Alligatoring refers to the crazing of an asphalt covering, membrane or shingles, that cracks into a network of small plates resembling reptile skin. It is one of the clearest visual signatures of a roof at the end of its life.
Common causes
natural aging, prolonged exposure to UV and thermal cycling that dry out the asphalt and rob it of its elasticity. Insufficient attic ventilation, which overheats the covering from below, accelerates the process.
Signs to watch for
a surface crazed in a tight network, loss of flexibility in the material, worn granules, brittle shingles that break at a touch, faded colour, crazing that spreads across large sections.
Why you should not ignore it
a crazed covering has lost the elasticity that let it absorb movement and stay watertight. The cracks become so many potential entry points for water, and the material does not repair itself, it keeps degrading. Alligatoring is therefore a reliable marker of a covering nearing replacement.
What a professional assessment reveals
Alligator-skin crazing reflects the aging and loss of flexibility of a bituminous covering. An assessment gauges whether it is surface wear or advanced degradation, and what it means for the remaining life, a finding from a pre-purchase inspection.
Alligatoring is a sign of membrane fatigue. Boreon measures its extent during a roof inspection and expertise, along with the condition of the membrane.
Vous soupconnez ce probleme dans un batiment ?
Une inspection le confirme, le documente et le chiffre, pour decider en connaissance de cause.
Inspection preachat Bilan de sante du batiment (BCA) Demander une soumission
