What is Shingle Granule Loss?
Shingles are often made from three distinct layers: fiberglass, asphalt, and granules. The granules coat the top layer of your shingles, providing aesthetic and protective benefits. However, these granules can be damaged and weaken over time, causing them to fall off. This is shingle granule loss.
Shingle granule loss will occur over time, especially as your roof becomes 10+ years old. However, there are many additional factors that can accelerate degranulation. Extreme weather – including heavy rain, hail, snow, ice, and wind – can all damage your shingles and lead to premature shingle granule loss. In addition, improper installation can lead to early shingle wear. Hiring a professional roofer for your roof replacement helps to prevent this.
In short, shingle granule loss occurs when the granule layer of your shingles starts to peel away from the asphalt and wash off of your roof.
Here Are 3 Signs Your Shingles Are Degrading
There are many ways to identify shingle granule loss. Often, you can notice these signs from the ground. However, you can have more confidence in the state of your roof by calling a roofer for a professional inspection. Below, find the top three signs that your shingles are degranulating. Then, continue on to see why this is a problem and what you can do about it.
1. You see shingle granules in your gutters.
When your shingles are degrading, they lose granules. This can look like sand or pebble-like pieces inside of your gutters. Shingle granules are often a dark color, matching your shingles. You may find them in the gutters along your roof, as well as inside or outside of the downspout.
2. You notice bald spots on your shingles.
If your shingles are losing granules, they may start to look worn or bald. You may notice texture changes across your roof, or you may start to see the underlying layers of your roofing materials. This leaves your roof and home vulnerable to the rain and sun, which can cause further damage.
3. Your roof is discolored.
As your shingles age and degranulate, you may see color changes. Your roof may look worn, muted, or uneven across the entire surface. This discoloration is often related to shingle granule loss, but it could also be caused by moss, algae, mold, or mildew growth.
Why is Shingle Granule Loss Concerning?
When you start to notice shingle granule loss, you need to plan for a roof inspection right away. If left alone, your roof and entire home can experience damage and leave you with costly repair bills. Instead, you’ll want to call a trusted roofing company right away for a roof inspection with durable and dependable shingles that will last. Learn more about the concerns of shingle granule loss below.
1. Water Leaks
Your shingles protect your home from the rain. However, when the granules fall away from the asphalt, your roof is no longer adequately protected. Instead, water can percolate through your roofing materials, into your attic, and throughout your home. A roof replacement will keep your home watertight and weather-resistant.
2. Sun Damage
Shingles are also made to reflect sunlight and heat. With the granules lost, your shingles become vulnerable to the heat and UV rays. This can accelerate the aging of your entire roof.
3. Poor Insulation
As your shingles degrade, they lose their insulating ability. Your roof will be more vulnerable to the temperature differences, and your home may become less energy efficient. You may have to pay more to heat and cool your home. A roof replacement can restore energy efficiency and safeguard your roof.
4. Expensive Repairs
Not only can shingle granule loss lead to leaks, UV damage, and poor insulation, but you may also find yourself paying for expensive repair bills time and time again. With aging shingles, you may experience more leaks, and you may have to frequently patch your roof. In addition, the leaks and poor insulation facilitate mold growth, which can impact your entire house and lead to costly maintenance. Overall, it’s best to address shingle granule loss right away to keep your home and wallet protected.
Will Your Roof Need to Be Replaced?
Often, shingle granule loss is a later sign of roof wear and tear. While some homeowners may notice the early stages of discoloration or degradation, most don’t notice any problems until the granule loss is widespread. This most often results in complete roof replacement.
In addition, shingle granule loss on part of your roof indicates that your entire roof is aging and will need to be replaced soon. Therefore, it’s often best to opt for a complete roof replacement instead of replacing a section of affected shingles. This gives you peace of mind, so you don’t have to worry about leaks, sun damage, or missing shingles for years to come.
What Can You Do?
If you suspect your roof is experiencing shingle granule loss, reach out to a trusted local roofer. You’ll need to start with a roof inspection to find the best options for your property. Whether a simple repair or a complete roof replacement, you will have an experienced roofer to guide you through the entire process.
Call Rhino-Back Roofing for Expert Assistance Today!
Here at Rhino-Back Roofing, we are experts in asphalt shingles. We will inspect your roof, looking for any signs of shingle granule loss, wear and tear, or serious damage. From routine roofing care to emergency roof replacement, our roofers are at your service. We can address storm damage, tree debris, shingle granule loss, missing shingles, leaks, moss and algae growth, and more. You’ll have peace of mind in no time.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE roof inspection.