What Curling Shingles Say About Your Roof’s Health
In Maine’s rugged climate, your roof takes a beating year-round—snow, ice, wind, and sun all working overtime to wear it down. But one of the most telling signs that your roof is in trouble is something most homeowners overlook until it’s too late: curling shingles.
If you’ve noticed the edges of your shingles lifting, buckling, or curving upward, your roof is trying to tell you something. Let’s break down what those curling shingles actually mean—and what you should do about it before the damage spreads.
1. Curling Shingles = Moisture Trouble Beneath the Surface
When shingles start to curl, it’s often a red flag that moisture is trapped underneath. That can happen from poor attic ventilation or from underlayment that’s lost its ability to block water.
Once moisture finds its way in, it weakens the roof deck and accelerates deterioration—especially during Maine’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Quick check: If you notice curling primarily along the roof’s edges, you could be dealing with trapped moisture from inadequate ventilation or ice damming.
2. Age Is Catching Up to Your Roof
Even the best roofs age out. Asphalt shingles, for instance, typically last about 20–25 years. As they near the end of that lifespan, the asphalt dries out and loses flexibility.
This drying causes the edges to curl and crack—clear indicators your shingles are no longer protecting your home the way they should.
If your roof is pushing past that two-decade mark, those curling shingles might be the first whisper of “It’s time.”
3. Poor Installation or Ventilation May Be to Blame
Sometimes curling has less to do with time and more to do with technique. If shingles weren’t nailed correctly or were installed over an uneven surface, they’ll never lay flat.
Likewise, inadequate attic ventilation lets heat and moisture build up beneath the roof deck, warping the shingles from below.
Durham-area tip: Maine homes with heavy snow loads need balanced intake and exhaust ventilation to regulate attic temperatures year-round.
4. Curling Leads to Leaks, Fast
Once shingles curl, rain and melting snow can slip under the lifted edges. From there, water travels along the underlayment and seeps into the roof deck, insulation, and eventually your ceilings.
By the time you notice a water stain inside, the hidden damage has already begun.
That’s why curling shingles should never be a “wait and see” situation. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll face a full roof replacement instead of a simple repair.
5. When to Repair vs. Replace
Here’s a quick guide:
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Minor curling on a newer roof: Spot repairs may buy you several more years.
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Widespread curling or brittle shingles: A replacement is the smarter, longer-term investment.
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If your roof is 15–20 years old: Schedule a full inspection to assess underlying issues like ventilation and decking integrity.
A Plus Roofing specializes in honest evaluations—we’ll tell you whether your roof still has life left in it or if replacing now will actually save you money down the road.
6. Protecting Your Investment Going Forward
Once your roof is repaired or replaced, consistent maintenance is your best defense:
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Keep your attic ventilated to prevent trapped heat and moisture.
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Clear debris and branches that can damage or lift shingles.
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Schedule annual inspections before and after winter.
Even small fixes today can prevent major repairs tomorrow.
Bottom Line
Curling shingles aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they’re your roof’s distress signal. Whether it’s age, installation flaws, or ventilation issues, the key is early detection and professional evaluation.
If you’re seeing signs of curling or cracking shingles, don’t wait for leaks to appear. Schedule a roof inspection with A Plus Roofing today, and let our 38 years of Maine roofing expertise keep your home protected—season after season.