Shingles do the heavy lifting when stopping water from getting into your home. If you’ve recently installed new shingles, you likely think you won’t have to worry about them for years. But if those shingles aren’t laying flat as you expected, moisture can easily creep in and cause costly damage to your home over time.
Learn why your new roof shingles tend not to lay flat in this guide from Eustis Roofing. We offer expert shingle roof inspection for customers in The Villages, Tavares, and nearby areas.
Common Reasons Roof Shingles Don’t Lie Flat
Roof shingles should lie completely flat when installed correctly. If yours don’t, here are the most common reasons why.
Poor Installation & Low-Quality Materials
Roofers attach shingles to your roof by nailing them down in neat rows. The shingles should be nailed down every 6 to 8 inches. If the shingles are not nailed down properly, they may not lay flat.
If a roofer doesn’t follow proper building codes, you’ll have uneven shingles that let moisture in. You’ll likely have to replace entire shingle sections if you suspect poor installation is to blame. Some roofing companies will fix the mistake for free.
Misshapen Shingles
Shingles can sit on pallets for months or longer before you or a roofing contractor buys them. If you neglect to protect shingles from the elements, they can warp and crack, which means they won’t lie flat on your roof. Still, misshapen shingles usually lie flat after installation, although getting them that way can take some time. If your new shingles are not flat after a few weeks, call us for help.
Obstructions
Roofers should ensure the roof is clear of obstructions before installing new shingles. Tree branches, raised nails, and other debris can stop shingles from laying flat. You might be able to remove the debris yourself, but bigger jobs usually require professional assistance.
The Shingles Haven’t Sealed Yet
Shingles with an adhesive strip can take a while to seal fully, especially during cold weather. The adhesive softens better when the weather is sunny and warm. If it’s cold where you live or your roof doesn’t get much direct sunlight, you can ask a professional to apply a temporary adhesive protective seal to help shingles lie flat more quickly.
Roof Damage
As the best roofing company in Altoona, we know that your shingles won’t lie flat if your roof is seriously damaged. Warping, cracked wood, and other damage indicate a bigger problem you’ll need to address before installing new shingles. Contact a professional roofer to remove the shingles and inspect your roof as soon as possible.
The Shingles are Too Cold
Asphalt shingles should be installed in warm weather or when the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the shingles are too cold, they may not lay flat.
The Shingles are Too Wet
Asphalt shingles should be dry before they are installed. If the shingles are too wet, they may not lay flat.
What to do with brand new roof shingles not laying flat?
If your new roof shingles are not lying flat, you can try the following to fix the problem:
- Realign the shingles: If the shingles are not properly aligned, you can realign them by hand. Be careful not to damage the shingles.
- Nail the shingles down properly: If the shingles are not nailed down properly, you can nail them down more securely. Be careful not to over-nail the shingles, as this can damage them.
- Wait for the shingles to warm up: If the shingles are too cold, you can wait for them to warm up before trying to lay them flat.
- Let the shingles dry: If the shingles are too wet, you can let them dry before trying to lay them flat.
If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you may need to hire a professional roofer to help you.
Tips To Prevent Shingles From Now Laying Flat
- Use high-quality shingles: High-quality shingles are less likely to warp or curl, which can help them lay flat.
- Install the shingles properly: Make sure to align the shingles properly and nail them down securely.
- Avoid installing shingles in cold or wet weather: Shingles should be installed when the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the shingles are dry.
If Your Roof Shingles Won’t Lie Flat, Call the Professional Roofing Company
Most of the time, shingles will eventually lie flat without any help. But if it’s been weeks or months and your new roof shingles are not lying flat, contact Eustis Roofing for assistance. We can also answer questions like “How long do shingle roofs last?” and tell you all about the perks of cool roofs for our steamy Florida summers.
If you’re in or near The Villages, call us at (352) 343-7668. Homeowners in Tavares and the surrounding area may contact us at (352) 343-4240.
