Do you see some sort of cracks or lines running on the surface of your asphalt shingle roof? You might be dealing with either cracked or split shingles. They look the same at a glance, but these two forms of shingle damage are different in many ways. Local residential and commercial roofing contractor Hinkle Roofing explains the differences between the two.
What Is Shingle Cracking?
Volatiles or chemicals with a low boiling point are added to the asphalt mix during the manufacturing process to give the shingles flexibility and waterproofing capabilities. However, weathering as a result of long-term exposure to the elements can cause the roofing materials to lose these volatiles. Over time, the asphalt shingles dry, shrink and crack.
Roofing companies point to aging as the most common cause for asphalt shingle cracking. Thermal expansion creates smaller tears at a time, which is why the cracks are usually shallow. These, however, aren’t only limited to old shingles. Even fairly new ones may also have this problem, especially if the materials have a weak asphalt base or have too much filler material mixed during manufacturing.
What Is Shingle Splitting?
Shingle splitting also occurs due to long-term elemental exposure. However, the difference between the two issues lies in the depth of the fissures. While cracked shingles are only surface-deep, splitting shingles are characterized by deep gaps that go all the way through the material. This means that shingle layers pull themselves apart as they expand and contract under fluctuating temperatures.
When splitting happens, the joints in between the shingles become too stressed. It also reduces the effectiveness of the adhesives underneath the material, exposing your roof to the damaging effects of moisture intrusion. Strong winds may also lead to split shingles being blown off.
How to Prevent Cracking and Splitting
To make sure that your asphalt shingles will not crack or split, choose high-quality roofing materials that can withstand the elements for the majority of their service life. Working with an experienced residential and commercial roofing contractor is also crucial to ensuring proper roof installation and maintenance.
Hinkle Roofing is the roofing contractor homeowners in Jefferson and Shelby Counties trust for their asphalt shingle needs. We are a GAF Master Elite® roofer, which means we are able to install the industry’s finest products. To learn more about your options, call us at (205) 324-8545 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate.
