Why Are My Asphalt Shingles Rippling?

Rippled asphalt shingles can signify roof damage that requires immediate repair or replacement. It usually happens because of poor sheathing or constant thermal movement.  

Here are the common causes of asphalt shingle rippling.

Poor Framing or Sheathing

Sheathing props up the entire roof and supports the weight of your asphalt shingles. It’s usually made from high-quality materials, such as oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood, and attached to the joists and trusses. 

Your roofer must install the sheathing correctly because improper sheathing will cause asphalt shingles to have a wavy appearance. The sheathing must have a gap that allows for expansion and contraction during temperature fluctuations. Failure to add this gap will make your roof more prone to damage from heat and moisture.

Damaged Felt Underlay

Felt underlayment helps keep your asphalt shingles in place on the sheathing. It will have wrinkles if exposed to humidity or morning dew – which is why roofers do not install them during rainy weather. 

Stapling wet and wrinkled felt underlayment is one of the causes of underlayment damage. It causes the underlayment to become wavy or rippled, which then affects the appearance of the shingles. To avoid this issue, your roofer should dry the felt underlayment before stapling them.

Expansion and Contraction

Asphalt shingles must have gaps when being installed. These help them maintain their shape and avoid pushing against each other when they expand and contract during temperature fluctuations. Without gaps, asphalt shingles will start looking wavy. Roofers can fix this problem by removing and replacing the shingles.

If you need an excellent roofer to help with your asphalt roof replacement project, you can always trust Christian Brothers Roofing. With our expertise, we can guarantee top-notch workmanship delivered on time. Call us at (270) 715-1999, or fill out this contact form to schedule a free consultation.