It’s important to know the different types of damage that can happen to your asphalt shingle roof. Regular maintenance is essential to keep it in good condition, but sometimes your roofer may spot certain signs of damage that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Over time, your shingles may also get damaged such as splitting or cracking, but what are their differences? As a trusted name in residential roofing services, Next Level Roofers shares their insight:
How Shingles Are Manufactured
While there are many colors and styles you can choose from, most shingles are either fiberglass-based or organic-based. Fiberglass-based shingles are 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.
Meanwhile, organic-based shingles are manufactured with a mat or substrate made from cellulose fibers such as recycled waste paper and wood fibers. A specially formulated asphalt coating is also applied to the organic base along with weather-resistant mineral granules.
While both types offer good protection against different weather conditions, professional shingle and flat roof contractors know that they can become more susceptible to damage as they age. Some of the most common types of damage are splits and cracks, and if left untreated, they can lead to further damage that can spread across other parts of your home.
Split Vs. Cracked Damage
Split shingles occur due to constant expansion and contraction under consistent temperature fluctuations. Shingles tend to expand during summer, causing the joints between them to decrease in size. When the temperature drops during winter, the shingles shrink and 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.
Meanwhile, cracked shingles are mainly caused by moisture, evaporation, or aging. Shingles are made with chemicals that make them flexible and waterproof, but these chemicals can evaporate over time. often during summer, and when this happens, the shingles lose their flexibility and start to shrink and crack!
If you’re searching online for “new construction roof installation”, be sure to check the services offered by Next Level Roofers! Call us at (407) 237-7960 or by filling out our convenient contact form online. We serve our customers in Florida, including The Villages (Leesburg) and Sumter County!
