Asphalt roofing shingles are by far the most common residential roofing material in use today. In fact, it is estimated that four out of every five North American homes are protected by an asphalt shingle roof. But as great as they are, asphalt shingles do come with their own set of issues, and two of the most common are cracking and splitting. While they may sound like the same thing, they are actually not.
Shingle Cracking
When asphalt shingles are produced, roofing manufacturers use volatiles in the asphalt mix. Volatile substances refer to gases or chemicals with a low boiling point and can evaporate to form a vapor. These volatiles are what make asphalt shingles flexible and waterproof.
Over time, your shingles lose volatiles due to evaporation, moisture and aging. When this happens, your shingles can shrink and become cracked. When the cracking becomes too extensive, your residential roof replacement company may recommend that you get a new roof.
Shingle Splitting
Thermal splitting, on the other hand, occurs due to changes in outside temperatures. Asphalt shingles expand in warm temperatures, causing the joints between them to decrease in size, and shrink in cold temperatures, causing the joints to become larger. This constant shrinking and expansion puts a lot of stress on your shingles and decreases the effectiveness of their adhesive strips. When the adhesive strips weaken enough, splitting may occur, either in a diagonal pattern or randomly throughout the entire roof.
Whether you are in need of minor roof repair services or are looking for a skilled contractor to install a brand-new roof, we’ve got you covered! Give Crown Roofing LTD a call at (604) 370-6288 to schedule an appointment with one of our experts today. Alternatively, you may fill out our contact form to request a free quote.