessed by Cannon Roofing
When we inspect a roof with curling, we check which type it is, count the affected slopes, test shingle flexibility and go into the attic to look at ventilation and the underside of the deck. You get photos and a plain recommendation. If the roof has plenty of life left, our roof repair service replaces the damaged shingles and addresses the cause. If curling is widespread, we'll explain why a roof replacement is the more sensible investment.
Cannon Roofing has served Wise County and North Texas since 1994. Our crews are factory trained, and every employee holds the Technician Seal of Safety after background checks and drug testing. We offer a free inspection and estimate, and we stand behind our work with written warranties.
Frequently asked questions
Can I glue curled shingles back down?
Roofing cement under a lifted tab is a short-term patch at best. The shingle stays distorted and brittle, and the adhesive fails with heat and movement. It can buy time before a proper repair, but it isn't a fix.
Is curling covered by homeowners insurance?
Curling from age, heat or ventilation is generally considered wear and tear rather than storm damage. If a storm tore or creased shingles at the same time, that damage may be a separate matter to discuss with your insurer.
Should I just watch it for a while?
Mild cupping on a few tabs can be monitored if an inspection finds the rest of the roof sound and the cause is corrected. Clawing across several slopes, or curling alongside granule loss and leaks, isn't something to wait out.
Want to know whether your curling shingles need a repair or a new roof? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, day or night, and we'll inspect, photograph and explain what we find before recommending anything. You can also reach us through our contact page.