What effect does alligatoring have on a roof's surface?

Alligatoring refers to a specific type of deterioration that occurs in roofing materials, particularly in aged or poorly maintained flat roofs. This phenomenon manifests as a network of cracks that resembles the skin of an alligator, hence the name. The formation of these cracks can lead to various issues such as water infiltration and reduced effectiveness of the roofing system.

In this context, the presence of alligatoring is indicative of aging and can compromise the roof's overall integrity. By creating a pattern of cracks, alligatoring exposes the inner layers of the roofing material to environmental elements, making them more susceptible to moisture penetration and further damage. Thus, its primary effect is to compromise the roof's surface integrity through this cracking pattern, rather than improving any properties of the roof or enhancing functionality, which is why recognizing and addressing alligatoring is crucial for maintaining roof longevity.