Asphalt Shingle Cracks And Splits: Differences And Causes
•
Written By
Punum Roofing of Houston, Inc.

Asphalt shingles provide reliable protection against the elements. However, much like other roofing materials, they can also be prone to damage if they are poor quality or eventually deteriorate due to age. Cracking and splitting are two common issues in asphalt shingles.
Splitting
When temperatures change, asphalt shingles go through thermal expansion and contraction. Hotter temperatures expand the shingle material and decrease the joints between the shingles. When the temperature cools, the shingles contract and the joints become bigger.
Consistent temperature changes can cause the joints to keep moving and reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive strips on the shingles. This leads to shingle splitting, which typically occurs in diagonal patterns. Make sure to call a shingle roofer to inspect your roof and address the problem. Failure to fix your roof immediately increases the risk of wind damage and leaks.
Cracking
Cracks happen because of moisture infiltrating the asphalt shingle material. If your roof is relatively new, the cracks could be due to excessive fillers in the asphalt mix, indicating poor quality.
Asphalt shingles also lose their volatile chemicals over time, which makes them prone to cracking. Volatiles give the asphalt shingles their flexibility and water resistance. So, when shingles lose volatiles, it means they’re already susceptible to damage from the elements. Call local roofers for free roof estimates so that you’ll get an idea of how much your roof repair or replacement will cost.
At Punum Roofing of Houston, Inc., you can expect top-notch craftsmanship and superior customer service. We listen attentively to our clients, so we can meet all their roofing needs. Call us at (713) 466-4447, or fill out this contact form for a free consultation.
Recent Articles

Choosing Roofing Materials For Historic Homes
Historical homes carry with them a certain timeless appeal that newer homes simply do not have. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to maintain, as a lot of their parts (roofing, in particular) can be quite old and must be custom-made, making it quite challenging to find free roof estimates whenever you need repairs or replacement.

Choosing New Asphalt Shingle Colors
Many roofers may tell you to stick with asphalt shingles for roof replacement projects. It’s popular, low cost, practical and even suits many traditional home styles. Tile, metal or slate roofs, though they last longer, cost a lot more and are quite heavy. Many homes aren’t built to support them. Wood shingles, ideal for ranch or rustic homes, can develop algae in moist climates. That’s why asphalt shingles are the go-to option among homeowners.

Building Proper Communication With Your Roof Contractor
It takes careful planning and consideration to fully replace your roof, and this can be a daunting task if you choose to do it on your own. It’s better to do your research and hire a professional who can help you build a good roof over your home. Of course, you should also hire someone who knows how to listen and communicate with you in each step of the roofing process.

Asphalt Shingle Cracks And Splits: Differences And Causes
Asphalt shingles provide reliable protection against the elements. However, much like other roofing materials, they can also be prone to damage if they are poor quality or eventually deteriorate due to age. Cracking and splitting are two common issues in asphalt shingles.