Does Your Roof Look Wavy? Discover What It Could Mean
A roof protects the home from all kinds of weather, and it is each homeowner's responsibility to invest in its proper care and maintenance. Experiencing any issue with your roof is alarming and noticing a wavy roof is no exception. A roof does not become wavy naturally, and it indicates that all is not right up there. A wavy roof looks aesthetically unappealing, affects the roof's performance, and can sometimes point to structural problems.
A wavy or warped roof is not typical and needs assistance from a professional roofing company for restoration. Fortunately, a wavy roof issue is not permanent, and the time taken to fix it may depend on the underlying cause. It is essential to note that some roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, are more susceptible to waving and curling than others.
Let us look at some possible underlying issues that a wavy roof may indicate:
When the roof is new
The roof's age plays a critical role in determining the exact cause of waves. Here are some of the common reasons behind waving in a newly installed roof:
Underlayment issues
Underlayment is the material placed between the roof deck and tiles or shingles. In a shingle roof, a layer of felt paper acts as an underlayment. The roofer lays this paper on the decking as a base before putting down the shingles. A roof appears wavy after installation if the felt paper was damp, bubbled, or placed incorrectly during application. In most cases, the felt paper dries and flattens after some time due to heat exposure.
Poor roofing job
Re-roofing is the process of applying a layer of new shingles over the existing layer. Usually, it does not create any issues until an inexperienced roofer places new shingles over the already wavy shingles underneath. Unfortunately, in such situations, it becomes necessary to strip both shingle layers and reinstall them. Roofing is a complex project, and it is essential to hire a licensed roofing contractor to get the job done right the first time.
Extreme heat
All residential roofs must have proper ventilation in place. Improperly ventilated roofs allow excess moisture to get trapped in the attic and lead to distorted deck and underlayment. Extreme heat can also cause other roofing issues. High heat exposure during installation can damage the underlayment. Extremely high temperatures can cause waves and distortions in the roofing materials. It also leads to cracks and bubbles in the shingles and can even melt them.
Misaligned shingles
A roof may experience an uneven or wavy appearance due to improper placement of shingles. Using improperly sized shingles, inaccurate shingle measurements, installing low-quality shingles, or not correctly nailing them are the possible causes of a wavy roof.
Waviness in an older roof
A damaged roof decking is the most common cause of a wavy look in older roofs. Look for signs of cracks, sagging, or rotting in the plywood. Contact a roofer for plywood replacement to resolve the issue.
Get professional assistance to resolve a wavy roof
If the roof looks wavy, schedule an inspection by a roofing company to determine the exact cause and perform required repairs. Periodic roof inspections by a licensed roofer ensure that the roofing system remains structurally sound, offers maximum protection, and lasts longer. Hire a professional roofer for expert roof installation to avoid a wavy roof.
