A "lifted" or "curling" shingle edge might not seem like an immediate catastrophe compared to a gaping hole in your roof. However, in Coastal Georgia, lifted shingles act like wind-sails. The next high-velocity squall coming off the Wilmington River will catch that lifted edge, violently tear the shingle back, and expose the vulnerable underlayment beneath.
Diagnosing and fixing lifted shingle edges quickly is one of the most effective ways to prolong the life of your roof. Here is Talya Roofing's guide to addressing this common Savannah roofing issue.
🔍 Why Do Shingles Lift in Savannah?
- ✓ Thermal Shock: The intense swing between 100°F baked afternoons and sudden 60°F thunderstorms causes rapid expansion and contraction.
- ✓ Improper Nailing: If a previous contractor nailed too high on the shingle (missing the nail zone), the bottom edge won't seal correctly.
- ✓ Attic Heat Blistering: Poor attic ventilation essentially "cooks" the shingles from underneath, causing the edges to curl upward.
- ✓ Age: Over a 15-20 year lifespan, volatile asphalt oils dry out, causing shingles to warp naturally.
How to Safely Fix a Lifted Edge (The DIY Approach)
If you only have one or two lightly lifted shingles, sealing them back down is a manageable weekend project.
What You Need:
- A standard caulking gun.
- A tube of wet/dry Asphalt Plastic Roofing Cement (Polyurethane roof sealants also work well).
- A putty knife or flat trowel.
- A heavy brick or sandbag (wrapped in a towel).
The 4-Step Sealing Process:
- Clean the Area: Gently lift the curling shingle (do not force it, or it will snap). Use a small brush to sweep out any pine needles, dirt, or loose granules from underneath. A clean surface is mandatory for the adhesive to bond.
- Apply the Cement: Using your caulking gun, apply three quarter-sized dabs of roofing cement underneath the shingle tab. Stay exactly one inch away from the bottom edge so the cement doesn't squeeze out visibly when pressed.
- Press and Hold: Press the shingle down firmly. If the shingle is stiff, you may need to apply sustained weight. Wrap a brick or a heavy paver in an old towel (so as not to crush the protective granules) and let it rest on the shingle for 24 hours.
- Clean Up: If any black tar oozes out the front edge, immediately scrape it off with an old putty knife. Tar left exposed to UV light will break down rapidly.
When Curling Means It's Game Over
It is vital to understand the difference between an isolated lifted shingle and systemic failure. If you stand in your driveway and notice that dozens of shingles match the description of "potato-chipping" or curling inward at the edges across the entire slope, do not get on the roof with a tube of caulk.
Widespread curling means the asphalt has completely dried out. The shingles are now incredibly brittle. Just walking on them to attempt a repair will crack them like stepping on dry autumn leaves. This is a definitive sign that your property requires an immediate roof replacement before the next coastal storm season.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 Shingles lifting slightly | Failed factory sealant / high nails | Spot repair with roofing cement. |
| Curling across whole sections | Severe age / UV oil depletion | Full roof replacement required. |
| Cupping in the middle of shingle | Attic ventilation failure (baking) | Replace roof + upgrade ridge vents. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular exterior silicone caulk?
No. Standard silicone and acrylic caulks break down quickly under intense UV exposure and do not bond properly with asphalt. You must use specialized asphalt plastic cement or polyurethane roofing sealants.
Will my insurance cover lifted shingles?
If the lifting was caused by a specific, recent windstorm (like a named hurricane triggering uplift), it may be covered under a roof insurance claim. However, if the lifting is due to age or poor installation, insurance will classify it as "wear and tear" and deny the claim.