Cracked Vs. Split Shingles: Knowing Their Differences

Proper maintenance should be conducted regularly to ensure that your roofing system is in its top form. That means keeping it free of debris and addressing any minor issue that may lead to more damage down the road. Part of the maintenance check done by professional roofers is determining what type of damage your asphalt shingle has sustained so that they’ll know how to make the right kind of repairs. Today, we talk about the difference between split and cracked shingles.

Asphalt shingles are available in two types. One is fiberglass-based and is manufactured with a mat or substrate that’s composed of glass fibers of different lengths and orientations. The base is saturated with a formulated asphalt coating and surfaced with a layer of weather-resistant mineral granules. The other asphalt shingle type is organic-based and is manufactured with a mat or substrate made from cellulose fibers and recyclable materials. This includes recycled waste paper and wood fibers. A specially formulated asphalt coating is then applied to the organic base along with weather-resistant mineral granules. 

• Split shingles – Also known as thermal splitting, this type of damage occurs due to constant expansion and contraction under prolonged temperature fluctuations. During the summer months, shingles tend to expand and cause the joints between them to decrease in size. But when winter comes, the temperature drops, and the shingles shrink. The joints between them become larger along with the shingles connecting the underlying joints. This puts stress on the bridging shingles as all the bonded-shingle assemblies shrivel.

• Cracked shingles – Since most asphalt shingles are made with certain chemicals that make them flexible and waterproof, these can slowly evaporate over time due to exposure to natural elements. This can be intensified by the hot temperatures and sunlight during summer, which means asphalt shingles lose their flexibility more easily and become more susceptible to shrinking and cracks. 

With Punum Roofing of Houston, Inc., your next roofing project is in good and capable hands. Call us at (713) 466-4447, or fill out our contact form to schedule an in-home consultation for your replacement today!