Rippling Shingles on Your Roof

Asphalt shingles are a common choice among homeowners and contractors due to the roof material’s reliability and low cost. However, these shingles can still suffer from issues, such as rippling. Shingle rippling causes a wavy appearance on the roof, so you might notice it from the street.

In this article, we discuss the causes of rippling shingles.

Poor Roof Ventilation

Your roof is susceptible to the effects of moisture, and without roof vents, your shingles are susceptible to rippling. Moisture from the hot air that rises to your attic needs to be vented out via the roof vents to prevent accumulation. If moisture collects under your roof, it will condensate on the underside of the decking boards and cause moisture damage. Eventually, the moisture will also be absorbed by the shingles, which causes them to ripple. Poor roof ventilation can significantly decrease a roof’s lifespan, so make sure you have a good roof ventilation system.

Re-Roofing

Rippling shingles can also happen due to your contractor’s mistake. During roof replacement, the old layer of shingles and other roofing materials must be properly removed and disposed of. Only after that can a new layer of shingles be installed. Some roofers cut corners and just tack on the new shingles on top of the old ones. The extra weight can strain your roof decking and put the new shingles at risk. The moisture in the old shingles can bleed into the new ones, which will eventually cause them to ripple. Make sure to work with a reputable roofing contractor to avoid faulty roof installation.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks can cause your shingles to ripple when they’re not properly addressed. Before water can enter your home, it needs to penetrate several roofing materials, including the shingles, underlayment and roof decking. When leaks are visible in your attic, it means water has already penetrated all the way through, and it has accumulated in the shingles, underlayment and decking. All of this will eventually cause a rippled look on your shingles. That’s why it’s best to have your roof and attic regularly inspected.

Keep your roof healthy by letting your local commercial and residential roofing expert AQ Roofing LLC take care of it for you. Our roofers are well-trained and have the necessary experience to keep your roof in optimal condition. Schedule a roofing inspection by calling us at (501) 951-1683 or filling out our contact form.