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Thermal shock 101 — why ABQ roofs crack

Big day-to-night temperature swings expand and contract roofing materials thousands of times a year.

On a typical ABQ summer day a black roof surface can hit 160°F at 3pm and drop to 50°F by 5am. That 110°F swing happens 200+ days a year here.

Every cycle, materials expand and contract. Over time, sealants tear, flashings shift, and shingles lose granules. White (cool-roof) surfaces cut this dramatically.

Metal roofs handle thermal shock best — they're designed to slide on clips as they move. The worst offenders are old-style tar & gravel with brittle bitumen.

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