New Roof Shingles Not Laying Flat? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

There are many reasons why a roof might need replacing or repaired. Homeowners looking into getting a new roof or having a roof repaired also understand the expense involved. It is also very likely that they now realize and value the need for having a good roof. The good news is our roofs generally do not require much of our time or attention. When we do need to replace or repair that roof though, it will demand more than just our attention. It will also often cause us to ask a few questions, like why those new roof shingles don’t lay flat.

If you are considering replacing your roof, get a quote from local contractors in your area here.

The most common cause for new roof shingles not laying flat is misshapen shingles. This happens when the shingles are stored incorrectly prior to installation. Time and warm weather will typically fix this problem. Other reasons for this issue are improperly laid shingles, installation errors, structural problems, or obstructions beneath the shingles. To fix, hire a professional roofing company.

If you have noticed that your new roof shingles aren’t lying flat, then it is time to do a quick inspection to determine the problem. While we don’t usually give our roofs much thought, ignoring what might look like a small problem now could result in bigger and considerably more expensive problems later.

The good news is you don’t need to be a professional roofer to inspect your roof. What is required, however, is a little common sense and an excess of precaution. In other words, if you feel comfortable and can safely inspect your roof without putting yourself in harm’s way, then proceed. It is worth noting here though, before climbing that ladder, that many roofing companies will offer free roofing inspections.

If you have recently noticed that your new roof shingles aren’t lying flat, an inspection of the roof will probably be necessary. Inspecting the roof is how we determine what the problem is, and it will also reveal if there is even a problem at all.

The need for safety and caution also can’t be overstated when it comes to inspecting your roof. Recent reports state that 97% of ladder and roofing accidents happen at home. This isn’t only a potentially dangerous job for homeowners. Reports also reveal that roofers have the fifth-highest work-related death rate in construction. The bottom line is if you aren’t 100 percent comfortable on your rooftop, then contact a roofing professional.

Roof shingles are a product that is produced in volume and considerable volume too. Then those shingles are packaged, palletized, and either trucked or shipped to vendors and distributors everywhere. From there, those vendors like Lowes, Home Depot, and others put them in their inventory until they are sold and pulled.

When contractors end up getting roof shingles that have been stored and sitting (from the time they are loaded until the time they are sold), they can end up working with misshapen shingles. Roof shingles are extremely durable, but they also are quite pliable. This results in the warping of shingles that have been under considerable weight for a lengthy amount of time.

If you have noticed that your new roof shingles aren’t lying flat, and after inspecting the roof have determined the problem is misshapen shingles, you might be in luck. The good news is that misshapen roof shingles will most often fix themselves. That means as the natural weight of the shingles and gravity work, your shingles should eventually flatten out. Warmer weather and the sun also will help to promote this process.

In some cases, roofing contractors can either aid this process or even replace the shingles. Contacting a roofer is also advisable if your roof shingles don’t appear to be flattening or if there is a large number of misshapen shingles.

Installation problems should be remedied by the most reputable professional roofers. It is also advisable to avoid attempting to fix just a couple of small sections. In the majority of cases, it is best to repair the entire area. Underlayment and other protective sheathings for roofs come in rolls (or sheets). To enable your roof to maintain its integrity and ability to protect your home from the elements, it is always best to replace the entire section in question.

Those who have roofing experience can also tackle this type of repair job. It should also be pointed out that this isn’t a job for the weak of heart or for those who are afraid of hard work. The first and preferred course of action in these situations, however, is to contact a professional roofing company.

If an inspection of your roof reveals structural problems with the roof itself, roof shingles won’t mask or fix the problem. Damage to the roofing structure is also an issue that poses bigger problems than unsettled shingles or new shingles that don’t lay flat. It is also a problem that requires help sooner than later.

These types of issues will require contacting a professional roofing company to fix the problem properly. It is also advisable to place a tarp over the damaged if you can safely do so. Tarps can be secured over the area using either staples or tack nails. Yes, this will be an eyesore, but it will also keep you dry until a professional roofing team can repair the roof.

The most expensive of the three types of asphalt roofing shingles, fiberglass asphalt shingles also offer premium protection and durability. These shingles tend to be a little more rigid than 3-tab shingles while also offering a more designed feel and look.

Many other types of materials are also used to make roof shingles. This includes materials like aluminum, slate, clay, and copper among others. If your new roof shingles are not laying flat, then it isn’t an issue to ignore. Fortunately, in many cases, it is a problem that just needs a little time to work itself out.