Rippling in Asphalt Shingle Roofs: Why Does It Happen?

You’ll need to keep tabs on your roof to stay ahead of any issues that compromise its longevity and performance. If you have an asphalt shingle roofing system, watch out for waving or rippling on its surface. It’s a problem that can develop in both old and new roofs, and is generally caused by the following issues:

Improper Deck Installation

The roof deck, or sheathing, refers to the material that covers the joists and trusses making up the roof structure. Typically made of wood or OSB (oriented strand board), the roof deck serves as the foundation of the asphalt shingles. The deck needs to be installed properly to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. Otherwise, the fluctuating temperatures can cause the roof to become wavy or rippled.

Wet Underlayment

The thin, waterproof material installed between the roof deck and asphalt shingles is called the underlayment. Before the asphalt shingle installation, the underlayment has to be completely dry. If it’s not, the material will wrinkle, and the newly layered shingles will appear wavy instead of flat and seamless. To prevent this issue, make sure to work with a trusted roofing expert like Homecraft Inc. As a GAF Certified Master Elite® roofing contractor, we make sure that the GAF shingles we install meet strict quality specifications. Our team of professionals will never make an amateur mistake like installing shingles over wet underlayment.

Roof Layover

It’s understandable for homeowners to look for ways to save on their roof installation. That’s why they may be tempted to go for a roof layover, which involves installing a new layer of shingles over the old one. But this method simply won’t do. That extra layer of shingles not only causes poor attic ventilation and results in a nullified roof warranty, but it also leaves your roof looking lumpy and rippled. A complete roof tear-off is generally recommended before a new asphalt shingle roof is installed over your home. 

New Castle County’s Top Residential Roofer

Keeping a sturdy and damage-free home is simple when you choose Homecraft Inc. for top-tier residential roofing solutions. Look no further for reliable service that you’d be happy to recommend to a friend. Schedule a roof evaluation by calling us at (302) 798-0302 or filling out this contact form. We proudly serve homeowners in and around Wilmington, Middletown and Bear, DE.