CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Summers in State College, PA, bring warm afternoons, heavy humidity, and plenty of morning dew. While dew on the lawn is harmless, that same moisture settling on your roof each night can quietly weaken your shingles over time. Homeowners are often surprised to learn that the simple cycle of cool, damp mornings followed by hot, sunny afternoons can cause shingles to curl, crack, or lift away from the roof deck.
This process, if ignored, creates opportunities for leaks, mold, and storm damage. Worse, many people mistake shingle lifting as a cosmetic issue rather than a structural one, putting off repairs until problems spread. Understanding how and why summer dew impacts your roof is essential to maintaining its lifespan and protecting your home’s value.
Key Takeaways
- Morning dew combined with rapid daytime heating can cause roof shingles to weaken and lift.
- Shingles that lift are not normal; they indicate adhesive or ventilation issues that should be addressed quickly.
- Homeowners often ask how to fix lifted shingles or how to fix shingles that are lifting, but the right solution depends on the extent of damage.
- A lifting shingle can usually be re-adhered, but widespread lifting is often a sign of age or systemic roof problems.
- Regular inspections, ventilation improvements, and seasonal maintenance can prevent future lifting.
Why Does Summer Dew Lift Roof Shingles?
Moisture is one of the most destructive forces for roofing materials, and morning dew is a consistent source of it during central Pennsylvania summers. Dew collects on roof surfaces during cool evenings, and then as the sun rises, the surface heats rapidly. This daily pattern of wetting and drying stresses the adhesive strip at the base of asphalt shingles, which is designed to keep them sealed flat to the roof deck.
In State College, where early summer mornings are often damp and followed by quick temperature spikes, shingles experience this cycle repeatedly for weeks at a time. Over time, the sealant softens, then fails to reset fully, leaving shingle edges raised.
Several factors make lifting worse:
- Poor attic ventilation that traps moisture and heat
- Old shingles with weak adhesive strips
- Improper installation or inadequate nailing
- Heavy tree cover that keeps roof surfaces damp longer
Once shingles begin lifting, they allow wind to catch underneath. This can break more bonds, escalate damage, and open pathways for water intrusion. Summer dew alone doesn’t destroy a roof, but when combined with heat, age, and poor ventilation, it accelerates roof failure significantly.
How Wind Accelerates Shingle Lifting
While summer dew and heat cycles are leading causes of shingle lifting in State College, wind plays an equally important role. Once shingles begin to separate from the roof deck, even slightly, they create an edge for gusts to catch. Over time, this repeated pressure loosens adhesive bonds further, causing lifting to spread across larger areas of the roof.
Long-term testing from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) highlights just how vulnerable shingles become as they age:
- About 40% of 5-year-old asphalt shingle roofs already showed visible damage.
- At In 10 years, more than 80% of roofs showed damage.
- At 15 years, over 90% had visible wind-related wear.
- Even newer roofs had a 40% chance of damage in winds over 130 mph, climbing to more than 90% by the 10-year mark.
This data shows why lifted shingles should never be ignored. Once a roof edge is compromised, summer storms in central Pennsylvania, with their sudden, gusty winds, can accelerate the problem dramatically.
Homeowners asking how to fix lifted shingles should keep in mind that repairing the damage is only part of the solution. Ensuring the roof can withstand both moisture and wind pressure is just as critical. Without addressing both, the problem is likely to return after the next storm.
Are Shingles Supposed to Lift Up?
It’s a common question from homeowners noticing raised edges on their roofs: Are shingles supposed to lift up? The answer is no. Shingles are designed to remain flat, sealed, and tightly bonded to one another. Even slight lifting should be treated as a warning sign, not something to dismiss as normal.
While very minor lifting can occur temporarily during the curing process of new roofs, shingles should reseal quickly once exposed to summer heat. If they remain lifted or if more shingles begin to raise over time, that indicates a problem.
Persistent lifting can lead to:
- Water infiltration under shingles and into the underlayment
- Faster deterioration of the roof decking and structure
- UV exposure that dries and cracks the underlayers
- Increased risk of shingles blowing off in storms
In climates like central Pennsylvania, where sudden summer storms bring high winds, lifted shingles are particularly vulnerable. They are not supposed to lift, and if they do, repairs should not be delayed.
How to Fix Lifted Shingles
Once lifting is spotted, the next concern is how to fix lifted shingles before leaks or storm damage occur. The repair process depends on how widespread the problem is and what caused it.
For Minor, Isolated Issues
- Apply roofing sealant under the lifted edge.
- Press the shingle firmly back into place until it bonds.
- Secure with roofing nails if needed for reinforcement.
For Moderate Damage
- Remove and replace the affected shingles.
- Inspect the underlayment for water damage.
- Re-seal surrounding shingles to ensure uniform adhesion.
For Severe or Widespread Lifting
- Schedule a professional inspection.
- Identify root causes such as ventilation issues or aging shingles.
- Prepare for a partial or full replacement if lifting is extensive.
While some homeowners attempt DIY fixes, climbing onto the roof is dangerous, and improper use of sealant can make problems worse. Searching “how to fix shingles that are lifting” will give you basic steps, but the best answer is often to have a licensed roofer assess whether repair or replacement is the smarter option.
The goal isn’t only to make shingles lie flat again, but to correct the underlying issue that caused the lifting in the first place.
Preventing Shingle Lifting in State College
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid shingle lifting caused by dew and heat cycles. With Pennsylvania’s combination of humidity and variable temperatures, proactive steps can make a significant difference in roof performance.
Homeowners can reduce risk by:
- Ensuring attic ventilation is balanced with intake and exhaust vents.
- Scheduling professional inspections each spring and fall.
- Cleaning gutters regularly to keep edges free of pooling water.
- Trimming overhanging branches to reduce shade and debris buildup.
- Installing higher-grade architectural shingles during replacement projects.
- Considering reflective coatings to limit heat cycling on shingle surfaces.
These measures not only reduce the likelihood of lifting but also extend the overall life of the roof. Preventive action gives homeowners greater peace of mind and helps avoid costly emergency repairs later.
The Key to Protecting Your Roof This Summer
Summer dew may seem harmless, but in reality, it creates daily cycles of moisture and heat that weaken shingles over time. Once shingles start to lift, they open the door to water infiltration, storm damage, and accelerated wear across the entire roof system. In State College, where heavy summer storms are common, ignoring this problem can quickly lead to expensive repairs.
If you notice shingles lifting, take action. Shingles are not supposed to lift, and once the bond fails, it rarely restores itself. While minor cases may be fixed with sealant or single-shingle replacement, more widespread lifting usually points to deeper issues such as aging materials or poor ventilation. Addressing it promptly ensures that your roof continues to protect your home and prevents problems from compounding.
By learning how to fix lifted shingles and scheduling regular inspections, you can protect your home from avoidable damage. More importantly, you’ll ensure your roof performs the way it should throughout Pennsylvania’s humid summers and stormy weather.
Noticed shingles lifting after summer dew?
Contact Bull Run Roofing to get a professional roof inspection and clear recommendations on repair or replacement tailored to your roof’s condition.