You just had a brand-new roof installed, and everything looked greatâuntil you noticed shingles lifting, curling, or flapping in the wind. That sinking feeling is real, especially when you’ve just invested thousands into your home. So what gives?
New shingles shouldnât liftâat least not within the first few years. If they are, itâs usually a sign of improper installation, weather issues, or material defects. Hereâs a breakdown of the most common causes and what Alberta homeowners can do to fix the problem before it leads to bigger damage.
đš 1. Improper Installation
The most common cause of new shingles lifting is poor workmanship. Unfortunately, even premium shingles will fail if theyâre not installed correctly.
Key mistakes include:
- Nailing too high or too few nails per shingle
- Improper alignment, leaving edges exposed
- Skipping the manufacturerâs sealing guidelines
- Installing in cold or windy weather, preventing adhesive tabs from bonding
Solution: A professional roofer should follow the manufacturerâs nailing pattern, use the correct number of nails, and install shingles during appropriate weather conditionsâideally between 10°C and 26°C.
đŹïž 2. Wind Damage Before Sealing
New shingles have adhesive strips that seal when warmed by the sun over several days. If strong winds hit your home before that seal forms, the shingles may:
- Flap in the wind
- Lift from the edges
- Break the adhesive bond entirely
Pro Tip: If a windstorm occurs within the first 48â72 hours of installation, and the roof wasnât properly sealed or protected, damage can happen even with perfect installation.
đĄïž 3. Cold-Weather Installation
In Alberta, fall and early spring roof installs are commonâbut tricky. In cold weather:
- Seal strips take much longer to activate
- Shingles can become brittle and crack when nailed
- Adhesive may not bond properly at all
Fix: Roofers can hand-seal each shingle in colder months using roofing cement, but many skip this time-consuming step unless requested.
𧱠4. Poor Ventilation and Moisture Issues
Attic moisture and heat buildup can warp your roof deck, causing new shingles to appear lifted or buckled.
Warning signs:
- Humid attic air
- Inadequate soffit or ridge vents
- Shingles lifting near valleys or ridges
Solution: Make sure your attic has proper intake and exhaust ventilation per Alberta Building Code. This helps maintain consistent roof temperature and extends shingle life.
𧰠5. Defective Shingle Material
While rare, defective batches of shingles can cause issues like:
- Inconsistent adhesion
- Curling edges even when properly installed
- Accelerated wear in direct sunlight
What to do: Contact your roofing contractor or the manufacturer. Most reputable brands offer warranties that cover material failure within the first 10â30 years.
đ· 6. Layering Over Old Shingles (Re-Roofing)
If your contractor didnât remove the old shingles and just layered the new ones over top, your roof may be uneven. This can cause:
- Poor sealing
- Nail pops
- Lifting at transition lines and edges
Fix: Full tear-offs are always recommended for long-term performance, especially in Albertaâs freeze-thaw climate.
đ ïž What You Should Do Now
- Document the problem with photos or videos
- Contact your roofing contractor immediately if your roof is still under warranty
- Schedule an inspection by a third-party roofer if you’re unsure about the cause
- Avoid walking on the roofâloose shingles can shift underfoot and worsen the issue
- Donât waitâlifting shingles can lead to leaks, rot, and blown-off sections during storms
Final Thoughts
If your new shingles are lifting, itâs not something to ignore. Whether itâs a workmanship error, weather issue, or a ventilation problem, the damage will only get worse over timeâespecially in Albertaâs unforgiving climate.
A reliable roofing contractor should stand behind their work. If they wonât, a second opinion from a trusted Alberta roofer could save you from expensive repairs down the road.