New Roof Shingles: Not Flat?

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New Roof Shingles: Not Flat?

Roof shingles refer to either flattened or curved tiles on a roof that are stuck together by overlapping or interlocking. They are installed in such a way that allows water to slide down towards the edge. There are various materials used as roof shingles, one of the most common being Asphalt Shingles.

Other alternatives are made from wood, vinyl, or even metal but there is a very varied range of shingle roofs that can depend on cost, durability, color, and the specific style. A high enough pitch is necessary before you can consider installing a shingle roof on your home. A flat roof would require another type of roofing material.

Functions

• Waterproof Barrier

Like other types of roofs, roof shingles create a protective barrier that prevents water from entering your home. This also protects the foundations of your property by creating a way for the water to slide down and away from it. When shingles are improperly installed, leaks can cause the interior wood to rot, mold to grow, and other things that lead to damage in your home. 

• Home Aesthetics

How your home looks are affected by the type of roof you have. While there are certain areas in New Jersey where restrictions on roofing are put in place, thus limiting your options, the style and material on your roof can almost dictate the type of home you are trying to portray – modern, traditional, classic.

• Home Utilities

The type of roof shingles you have on your home affect how energy is conserved in your property. Different materials and styles will change energy efficiency levels for spaces in your home, such as attic spaces and roof decks. Moreover, different materials have different heat transfer properties. This affects the amount of heat that the roof can absorb into your home.

• Durability and Lifespan

The type of roof you have installed on your home can affect the overall longevity of your property. Cheaper, low-quality materials are likely to break down quicker, causing more damage to your home’s internal foundation and structure over time. Going for the cheaper option won’t always give you the best deal in the long run. That is why having the right contractor to help you pick out which materials work best for longer is important.

Common Shingle Roof Types

• Asphalt Shingles
• Clay Shingles
• Metal Shingles
• Wood Shingles
• Vinyl Shingles

What to do when Roof Shingles Are Not Lying Flat?

When you notice that your newly installed roof shingles are not flat, you might be worried. Any signs of lumps, bumps, or curling on your shingles can definitely feel worrisome. You might be tempted to call your roofing contractor as soon as you see these but you can actually take some time to relax before doing so. 

The problem may not be as bad as it may seem and it would variably depend on a wide range of factors – roof age, weather and outdoor temperature, roof condition, and others. There are even some cases where the shingles are able to fix themselves. However, it is most likely that some repairs are necessary.

New Shingles

A common problem you will encounter when you get new shingles is that it might look like it is not sealing down well. If you have new asphalt shingles on your roof recently installed, you might notice a few bumps. Asphalt shingles have an adhesive strip that keeps the shingles together. This strip is supposed to soften in the heat in order to bond and set the shingles in place.

However, there are some roofs that do not get adequate exposure to the heat. Thus, the adhesives on these areas of the roof are unable to melt and set the shingles, which would explain the bumpy exterior. While this isn’t a major problem in most areas, strong winds could end up blowing off the new shingles. Contractors can manually add an extra strip of sealing glue to help keep the shingles in place.

Installation Problems

If you are seeing any gaps at the edge of the roof, you should worry about improper installation. New shingles should have come with a specific nailing guide. When this guide is not followed, the lower layer of shingles may have slipped. When multiple layers have not been placed properly during installation, these gaps become obvious at the edge of the roof. 

Faulty Shingles

In order to be certain that the shingles you chose are flat, it should be sourced from a trusted brand manufacturer and from a known lumberyard. Less known products are usually thin and prone to damage. These products also often lack the right amount of adhesive to allow the shingles to set on the roof.

The best way to avoid having a shingle roof from not lying flat is to get the right team of professionals on the job. Proven Contracting not only has an experienced team but we also know which materials work best for the New Jersey weather. Plus, we have a number of roofing options for homeowners to choose from.