Asphalt Shingle Roof Cracking

Inspecting the roof from the ground even with good binoculars can t show all roof damage types and conditions.

Asphalt shingle roof cracking.

Common asphalt shingle failure factors include improper storage and handling of the asphalt shingles before installation improper nailing improper flashing which pertains to any roofing material and defective asphalt shingle product material leading to thermal splitting cracking blistering staining and in some cases curling or cupping shingles. Crazed cracking is the result of the normal deterioration of the asphalt coating of the shingles from aging over the years. Loss of volatiles causes asphalt to dry shrink and crack. A crack on the other hand is usually limited to the surface of the shingle.

This problem affects the waterproof integrity of your roof. Loss of volatiles can cause craze cracking. Some types of damage can cause granule loss. Signature exteriors discusses thermal splitting and cracking and the impact this can cause on your roof.

Cracking may also occur because of stress shingle movement caused by high winds and deck movement. As we warn at asphalt shingle failure types if conditions prevented the home inspector from direct access onto the roof or at least a look from a ladder set against the roof edge shingle damage cracks and splits such as that shown in own photo at left could have been difficult or even impossible to spot. Another problem with asphalt shingles is surface cracking especially when it is premature. So if your roof is older and some surface cracks don t completely split or tear through the shingles it s most likely because the shingles are older.

Over time wind roof stresses thermal movement and deck movement aid in a shingle cracking. This means that keeping the shingles cool will help slow the loss of volatiles and extend the length of the shingles long term service life. Thermal splitting typically involves a cut running down the entire shingle. This sometimes happens when your roof has hail damage.

Asphalt shingles are covered with granules which help the roof shed water and protect it from damage including uv rays and fire. Thermal tearing happens when extreme temperature changes cause the shingles to crack or split completely. Unfortunately once a roof has raised shingles there is no way to fix it and the only solution is to replace the entire roof. Thermal splitting or tearing.

It s caused by forces similar to those that create shrinkage cracks in concrete and mud. Thermal splitting and cracking. You might notice bare patches on the shingles when you inspect them. Heat speeds this process because it increases the rate at which volatiles evaporate.

Asphalt used in the manufacture of shingles has compounds that are designed to keep shingles waterproof and flexible. As strong winds hit the roof the shingles can get lifted and even possibly torn off the roof. When the asphalt material dries shrinks and weathers from normal exposure to water and sunlight it is randomly stretched. What you want to look out for is any premature cracking on a newer shingle roof.