It starts with a glance up at your roof. You notice the surface looks rough, or perhaps the edges seem to be lifting. Homeowners in O’Fallon often search for “shingles peeling up,” but in the roofing world, this can mean two very different things: Delamination (peeling) or Craze Cracking.
Knowing the difference can save you from an unnecessary roof replacement—or warn you of a leak before it happens.
Scenario 1: Craze Cracking (Surface Flaking)
If your shingles look like a dried-up riverbed with tiny, random cracks on the surface, this is called craze cracking.
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The Cause: As asphalt shingles age, the volatile chemicals that keep them flexible evaporate. This is accelerated by Missouri’s hot summers.
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Is it Serious? Often, this is just a sign of aging. As long as the cracks don’t go all the way through the mat, your roof is likely still waterproof. However, it is a sign that your roof is entering its final years.
Scenario 2: Shingles Peeling Up (Delamination)
This is when the entire shingle layer starts to separate or lift from the roof deck. Unlike craze cracking, this is not cosmetic.
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The Cause: This usually happens when the adhesive strip on the back of the shingle fails. It can be caused by installation errors or severe wind damage.
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The Risk: If your shingles are peeling up, wind-driven rain can easily get underneath. This is a close cousin to curling shingles, and both require immediate attention to prevent leaks.
What Should You Do?
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Don’t Pick at It: Peeling off flakes will only expose the asphalt to more UV damage.
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Check Your Gutters: Are you seeing a lot of granule loss (black sand) in your downspouts? This confirms your shingles are deteriorating.
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Call a Professional: We can tell if you just have an ugly roof or a failing roof.
Contact Utz Roofing today for an honest assessment of your peeling shingles.
