Why Are My Shingles Lifting at the Edges?

You’re out in the yard, maybe washing your car or putting tools away, when you glance up and notice it — a few shingles along the roofline are curling or starting to lift. It doesn’t look terrible yet, but that little wave or curl is your roof’s way of asking for help.

At Robb’s Roofing, we see this all the time across Tacoma and the greater Puget Sound area. It usually starts small, then grows after a few windstorms or months of rain. What’s the good news? If you catch it early, you can often avoid a full roof replacement.

Common Reasons Shingles Start Lifting

Shingles don’t just lift for one reason. In most Tacoma homes, it’s a mix of weather and wear-and-tear. The main culprits include:

• Wind damage – Gusts catch shingle corners, breaking the adhesive seal underneath. Once air gets in, it keeps pulling.
• Poor attic ventilation – Trapped heat and humidity rise from the home, baking the roof from underneath and drying out adhesives.
• Aging shingles – Over time, asphalt loses flexibility and oils, especially in our damp, windy climate.
• Improper installation – Nails set too high or adhesives applied in cold weather never bond correctly.

Quick Guide

Quick answer: Wind damage, poor ventilation, or aging adhesive strips.

Try this: Check attic airflow and reseal any loose shingles you can reach safely.

Stop signs: Lifting or curling across large roof sections — often means it’s nearing end-of-life.

Typical cost: Small repairs $300–$800; full replacement $10,000–$18,000, depending on material and size.

How Tacoma Weather Makes It Worse

Puget Sound’s mix of rain, wind, and mild temperatures is tough on roofs. Here’s why:

• Constant moisture keeps shingles damp, softening the seal that holds them flat.
• Salt-laden air near the Sound eats away at adhesives faster than inland areas.
• Moss and algae growth trap even more moisture under lifted corners.
• Freeze-thaw cycles expand small gaps during winter, pulling shingles up further.
• Once lifting starts, water finds its way under the edges. Then wood decking begins to swell, and what was once a tiny repair turns into a full roof job.

How to Spot the Problem Early

You don’t need to climb the roof — just take a slow look from the ground:

• Shingles that look uneven, wavy, or lifted at the edges
• Bits of roofing granules in gutters or downspouts
• A faint musty smell or dampness in the attic after storms
• Visible daylight peeking through roof boards

If you see any of these, it’s time to call a professional before the next big storm makes it worse.

Our Approach at Robb’s Roofing

When you call us for a shingle inspection, we:

• Check for wind-lifted or heat-damaged shingles.
• Inspect attic ventilation and moisture levels.
• Look for hidden leaks or wood rot.
• Give you a clear plan — whether it’s resealing a few shingles or replacing a section.

Call Robb’s Roofing at (253) 820-2163 for a full inspection. We’ll track down the cause, handle repairs the right way, and keep your roof watertight through every Tacoma season.