Some types of roof damage can be tricky to identify. That’s why you should hire professional roofers to carry out regular inspections and maintenance. But if you have noticed some cracks or splits in your asphalt shingles, it pays to know how to differentiate one from the other.
Continue reading to learn more about what causes shingles to crack and split.
Asphalt shingles contain volatiles, which give the shingles their flexible and waterproof qualities. Due to your roof’s exposure to heat and other elements, it’s expected that the shingles will lose these volatiles over time. This is part of roof aging, and it will cause the shingles to become dry, shrink and crack. The cracks typically occur at random areas of the roof – hence, it is also referred to as craze-cracking.
It’s a different story if your roof is new. In this case, the loss of volatiles could be due to a weak mat or low-quality shingles.
An asphalt shingle split occurs due to natural thermal expansion. Asphalt shingles slightly expand in high heat during the day and then shrink during the night. This continuous cycle strains the asphalt shingles and weakens the adhesive strips on the upper part of the shingles. As a result, diagonal splits form on the shingles.
Here’s how to prevent asphalt shingle cracking and splitting:
High-quality roofing shingles go through lengthy design improvements, years of testing and improvements based on specific standards. They’re a worthwhile investment and will last longer than low-quality shingles.
Ensure a qualified contractor will handle your roofing project. This will give you peace of mind and guarantee a long-lasting roof for your home.
Identifying cracks and splits on your roof early allows you to fix the issue before it results in more extensive damage. You can do this through regular roof maintenance and inspections.
If you need top-notch roofing solutions, you can always count on Roof Masters to give you the best roofing services. Call us today at (301) 230-7663, or fill out this contact form to get started. We serve clients in Rockville, MD, and the surrounding areas.