The Most Common Spring Issue: Cracking and Splitting Asphalt Shingles

As the chill of winter gives way to the warmth of spring, homeowners may notice changes in their asphalt shingle roofs. Cracking and splitting are common issues that can occur during this season, and understanding their causes and implications is essential for maintaining a durable and long-lasting roof. Here are the most common reasons why cracking and splitting occurs right after winter and into spring.

1. Temperature Fluctuations

Spring means having warm days followed by cool nights – a massive change in temperature. These drastic temperature swings can strain your asphalt shingles. The sun's heat causes the shingles to expand, and as they cool at night, they contract. This can lead to cracking as moisture is trapped inside the shingles and wants to escape during the heat of daytime or splitting because of the consistent expansion and contraction of the material.

2. Winter Weather and Damage

The harsh conditions of winter can also contribute to the cracking and splitting of asphalt shingles. Ice dams, which form when snow melts and refreezes at the edge of the roof, can damage shingles and weaken their structure. While most asphalt shingles will survive ice dams, they might have structural problems and lose their protective granules due to the blisters that escaping moisture can cause.

3. Installation Errors

Proper installation is crucial in preventing cracking and splitting in asphalt shingles. Shingles that are not installed correctly may not lay flat on the roof and weaken its integrity. For instance, poor spacing will cause shingles to expand and push against each other to the point they extremely curl and deform. Furthermore, inadequate ventilation in the attic can cause excessive heat to increase the likelihood of blisters on your asphalt shingles.

4. Moisture and Humidity

Spring is often a wet season, with increased rainfall and humidity levels. The heat can cause the shingles to expand enough to absorb raindrops and humidity. Once the sun is up, the moisture trapped inside will try to escape as vapor and damage the asphalt shingles. In these cases good attic ventilation is a must to prevent high humidity levels and cause severe roofing damage.

Signs of Cracking and Splitting

Homeowners should regularly inspect their roofs for signs of cracking and splitting in asphalt shingles. Here are some of them: 

• Look for areas where the shingles appear lifted or curled, as this may indicate underlying damage. Often, these are areas where the sun often touches and severely heats up during daytime.
• Have a professional roofer check and see if your roof has diagonal lines forming or already formed across your asphalt shingles. It's most likely a sign that your asphalt shingles are splitting. These are much more common in older roofs beyond 15 to 20 years of age.
• If your attic hasn't been ventilated well for quite a long time, it's possible your shingles already have cracks or splits. It's estimated that poor roofing ventilation resulting in higher asphalt shingle temperatures can lessen roofing shingle lifespan up to 5 to 8 years.

If you need to replace your cracked or split asphalt shingles or replace the entire roof, trust a reliable residential roofing company in Farmington, CT. Slavin Home Improvement is a company with decades of experience and knowledge in high-quality roof repairs and replacements. Call us today or reach us through our social media page to get started.