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Asphalt Shingle Cracks and Splits: Overview, Solutions and Prevention

July 23, 2022

Asphalt shingle roofs are greatly popular because they're affordable and efficient. They can withstand heavy rain, the heat of summer, and the cold of winter. Missing shingles after a storm are easy to replace because hardware suppliers carry most top roof material brands. Lastly, every roofer in your local area can easily repair or replace them due to their long-term familiarity with the material.

Unfortunately, asphalt shingles will suffer from severe damage over time due to their age and wear. Their granules will erode and expose the core material to the sun. The excess UV absorption can cause blisters, eventually causing water leaks to your property. 

Before we learn how to prevent asphalt shingle cracks and splits, let's know more about how these two happen.

Cracks: Loss of Granules

Cracked asphalt shingles occur because it has lost the protective granules or volatiles that give the roof its color and protect it against excessive UV absorption simultaneously.

Asphalt shingle roofs have special protective volatile chemicals in the form of granules. Excess amounts of these embedded granules can erode over the gutter, but there's enough to protect it against weather hazards. Over time, the embedded granules will run out, exposing the asphalt shingle material to UV rays and shrinking it. The shingles' reduced size causes them to crack.

Splits: Joints Shrinking and Expanding

Shingles have diagonal-line splits because the upper adhesive that holds the asphalt material together has finally worn off due to the joint's consistent shrinking and expanding.

Asphalt shingles thermally transform due to changing temperatures. Expansion forces the joints below them to increase in size. When contracting, the joints start decreasing in size. The repeated transformations will weaken the upper surface adhesive strips holding the asphalt material, manifesting into diagonal split formations.

Solutions

Replace Damaged Shingles

Your trusted asphalt shingle roofers will recommend replacing any missing shingles they find during inspections. This is an affordable way to repair and restore its integrity without tearing off your entire roof.

Replace Entire Roof

Your roofer will recommend replacing the entire roof if more than 60% of it has significantly lost shingles during a cyclone. In case your roof has the same number of shingles damaged after a storm, they will require you to replace your entire asphalt shingle roof.

Prevention

Here are the best ways to maintain your roof and prevent cracks and splits.

Regular Maintenance

Roofing professionals who regularly maintain your roof can brief you on its current condition. They have a full record of your roof's current performance and dependability. With this data, they can take action by conducting minor repairs and adjusting your roof materials and sheathing.

Proper Installation Temperature

Asphalt shingles require stable temperatures, preferably the cool sunny days during the first week of summer, to ensure the materials are of the right size. They need enough space from each other to expand during summer and contract during winter.

Certified Roofer Installations

Only trust manufacturer-certified roofers to install your asphalt shingles. These certified roofers fully understand the best way to install the system that allows it to last longer and achieve outstanding performance.

You can always trust SJ Winn Construction to provide top residential roof installations. Allow us to help you by calling us today or using our contact form to talk to us.

CONTACT INFORMATION

156 Torrington Rd., Winsted,
Connecticut 06098

Phone: 860-379-8863
Email: sjwinnconstruction@gmail.com

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