Are you seeing damaged shingles on your roofing system? You should consider getting in touch with a professional. While you’re at it, you should also try to figure out what type of shingle damage you are dealing with. Are your shingles cracked or showing signs of splitting? Here’s a quick guide to help you out.

Cracking

Cracking appears as a series of branching fissures on the surface of your shingles. Minor signs of cracking will show up as hairline cracks while regular cracks will appear bigger. This type of damage shows up on most types of shingles, and can show up even early on.

According to roofing experts, cracking happens when volatiles – chemicals added to the asphalt to give the shingle flexibility – start to evaporate or deteriorate. This type of cracking happens to older shingles while cracking on newer roofs can be caused by poor product quality. In any case, signs of cracking are usually warning signs that tell you to get a new roof.

Splitting

Splitting is characterized by longer lines that run parallel to each other. While the fissures themselves go in one direction, they can run horizontally, vertically or even diagonally. Just like with cracking, splitting occurs more often in older roofing systems.

Roof repair experts say that this type of damage is mainly caused by thermal expansion. Constant changes in temperature causes the shingles to expand and contract. This effect causes the shingles to expand or contract. Bridging shingles that connect the underlying joints of other shingles) are more vulnerable to this type of damage.

Need help dealing with cracked or split shingles in your roof? We’re here for you. State Roofing is the leading roofing company in Seattle, WA. You can call us at (360) 732-8104 or full out this contact form to request a quote.