Shingle Cracking and Splitting: Is There a Difference?

Weather can damage your asphalt shingle roofing in different ways. High winds, for example, can loosen or tear off the shingles, while hail storms can dent them and knock off their protective granules. Exposure to weather can also cause your shingles to crack or split, increasing the potential of roof leaks. But is there actually a difference between shingle cracking and splitting? The short answer is, YES. The Great American Roofing Company, the trusted roof replacement expert in the area, expounds on it here.

Shingle Cracking

To make the shingles flexible and waterproof, chemicals with a low boiling point, called volatiles, are added to the asphalt mix. But as the shingles age, the asphalt also starts losing their volatiles. This results in dryness, cracking, and shrinkage in the material. Aging is the most common reason for shingle cracking, but this problem may also occur in fairly new shingles if they have a weak mat, or when too much filler material is mixed with the asphalt.

Shingle Splitting

Your shingles may start splitting due to expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating temperatures. Since they expand when it’s hot and shrink when it’s cold, the underlying joints between the shingles become stressed. This also lowers the effectiveness of their adhesive strips. Once the shingles split, they become more susceptible to roof leak and wind uplift.

What You Should Do

Just turn to a trusted local roofing contractor, like the Great American Roofing Company, for a comprehensive inspection. Our team has the necessary skills and experience to accurately determine the overall condition of your roof. Depending on the severity of shingle cracking and splitting in the system, we’ll either recommend restoration or replacement. Either way, you can count on us to deliver only the best results in your roofing project.

When it comes to high-quality roof repair and replacement, look no further than The Great American Roofing Company. With our exceptional products and professional team, we’ll make sure your roof can deliver the reliable and lasting weather protection you expect. We proudly serve the areas in and around Upper Saddle River, NJ. Call us today at (201) 825-2955 or fill out this contact form to schedule your roof evaluation.