Thermal splitting is a type of roof damage that occurs to due temperature swings. The damage can leave your roof unsightly and at a high risk of leaking, so roof repairs are usually needed. Here's a look at why thermal splitting happens, what roof repairs may be needed, and how to prevent the risk of thermal splitting with a new roof.
Why Thermal Splitting Occurs In Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles contract when the weather is cold and expand when it gets hot. The shingles are designed to handle this kind of movement, but when the weather takes a sudden and drastic temperature drop, the risk of thermal splitting occurs.
If your area sees a large variation in temperatures between day and night, your roof could develop splits. The expansion and contraction rip the shingles and leaves cracks in them.
Splitting is more likely to occur in thinner, cheaper shingles, and the appearance of the cracks is a little different from cracks that occur due to old age or impacts. Shingles damaged by thermal splitting are more likely to be grouped together rather than randomly spread over the roof.
What Roof Repairs Might Be Needed
Since a split shingle allows rain to seep through, the shingles should be replaced. Your roofing contractor will inspect the roof to determine the extent of damage. It might be possible to repair a split shingle by sealing the crack, but replacing it is a more permanent roof repair.
The roofer can remove the split shingles and replace them with new shingles. If your roof has a lot of damage from thermal splitting, it might be necessary to put on a new roof, especially if your shingles are old and more susceptible to damage.
As long as the damage is caught fairly soon, the only roof repairs you may need is to have the split shingles replaced. Shingles that have been split a long time may be leaking, and that can cause the deck of your roof and the rafters to rot and make roof repairs more complicated. The rotted material has to be repaired before new shingles are put on.
How To Prevent Thermal Splitting
If thermal splitting caused a lot of roof damage, you may want to upgrade to thicker shingles when you get your new roof put on. You can't control the weather, so you want the most durable shingles so they resist damage. There are different grades of new asphalt shingles, and the better grades are thicker, more durable, and better able to handle temperature swings.
Contact a company like C Cougill Roofing Co Inc to learn more.