Wood Shingle Curling Repair: What You Need to Know

Curling wood shingles are more than a cosmetic problem—they can lead to water leaks, mold, and costly repairs if ignored. If you’re a homeowner in Colorado seeing curled or warped shingles on your cedar roof, it’s time to take action.

Here’s a simple breakdown of why curling happens, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from coming back.

What Causes Wood Shingles to Curl?

Curling typically happens when the shingles dry unevenly or absorb too much moisture. In Colorado, the intense sun, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate this wear.

Common causes:

• Age: Older shingles lose flexibility and begin to warp.

• Improper ventilation: Excess attic moisture can affect shingle performance.

• Poor installation: Shingles not laid flat or fastened incorrectly are more likely to curl.

• Sun exposure: South- and west-facing slopes dry out faster, leading to cupping or curling.

• Inconsistent moisture: If one side of the shingle stays wet, it can expand unevenly.

How to Repair Curling Wood Shingles

1. Inspect the Damage

Start by checking if the curling is minor (edges lifting slightly) or severe (shingle edges turned up and cracking).

2. Rehydrate Minor Curls

If the shingle isn’t cracked, soak it with water and weigh it down for 24–48 hours to flatten it. Only works in early-stage curling.

3. Apply Roof Cement

For moderately curled shingles:

• Lift the curled edge carefully.

• Apply a small amount of roof cement or construction adhesive.

• Press it down and weigh it or nail it with a non-corrosive shingle nail.

4. Replace Severely Curled or Cracked Shingles

If the shingles are split or brittle, replacement is best:

• Use a slate ripper to remove nails and the damaged shingle.

• Slide in a new cedar shingle of matching grade and thickness.

• Nail it just above the butt line of the shingle below.

• Seal the nail heads with roofing sealant.

Tip: Always match the wood type (typically Western Red Cedar in Colorado) and exposure pattern for consistent appearance and weathering.

Preventing Shingle Curling

A strong roof starts with proper design and maintenance. Here's how to reduce future curling:

• Ensure attic ventilation is balanced: Poor airflow is one of the biggest causes of shingle damage.

• Use Certi-Label™ cedar shingles: Products from the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau are third-party inspected for quality.

• Apply water-repellent preservatives: Especially helpful in high-moisture areas.

• Install shingles with the correct exposure and fasteners: Fasten with corrosion-resistant nails and follow CSSB installation specs.

• Schedule regular roof inspections: Every 2–3 years or after severe storms.

FAQ

What’s the difference between cupping and curling shingles?

Cupping refers to shingles bending inward, while curling means the edges are lifting outward. Both signal moisture imbalance or aging.

Can curled shingles be glued down?

Yes, but only if they’re still flexible and not cracked. Use a high-grade roof adhesive or sealant.

Should I repair or replace my curling wood shingles?

If more than 20–30% of shingles are curled or brittle, full replacement is more cost-effective.

What’s the lifespan of a cedar shingle roof in Colorado?

With proper installation and maintenance, expect 25–30 years. Roofs at higher elevations or with harsh sun exposure may age faster.

Need Professional Help?

If your roof has multiple curling shingles or you’re unsure about what’s causing the issue, reach out to Roof Nuts Colorado.

We specialize in cedar shake and shingle roof repair across:

Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Arvada, Pueblo, and nearby cities.

📞 Call us at 303-276-2403
🌐 Visit RoofNutsCO.com

Let’s fix your roof the right way—so you don’t have to worry the next time the wind kicks up.