Homeowner Guide

Why Are Shingles Lifting on My Roof?

Shingles that are curling at the edges, lifting in the wind, or look loose are a pattern we see often in Colorado Springs, where strong downslope winds off the Front Range put a different kind of stress on roofing than most of the rest of the state deals with.

Why This Shows Up So Often Here Specifically

Colorado Springs's wind patterns — including strong, sustained downslope (chinook-style) winds that can hit well above typical gusts elsewhere in El Paso County — are genuinely harder on shingle adhesion than steadier wind conditions. Combined with intense high-altitude UV exposure that accelerates asphalt aging and dries out the sealant strips that hold shingles flat, it's a real combination that shows up as lifting and curling faster here than in lower-altitude, less wind-exposed parts of the state.

• Wind uplift — repeated strong gusts can work shingle edges loose over time, especially on the windward side of a roof
• Sealant strip failure — the adhesive strip that bonds each shingle to the one below it degrades faster under intense UV and repeated thermal cycling
• Aging or lower-quality shingles — older roofs or lower wind-rated shingle products are more prone to lifting under Colorado Springs's specific wind exposure
• Improper original installation — shingles installed without adequate nailing pattern or sealant activation are more vulnerable to wind lift from day one

Why It's Worth Addressing Early

A lifted shingle isn't just a cosmetic issue — once the seal is broken, wind-driven rain and snow can get underneath it, and each subsequent wind event tends to lift it further rather than reseal on its own. Catching lifted or curling shingles early, before they tear off completely or let water reach the decking underneath, is meaningfully cheaper than waiting until it becomes an active leak.