Granule Loss and Your Roof: What To Do

One of the telltale signs that you need to replace your roof is when your shingles start to lose the granules. We want to provide some basic information so you know what to do if you suspect that your roof needs some work.

WHAT ARE GRANULES AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?  

Traditional shingles are made of asphalt and coated with tiny pieces of fiberglass. These tiny granules serve as a layer of protection; they help keep UV rays off of the asphalt coating and make them more fire resistant. The color of your roof shingles is determined by the color of the granules, so they also provide aesthetic beauty to the home.

 

WHAT IS GRANULE LOSS?

Granule loss is when the bond between the granules and the asphalt erodes, resulting in loss of granules. This causes the life span of the shingle to be greatly reduced depending on the severity of the sustained damage.

 

WHAT CAUSES GRANULE LOSS?

Granule loss is primarily caused by exposure to the elements over time. Storms, hail and strong winds are particularly damaging to the shingles  on your house.  

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SHINGLES ARE LOSING GRANULES?

One of the easiest ways to check for granule loss is to look for bare-looking patches on your roof. If you see discolored shingles, you’re likely missing significant amount of granules on your shingles. Another way to know if your shingles are unprotected is to look in your gutters, where most of the granules will end up as they erode from the shingle.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF MY ROOF IS MISSING GRANULES?

Left unchecked, the sun and water can lead to further deterioration and leaks.

If you suspect that your shingles are missing their granules – or if you’ve looked in the gutters and have found significant granule loss – give the team at Musick Roofing a call. We will inspect your roof and provide a free estimate, along with our suggestions on how to best remedy the problem.  You might be able to replace only a few damaged shingles, or you may need to replace the whole roof.  

You deserve a beautiful roof. Call us today at 863-904-5350.