Shingle granule loss might sound technical, but every homeowner should understand it. Those little granules on your roof shingles are essential in protecting your home.
Even though the granules are small, they make a big difference to your roof’s health and longevity. Understanding what causes granule loss and how to deal with it can help maintain your roof’s longevity and integrity.
Let’s learn how to spot this problem and start fixing it to keep your roof strong and in good shape.
What Causes Shingle Granule Loss
When it comes to your roof, losing granules from shingles isn’t just about looks—it tells a story about your roof’s health. Understanding why granules go missing can help you keep your home safe.
Regular Wear and Tear
Your roof faces a lot from the weather. With time, it’s normal for shingles to lose some granules because of the sun, wind, and rain. It happens as your roof gets older. But if you see a lot of granules coming off before your roof starts showing its age, there might be more going on.
It could signify more significant problems, like harmful materials or mistakes in the shingles’ installation. Knowing the difference helps you fix things sooner.
Weather Hits
Big storms like hail, heavy rains, and scorching days can speed up the disappearance of granules, especially after a roof storm damage. Hail can knock granules off; heavy rains can wash them away, leaving the asphalt part of your shingles open to sun damage.
After a storm, check your roof for lots of granules in the gutters or downspouts. It could mean your roof got hurt. Catching it before it is damaged can save you from more significant issues later on.
Installation Mistakes
Messing up the installation can cause granules to fall off too soon. For example, nailing shingles too hard can cause them to crack, letting granules escape.
Not putting shingles on the right can also speed up wear and tear. If you see granules coming off soon after your roof was put on, it’s wise to ask a pro to check how they did it.
Problems in Manufacturing
Though not as common, sometimes shingles aren’t made right. Maybe they weren’t coated with granules enough, or the glue holding them on isn’t strong enough.
These mess-ups can make granules disappear fast. Inspect your warranty if you believe there’s an issue with the shingle manufacturing. Some manufacturers will fix or swap out bad shingles.
Signs of Shingle Granule Loss
Spotting shingle granule loss is important for keeping your roof in good shape. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Bare Patches: If parts of your roof look patchy or bare, it’s likely because the granules have worn away.
- Gunky Gutters: Check your gutters for granules building up. If you see many of them, your shingles might lose their covering.
- Color Change: Are your shingles looking less colorful? That could mean the granules have disappeared due to exposure to sun and weather.
- Uneven Texture: Feel your roof’s surface. It could be due to granule loss if it feels rough or uneven in some spots.
- Roof Blistering: Roof blistering is a common issue with asphalt shingles. It occurs when gas, air, or moisture gets trapped in the shingles, creating a bubble in the asphalt.
Spotting these signs can help you take action to protect your roof and prevent further damage, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.
Why Does It Happen?
Shingle granule loss might sound complex, but it’s pretty simple. Imagine the granules on your shingles like tiny stones. They protect your roof from the sun, rain, and other weather. But sometimes, these granules fall off, leaving your roof vulnerable.
So, why does this happen? Well, there are a few reasons:
- Age: As shingles age, they naturally wear out. Granules become loose and fall off.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Your roof experiences a lot over time. Sun, rain, wind, and even regular old times can wear down those granules.
- Poor Quality Shingles: If your shingles aren’t top-notch, they might lose granules faster than higher-quality ones.
- Improper Installation: Sometimes, if the shingles are not installed properly, they can start losing granules sooner.
- Weather Damage: Extreme weather can knock those granules loose in a hurry.
Now that you know why it happens, let’s discuss what you can do about it.
How to Deal with Shingle Granule Loss
Here are some effective strategies:
Look Closely
Start by looking at your roof for signs that granules are missing. Use a ladder to safely reach the area, or ask a roof expert to check it out.
Watch for spots where the shingles look bare, have weird colors, or where you can see the black asphalt under them.
Keep Gutters Clear
Clean out your gutters and downspouts regularly to remove any granules that build up. If your gutters get clogged, water and junk can get stuck.
This worsens granule loss and may cause water damage to your roof and house.
Fix or Change
Depending on how many granules are gone and how the shingles look, you might need to fix or change parts of your roof.
Get a skilled roofer to check how bad it is and suggest what to do. Sometimes, small fixes like patches can help, but if it’s really bad, you might need a whole new roof.
Stop Problems Early
Regular checkups can make your roof last longer and prevent granules from falling off too soon.
Trim back any branches hanging over your roof, clean off junk, and ensure your attic has good airflow to keep it dry and not too hot. That way, your shingles won’t wear out as fast.
Shielding Your Roof’s Protector
Knowing about shingle granule loss is essential for keeping your roof in tip-top shape. If you see those little granules falling off, it’s a sign that your roof might need some help. But don’t worry, there are ways to fix it!
It’s a good idea to contact our experts at Steadfast Roofing. They know all about roofs and can help you determine the best way to deal with granule loss. Plus, fixing it early can save you many headaches later on. So, if you spot any issues, give them a call!
