Wavy or Rippled Asphalt Shingles: What’s Causing Them?

Keeping tabs on your roofing system is the first and vital step to maintaining its longevity and performance. You might want to be on alert if you’ve noticed that your asphalt shingles seem to be wavy or rippled. This issue can occur in both new and old roofing systems, but what exactly is causing it? 

• Incorrect Sheathing Installation 
  Asphalt shingles are installed on the roof sheathing, which is a series of wood or oriented strand board (OSB) covering the joists and trusses that make up the roof structure. When the sheathing is installed without a gap to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, this causes rippling in the roof. The same thing will happen if the sheathing is left exposed to the elements without a protective underlayment.

• Wet Underlayment 
  The underlayment refers to the thin, waterproof material installed between the sheathing and asphalt shingles. To ensure proper roof installation, the underlayment has to be completely dry before the shingles are layered over it. Otherwise, the material will wrinkle, causing the shingles to appear wavy instead of flat. Installing asphalt shingles over wet underlayment is an amateur mistake some contractors make. 

• Re-roofing 
  In some cases, homeowners will try to save on their roof installation project by going for a re-roof. Compared to a roof tear-off, which involves the complete removal of the old roofing system before a new one is installed in its place, a re-roof has the contractor installing a new layer of asphalt shingles over the old one. That extra layer not only leaves the roof looking lumpy and rippled, but can cause poor attic ventilation and result in a voided roof warranty.

The Leading Roofer in Winnebago County

Aside from superior gutter protection services, Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC can also take care of your residential roofing needs. Look no further for top-tier solutions you’d be happy to recommend to a friend. Schedule a roof evaluation today by calling (815) 964-2220 or filling out this contact form. We proudly serve Rockford, IL, and other areas in Winnebago County.