What Causes Roof Shingles to Buckle? (6 Factors & Fixes)
If you’re dealing with roof issues and wondering what causes roof shingles to buckle, you’re not alone. Buckled shingles are a common problem in both new and aging roofs, and they’re often a sign of underlyingissues that need to be addressed before more serious damage occurs.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
The most common causes of shingle buckling on residential roofs.
How to fix the problem once it appears.
What you can do to prevent buckling in the future.
Let’s break down why this issue happens—and what Montana homeowners should know before it worsens.
⚠️ Why Buckled Shingles Are a Serious Problem
While some roofing imperfections are harmless,buckled shingles can lead to functional and aesthetic issues if left unchecked.
Water intrusion risks: Raised shingles create gaps where water can leak into your underlayment or decking.
Shingle blow-off potential: Buckled areas are more vulnerable to wind uplift during Montana storms.
Reduced curb appeal: Buckled or warped shingles create visible waves or wrinkles that make your roof appear older or poorly maintained.
👉 3 Signs Your Shingles Are Buckling
Not sure if what you’re seeing is buckling? Keep an eye out for these red flags that typically show up on sloped asphalt shingle roofs.
1. Raised or Wavy Lines
Shingles may lift in long vertical ridges or waves.
The pattern often follows seams in the decking or underlayment.
2. Wrinkling or Bubbling
Individual shingles may appear swollen or have a blistered surface.
Edges may curl upward, even if the center remains attached.
3. Isolated vs. Widespread Areas
Buckling may occur in one area (such as over a ridge) or across multiple sections of the roof.
Larger affected areas often signal a systemic installation or ventilation problem.
💧 6 Reasons Roof Shingles Buckle (and How to Fix Them)
Understanding what causes roof shingles to buckle starts with identifying what’s happening underneath the surface.
Moisture in the roof decking: Wood sheathing that was installed damp or has absorbed moisture can expand and cause buckling. Fix: Replace any water-damaged decking and ensure dry conditions before installing new materials. Moisture in the roof decking often relates to improper roof sheathing thickness, which can cause expansion and buckling.
Improperly installed underlayment: Wrinkled or loosely applied underlayment can push shingles upward over time. Fix: Remove the affected section, reapply flat underlayment, and reinstall the shingles.
Poor attic ventilation: Heat and moisture buildup inside the attic can warp decking and break down shingle adhesion. Fix: Improve airflow through ridge vents, soffits, or gable vents to maintain a balanced attic climate. In some cases, ventilation and slope design go hand in hand. Understanding minimum slope requirements for metal roofs can also prevent similar installation issues.
Installing new shingles over old ones: This practice can trap heat and moisture, causing the new layer to distort. Fix: Remove the old shingles and inspect the decking before installing a new system.
Use of mismatched materials: Shingles and underlayment from different manufacturers may not work together correctly. Fix: Use a complete roofing system from one brand or match specs carefully to avoid expansion or adhesion issues.
Fastening problems: Nails that are overdriven or underdriven can allow shingles to shift and lift. Fix: Re-nail the affected shingles properly, ensuring they sit flush and secure.
❗️ When Is Buckling Normal (and When Is It Not)?
Some minor buckling may appear shortly after installation—especially in cooler temperatures—but should go away once the roof has had time to settle.
Normal buckling: Light ripples that resolve within 1–2 weeks during warm, sunny weather.
Problematic buckling: Areas that remain lifted after exposure to heat or worsen over time signal a deeper issue.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to schedule a professional roof inspection to assess the cause and determine whether repairs are needed.
❌ What Happens If You Ignore It?
Buckled shingles may seem like a cosmetic problem at first, but they can lead to long-term roofing issues—especially in a state like Montana where weather is unpredictable.
Leak development: Water can enter at lifted edges and soak into the underlayment or decking.
Ice dam formation: In winter, buckled shingles can disrupt water flow and contribute to ice dams. Winter conditions can quickly worsen buckling problems, sometimes requiring professional ice dam removal in Kalispell.
Material breakdown: Warped shingles can dry out faster or split in high UV conditions.
Higher roof repair costs: Fixing minor buckling early is far more cost-effective than replacing an entire section due to water damage.
⭐️ How to Prevent Shingle Buckling on New Roofs
Whether you’re installing a new roof or re-roofing your current home, these tips help prevent buckling from the start.
Let decking acclimate: If new plywood or OSB is delivered to the site, let it adjust to outdoor humidity before installation.
Install underlayment correctly: Smooth application without wrinkles or folds ensures shingles lie flat.
Use ventilation properly: Balanced intake and exhaust reduce internal moisture buildup and help the roof breathe.
Hire a qualified roofing contractor: An experienced installer will follow manufacturer guidelines and spot problems before they begin. Hiring a qualified contractor that follows a proven roof installation process is one of the best ways to prevent buckling from the start.
Schedule regular maintenance: Annual inspections can catch early signs of warping, moisture infiltration, or fastener issues.
🤝 Why Montana Roofing Solutions Is the Contractor You Can Trust
At Montana Roofing Solutions, we know what causes roof shingles to buckle—and more importantly, how to stop it before it turns into bigger damage. Whether you’re seeing wavy shingles on a new roof or need a second opinion on a past installation, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re seeing early signs of buckling or just want an inspection, our roofing services in Lakeside are here to help
If you’ve noticed signs of buckling—or just want a professional to take a look—Montana Roofing Solutions is here to help. We’ll diagnose the issue, explain your options, and make sure your roof is ready for the next season.
