Published on April 17, 2023 by Jason Reisman

Are Your New Roof Shingles Not Lying Flat? Here’s Why

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 lying flat as you expected, moisture can easily creep in and cause costly damage to your home over time.

Learn why your new roof shingles are not lying 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

Roofers attach shingles to your roof by nailing them down in neat rows. 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 lying 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.

If Your Roof Shingles Won’t Lie Flat, Call the Professionals

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.

Jason Reisman

About The Author: Jason Reisman

Jason Reisman, ERC’s General Manager is a problem solver! Jason is hands-on with finding solutions to difficult problems as well as constantly researching, exploring new concepts, discovering new inventive ways and is passionate about being the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most dependable in the roofing trade. He’s hands-on with training and instruction ensuring every job have the up to date and state of the art equipment to perform with precision to be in and out without delays. Jason loves competing with his Dad on the golf course!