Talk to a Roofing Contractor About Granule Loss on Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
The granules on your asphalt shingles play an important role in protecting your shingles from UV damage. When roofing contractors do roof inspections, they check the condition of the granules as they give an indication of whether the roof needs to be replaced. If you notice a lot of granules in your gutters, or if your roof has bald patches, talk to your roofing contractor about your concerns. You might need to replace your roof to ward off a roof leak. Here's a closer look at the purpose of asphalt shingle granules, how to tell if your roof has lost a lot of shingles, and what a roofing contractor can do to help.
Asphalt Shingle Granules Are Protective
Granules are typically made from slate, ceramics, or stone. This makes the shingles more fire-resistant and more resistant to UV damage. Some granules are reflective, so they reflect the sun and keep your home cooler. Without granules, the asphalt shingles would age a lot faster. Granules can also protect the shingles against impacts and other damage. However, the granules may be sacrificed and lost in the process.
Granule Loss Makes your Roof Look Old
When you have a new roof put on, your roofing contractor may explain granule loss in the weeks following your roof replacement. Roofing granules get knocked off as the roofing is applied. The first hard rain may knock off even more. Eventually, the granule loss slows down. Your roof may not show many signs of granule loss when it's fairly new, but you may see a lot of granules around the foundation of your house or in the gutters when they shed.
Granules continue to shed as your roof ages but at a significantly slower rate. When your roof is old, a loss of granules may make your roof look darker and worn out. You may notice more and more granules in your gutters. When that happens, call a roofing contractor to check your roof. With less protection due to missing granules, the aging of your roof may escalate if you don't have the roof replaced soon enough.
Granule Loss May Require A New Roof
There are different types of granule loss. If the loss is widespread and caused by old age, then a new roof may be recommended by the roofing contractor. If the loss is in a small area and caused by something such as swaying tree branches, then replacing the affected shingles may solve the problem. If shingles are repaired instead of replaced, the roofer might add granules to the old shingles to help them have a longer life, which helps the repaired shingles blend in with the other shingles on your roof.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for local roofing contracting companies, such as Troyer Roofing & Construction, near you.