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What Causes Asphalt Shingle Roof to Look Wavy or Rippled?

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If you notice your asphalt shingles look wavy or rippled, it’s time to call your trusted roofing technician. While new shingles may look a little lumpy when first installed, they should lay flat after a couple of days. However, if your roof was installed a few years ago and the shingles start looking wavy, it’s a sign of an underlying problem. Aside from being an appearance issue, buckled asphalt shingles may also indicate moisture damage. 

What Causes Asphalt Shingle Roof to Look Wavy or Rippled?

Here are the common causes of rippling asphalt shingles.

Improper Framing or Sheathing 

The sheathing, often made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), is usually attached to the house’s frame or joists and trusses. If the sheathing is installed without a gap between the boards, ripples may occur. You may notice ripples spaced evenly four to eight feet apart. Another reason why sheathing boards can warp is because of moisture issues. This happens when the sheathing boards were exposed to inclement weather or stored in a moist environment prior to installation.

Inadequate Attic Ventilation

A properly ventilated attic should allow moisture to escape through the roof vents. Otherwise, moisture will build up on the underside of the decking boards. It will eventually seep through and affect the shingles. Once the decking boards begin to warp, your shingles may also start to ripple or buckle. In this situation, it’s best to contact roof repair experts right away. They may also proceed with improving your attic ventilation if your roof lacks the right amount of vents.

Roof Leaks

You might not notice your roof is leaking at first, especially if you don’t often check your attic. The water seeps in so slowly that moisture damage is not immediately apparent. If your roof is leaking, the water may penetrate the shingles first. It can pool on the underlayment for several weeks or months before traveling through the decking and into your home. The trapped moisture layer will warp the shingles surrounding the leak, causing them to ripple and buckle. 

Poor Workmanship 

Wavy or rippling shingles may also be a result of improper stapling or nailing direction. Leaks are likely to happen if these components aren’t installed correctly. In some cases, a severe windstorm can blow off the rippled shingle.

Trust the experience of the prompt, courteous and professional roofing team at Neumann Construction for your asphalt roof needs. We provide top-quality services, including roof replacement and inspection. Call us today at (218) 270-0009, or fill out our online contact form to set an appointment. We serve Pequot Lakes, MN, and the surrounding communities.