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Fix a roof that has curled shingles

We'll confirm the extent of curling, replace affected shingles, and tell you when to call a roofer.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
30–90 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement shingle (matching)
  • Roofing nails (1 inch or 1.25 inch)
  • Roof cement
  • Flat bar or putty knife
  • Hammer
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Steps

Goal: Confirm curling, assess extent, then replace affected shingles—or call a roofer when needed.

  • Confirm shingles are curled—edges or corners lifting away from the roof.
  • Check the extent: a few curled shingles are replaceable; widespread curling often means the roof is near end of life.
  • Good: Localized curling, safe access. Proceed to Assess extent first.
  • Bad: Widespread curling or unsafe access—call a roofer.

Assess extent first

Goal: Determine whether the damage is localized or widespread.

  • Count curled shingles. Check if attic ventilation may be contributing—blocked soffit or ridge vents can accelerate aging.
  • A few isolated shingles: replace. Widespread curling or roof 20+ years old: call a roofer.
  • Good: Localized damage. Proceed to Replace path.
  • Bad: Widespread—call a roofer.

Check ventilation

Goal: Confirm attic ventilation is not contributing to curling.

  • Check that soffit and ridge vents are not blocked by insulation or debris. Poor ventilation causes heat buildup that accelerates shingle aging.
  • Clear blocked vents if possible. This may slow further curling.
  • Good: Vents are clear. Proceed to Replace path.
  • Bad: Vents are blocked and you cannot clear them—a roofer or contractor can assess.

Replace path

Goal: Replace curled shingles with matching ones.

  • Get a matching replacement shingle from leftover bundles or a roofing supplier.
  • Lift the shingles in the row above the curled one with a flat bar or putty knife. Remove the nails. Slide out the curled shingle.
  • Slide the new shingle into place under the lifted row. Align with shingles on each side. Drive roofing nails through the nail line. Seal nail heads with roof cement.
  • Good: New shingle is flush and sealed.
  • Bad: Cannot match or roof is steep—call a roofer.

When to get help

Call a roofer if:

  • Curling is widespread across the roof.
  • The roof is near end of life (20+ years for asphalt shingles).
  • You cannot safely access the roof.
  • You suspect ventilation or moisture issues that need diagnosis.

Roof work is hazardous. Do not risk a fall.

Verification

  • Curled shingles are replaced with matching ones flush with the surrounding row.
  • Nail heads are sealed with roof cement.
  • No lifted edges at the repair.
  • The repair stays dry after the next rain.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm curling Verify shingles have lifted edges or corners; note the extent.
  2. Check ventilation Confirm soffit and ridge vents are not blocked.
  3. Replace shingles Lift row above, remove nails, slide in replacement, nail and seal.
  4. Call a roofer Widespread curling, old roof, or unsafe access—call a roofer.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Extent of curling (localized or widespread)
  • Attic ventilation condition
  • Roof age and overall condition
  • Steps already tried

Are shingles curled?

Curling is edges or corners lifting away from the roof. Often appears at corners first.

Inspect shingles from the ground or a ladder. Look for lifted edges or corners. Curled: proceed to assess extent. Not curled: roof may be fine—monitor annually.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Monitor annually

If no curling is visible, the roof may be in good shape. Inspect annually for curling, granule loss, or other damage. See fix-roof-leaks if you notice leaks.

Done

Is the curling localized or widespread?

A few curled shingles are replaceable. Widespread curling may mean the roof is near end of life.

Count curled shingles. Localized (a few): proceed to replace. Widespread (many or roof 20+ years old): call a roofer—roof may need replacement.

Localized Widespread

You can change your answer later.

Can you safely access the roof?

Low-pitch and single-story are safer. Steep or high roofs require a roofer.

Check roof pitch and height. Safe access: replace curled shingles. Steep or high: call a roofer. Check attic ventilation—blocked vents can accelerate curling.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace curled shingles

Lift row above, remove nails, slide in replacement, nail and seal.

Lift the shingles above the curled one. Remove the nails. Slide in a matching replacement. Nail through the nail line and seal nail heads with roof cement. Lower the shingles above. Good: shingle flush and sealed. Bad: cannot match or fit—call a roofer.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Repair complete

Shingle replaced and sealed. Check after the next rain. Inspect annually for new curling. If curling continues, call a roofer.

Done

Call a roofer

Call a roofer if: curling is widespread, the roof is near end of life, you cannot safely access the roof, or you suspect ventilation issues. Roof work is hazardous—do not risk a fall.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why do roof shingles curl?
Curling comes from age (shingles dry out and shrink), moisture trapped under shingles, or poor attic ventilation causing heat buildup. Defective shingles can curl prematurely. Once curled, shingles are more likely to crack or blow off.
Can I fix curled shingles myself?
Yes, for a few curled shingles—replace them with matching ones. Lift the row above, remove nails, slide in the new shingle, nail and seal. Do not go on a steep or wet roof—call a roofer.
When should I call a roofer for curled shingles?
Call a roofer if curling is widespread across the roof, the roof is near end of life (20+ years for asphalt shingles), you cannot safely access the roof, or you suspect ventilation or moisture issues that need diagnosis.

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