Shingle Cracking Vs. Splitting: What’s The Difference?
Cracking and splitting are common problems with asphalt shingles. Left unaddressed, they can give rise to leaks, necessitating roof repair or replacement. Roofing damage may look all the same to you, but shingle cracking and splitting actually differ. How?
One of the most trusted residential and commercial roofing contractors , Larry Walty Roofing & Guttering Inc., explains how these two problems differ from one another.
Shingle Cracking
Asphalt shingles contain chemicals called volatiles with low boiling points, added to waterproof shingles to make them flexible. Over time, shingles lose volatiles because of aging and moisture loss. This leads to cracking and shrinking, which can be exacerbated by heat. In a new roofing system, cracking may be a sign of low-quality shingles or a weak mat.
Shingle Splitting
Temperature fluctuations are the main cause of shingle splitting. Warm temperatures typically cause the shingles to expand. The joints between the shingles then decrease in size. When the temperature is cold, the shingles contract causing the joints to become bigger.
How Are They Different?
- Appearance
- Both split and cracked shingles are characterized by lines along the surface of individual shingles. However, splitting is characterized by deep gaps that go all the way through a shingle. On the other hand, shingle cracks are usually just surface-deep.
- Cause
- According to roof repair service providers, splitting happens when thermal expansion causes the different layers of a shingle to literally pull themselves apart from each other because one of the layers is secured by a fastener.
- On the other hand, cracking is caused by more gradual wear and tear, with thermal expansion creating smaller tears at a time, so the cracks are more shallow.
- Degree of Damage
Splitting and cracking differ in terms of depth. They also pose different degrees of danger to the roof. Splitting creates a passageway for water, which leads straight to the more vulnerable parts of the roof.
On the other hand, cracking causes the entire surface of the shingle to weaken, possibly causing the shingle to buckle or get dislodged later on.
Larry Walty Roofing & Guttering Inc. is a residential and commercial roof repair service expert that provides expert gutter, window and siding replacement. We pour concrete and offer exterior painting services. Whatever you need for your home or business, we can help. As a licensed commercial roofer, we also accept all insurance claims and will work with your adjuster to help make sure your claim is properly covered. Call 662-488-5149 or complete our contact form today. We serve clients in Wichita, KS.
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