Have you lost track of how old your roof is? If there are several concave depressions on your roof, then there’s a good chance you’ll need to have your local roofing company replace it.
These depressions are caused by shingle cupping, which stems from prolonged wear and tear and old age. Cupped shingles are extremely fragile and can be dislodged at any time; in fact, merely stepping on them can cause them to break. Wear and tear can also lead to shingle curling.
But what are the other factors that cause shingle cupping, and what should homeowners do when they find cupped shingles on their roof? Ken Morton & Sons, one of the top roofers in the state, elaborates on the answers to those questions below.
Poor Ventilation
What if your roof was installed not too long ago? It might be that the cupping was due to poor ventilation. Your roof is made up of several layers, with your shingles serving as the outermost one. If moisture is trapped in any of these layers and heat starts to build up due to a lack of ventilation, the resulting expansion of trapped moisture will result in shingle cupping.
Installing new ventilation systems in your roof and attic can help prevent shingle cupping in the future.
Poorly Stored Shingles
It’s possible the cupped shingles on your roof were caused by gradual wear and tear; it’s just that you didn’t know your newly installed shingles were already exposed to the elements beforehand. This could happen if the shingles weren’t properly stored.
Manufacturer Defects
There’s also a possibility the shingle cupping stems from manufacturer defects. This could happen if not enough asphalt-based binder was applied to your shingles. Asphalt binds the protective granules to the surface of the shingles; this, in turn, results in a lower roof lifespan. In most cases, a roof replacement is the only viable option to address shingle cupping.
To ensure your roof is free of manufacturer or storage defects, only hire experienced contractors who use premium brands, like GAF.
Ken Morton & Sons is a GAF Master Elite® roofing contractor with more than three decades’ worth of experience in the industry. In addition to general roofing services, we also offer siding replacement services. To get a free quote, call (856) 582-8800 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Pitman, NJ.
