Is your roof looking dusty, dull, or worn? You may be experiencing granular loss. Granular loss occurs when your asphalt shingles shed tiny particles. These particles are what give shingles their texture and color, so when they are lost, it can affect the look and function of your shingles. Granular loss generally occurs as a roof ages or sustains wind and storm damage. Unfortunately, it can also be caused by improper roof installation and/or defective products.
Age is the most common form of granular loss. As your roof ages, the bond between the granules and asphalt deteriorates. This allows granules to become loose and carried away by runoff. Some granular loss over the course of your roof’s lifetime is normal. This type of loss is typically uniform across the roof. This is a normal aging process for your roof. Indeed, manufacturers take granule loss into account by embedding significantly more granules than necessary. Therefore, minimal granule loss isn’t likely to affect the durability of your roof.
Other occurrences, such as severe storms or wind, can also knock granules loose. Strong winds and hailstorms can loosen granules or even dislodge your shingles altogether. It is important to have a professional contractor inspect your roof after extreme weather events.
Only hire qualified roofing contractors
Manufacturing defects, though rare, can also cause granular loss. This typically occurs only in cases where off-brand or low-quality shingles were used, or where installation was done improperly. Only hire qualified roofing contractors, who are licensed, insured, and certified to install residential roofs.
If you aren’t noticing that your roof is looking particularly worn, you may still be experiencing granule loss. Another way to detect this loss is to check the area around your downspouts. As granules come loose, they run through your gutter system and pile up in your gutters and on the ground.
Granules help keep your roof weather proofed. Significant deterioration makes it easier for the sun and water to cause leaks and other damage. When granule loss becomes severe enough that you notice bald patches on your roof or an accumulation of granules around your downspouts, you should be concerned. But that doesn’t always mean you need a full roof replacement. Depending on the amount of loss and age of your roof, replacing damaged shingles may be enough. If you are unsure, call New Heights Roofing for an inspection. Our experts can determine the best course of action.