The Key Difference Between Shingle Cracking and Splitting

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material currently in use in the United States today. In fact, over 75% of American homes are protected by asphalt shingles, and it is easy to see why. They are relatively inexpensive, last a reasonable amount of time and are very easy to install. 

However, they do not come without drawbacks. Just like any other roofing material, asphalt shingles are prone to certain types of damage, and chief among them are shingle cracking and splitting. They might sound like the same thing, but they are actually quite different. 

Asphalt Cracking

Volatiles are chemicals with a low boiling point that are added to asphalt roofing shingles to make them more flexible and improve their overall water resistance. However, these volatiles evaporate over time and will cause your shingles to become brittle and crack. This is a common sign of an aging roof. If you live in a hot climate, this can accelerate the evaporation process. Too much filler in the asphalt mix or low-grade shingles are also more prone to cracking. 

Asphalt Splitting

Splitting or thermal splitting, on the other hand, occurs due to constant changes in temperature. This type of damage is especially common In climates where the weather shifts from extremely hot to freezing cold. Shingles expand in warm temperatures and shrink in the cold. This puts a tremendous amount of stress on the adhesive strips between them and can eventually lead to leaks and low wind resistance.  

Just as our name suggests, Quality Assurance Roofing is committed to the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction. For all your roofing concerns, be sure to give us a call at (479) 279-8500. Since 2008, we have been faithfully servicing communities in Arkansas and Missouri, including Rogers and Springdale, AR, as well as Branson, MO.