All You Need To Know About Granule Loss On Your Roof

Posted on: 11 July 2022

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Do not mistake the granules on your asphalt roof for decorations. Usually, manufacturers incorporate granules on the roofing shingles to provide an extra layer of protection from harsh environmental elements. Therefore, granule loss isn't a good sign and must be addressed immediately. As a homeowner, you must constantly examine your roofing structure to detect granule loss early enough. That way, you can call your roofing contractor to address the issue in good time. Below is more information on roof granule loss.  

What Are Granules Used For?

Granules shield your asphalt shingles from the excessive sun rays that have hazardous side effects. As a result, they extend your roof's life span. In addition, the asphalt granules create an additional protective layer that makes the roofing structure less combustible, again making it more reliable and long-lasting. This is why it is crucial to report any signs of granule loss. 

What Causes Granule Loss?

A bond keeps the roof granules glued onto the roofing material. Unfortunately, the glue might weaken as the years pass, causing the granules to be swept or washed off. Poor and unprofessional installations or repairs also contribute to granule loss. Usually, asphalt shingles should be installed side by side. But without such knowledge, some people install them vertically, accelerating the rate of granule loss.

Extreme weather can also scrape the granules off. For instance, the impact of hailstorms or heavy rains on your roof might loosen the granules, and they will eventually fall off. So, after an episode of hail or heavy rain, hire a roofer to inspect the granules and fix them if necessary. 

How Can You Tell if a Roof Is Losing Its Granules?

The good news about granule loss is that you do not have to climb up your roof to confirm the situation. By checking areas near the downspouts, you can tell whether your roof is losing its granules or not. 

This is because some of them get washed down the gutters by the rains and end up in the downspouts, causing some to spill onto the ground. So if you see such a sign, call a roofing contractor to take care of the situation. The other technique involves looking for bare spots on your roof from the ground. 

There is no need to panic if your roof loses its granules since a professional roofing contractor can remedy the situation. But if you ignore it, you might need to install a new roof.

Contact a local roofing company, such as JCB Roofing / HHI, SC, to learn more.