Cracks and splits are common types of damage that occur on asphalt shingles. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to more serious problems since such gaps can expose your roof’s sheathing and make it susceptible to water damage. Cracking and splitting, however, are the result of different circumstances. It’s important for your roofer to know such distinctions as these will enable them to determine the appropriate repair.
Splitting
Splitting is usually caused by temperature changes, and it occurs in a diagonal pattern or randomly throughout the roof. When the temperature is warm, the shingles tend to expand and the joints between the shingles decrease in size. When it is cold, the joints become bigger.
The roof shingles that connect the underlying joints tend to shrink, and the bridging shingles become stressed. These conditions eventually impact the effectiveness of the adhesive strips, causing the shingles to split. Once splits are present in your asphalt shingles, your roof becomes at risk of leaks and wind damage.
Cracking
Cracking is generally caused by moisture or roof aging. Cracking due to roof aging is more common in organic or fiberglass shingles, but having excessive fillers in the asphalt mix could also result in this type of problem. So, if your roof is relatively new, the cracks are possibly a sign of a weak mat or subpar shingles.
In other cases, the shingles lose volatiles due to moisture or evaporation. When this happens, the shingles dry up, shrink and develop cracks. These volatiles are chemicals included in the asphalt mix, and their main purpose is to make the shingles flexible and waterproof. Without a sufficient amount of volatiles in your asphalt shingles, your roof would be less flexible and more prone to cracking.
Goodrich Roofing is a reputable expert on residential and commercial roofing. Our team is also knowledgeable and experienced in handling wind and hail damage. To learn more about our services, you can call us at (505) 219-4450 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Albuquerque and other nearby areas.