Can you fix curling shingles?

Yes, you can fix curling shingles, but the repair is usually temporary unless you address the underlying cause and the curling is limited to a few shingles. For minor curling where shingles are still flexible and not cracked, you can flatten them on a warm day when the asphalt is pliable. Lift the curled edge carefully, apply a liberal amount of roofing cement or asphalt sealant underneath with a putty knife, extending beyond the curled area, and press the shingle down firmly. Place a heavy object like a brick or board on top for 24 hours to hold it flat while the cement cures. If needed, add an extra roofing nail just above the curl, and seal the nail head with roofing cement. This method can extend life by 1 to 3 years. However, if curling is widespread, severe, or shingles are brittle, cupped, or clawed, fixing is not effective because curling indicates the shingle has lost its oils, the mat is deteriorating, or the attic has poor ventilation causing heat buildup. In those cases, replacement is the only long-term solution. Attempting to fix extensively curled shingles in cold weather will likely crack them. Always correct ventilation issues before installing new shingles to prevent recurrence.