What could be a possible cause of compression cracking when altering roof materials?

Compression cracking can occur when there are changes in the load-bearing capacity of a structure, which is often influenced by alterations made to roof materials. When modifying a roof, especially if heavier materials are applied or if the design is altered significantly, this can affect how the weight is distributed across the structure.

In the case of additional settling, this refers to the natural settling process that buildings undergo over time due to changes in soil and foundation stability. Alterations to the roof can exacerbate this settling or reveal existing weaknesses in the foundation or structure. If the roof change leads to an imbalance in weight distribution or adds undue stress to certain areas of the roof or walls, it can result in compression cracking as the materials bear more weight than they were originally designed to handle.

This understanding is vital for home inspectors, as recognizing potential signs of compression cracking can highlight underlying issues related to structural integrity that may need to be addressed.