At Tarrytown Roofing, we recently completed a roof inspection in Austin’s Hill Country (between Bee Cave and Barton Creek). From the curb, this home’s roof looked fine – no missing shingles, no obvious sagging, and no major discoloration. But once we climbed up and inspected closely, the real story came into focus: the shingles were older, dried out, brittle, and beginning to crack.
Why Cracked Shingles Are Easy to Miss
What Causes Shingles to Crack in Texas?
The particular climate in Austin (and Central Texas) puts roofs to the test. Why? Dry, brittle shingles that lose their elasticity are prone to fissures and breakage. And in addition to roof age that causes shingles to lose elasticity, common causes of shingle cracking include common environmental conditions in Central Texas, such as:
UV exposure from intense sunlight causes shingles’ asphalt and granules to break down, making shingles brittle.
Extreme temperature conditions like high daytime heat and temperature swings into cool nights dry out shingles with repeated expansion and contraction, which eventually leads to surface splitting.
Lack of rainfall means prolonged dry periods which also dries out shingles faster and in turn, reduces their flexibility. Flexibility is key to shingle longevity because more flexible shingles can better withstand the expansion and contraction caused by the extreme temperature conditions, reducing the chance of developing cracks (and therefore leaks).
Wind and storms like those in the Texas Hill Country (and across Central Texas) can lift and stress non-flexible and brittle shingles which creates or worsens existing cracks.
The Risks of Shingle Breakage
Once a shingle splits, it can no longer adequately protect your home from leaks. Why? Splits in your shingles allow rain to bypass the protective asphalt layer. This means that water can seep under the shingle, leading to damage that may not show up indoors until it’s severe. And brittle shingles, which are the ones likely to show cracks, are more likely to break loose in high winds.
Tip: Even if leaks aren’t showing up inside your home, cracked shingles are a clear warning sign that it’s time to take action.
Options How to Fix Brittle, Cracking Shingles
There are generally two options to fix brittle, cracked shingles. The first option is a full roof replacement and the other is a shingle roof coating. Full roof replacements are ideal if the roof is very old, severely damaged, or nearing the end of its lifespan. A replacement ensures long-term protection and peace of mind.
A roof treatment, like SHINGLE Rx, is ideal for roofs that are still structurally sound but showing surface-level cracking, treatments like SHINGLE Rx can restore flexibility, seal micro-cracks, and extend the roof’s life. Shingle-RX is designed to restore flexibility to aging asphalt shingles, helping to seal micro-cracks and recondition the material. By rejuvenating the shingles, this treatment can extend the life of an older roof, improve weather resistance, and provide a cost-effective bridge between today’s issues and a future full replacement. SHINGLE Rx is usually about one-third of the cost of a full roof replacement.
Combining a new shingle roof with SHINGLE Rx can double the lifespan of your roof. A particularly valuable approach in Austin’s Hill Country (and all over Central Texas), where sun and heat speed up roof aging by up to 10 years.
It’s a cost-effective way to protect your home while planning for a future replacement. And is especially valuable in the Austin Hill Country, where sun and heat speed up roof aging by up to 10 years.
The right solution, if you have brittle shingles, depends on your roof’s overall condition and age, plus your goals. Our team can perform a roof inspection, which will help determine which approach is best. Plus, it’s the best way to know the true condition of your roof and can spot early signs of cracking before they turn into costly repairs.
