What Are Shingle Granules
If youve ever wondered about the tiny white or brown particles on your roof shingles, weve got the answer. Theyre called granules, and theyre a crucial component of your roofing system. The granules are crushed stones used to cover the top layer of the asphalt shingle surface. Besides crushed stones and rocks, the shingle granules are made from minerals, sand, etc. These are mixed with other particles to add color to the roofing shingles.
Why Do Granules Shed Themselves From Shingles
There are some big signs that you need roofing repairs without delay, and missing or cracked tiles and shingles are definitely one of them. Losing shingles may not be an emergency, depending on how much granular loss there is. If you are noticing rainwater runoff with a lot of granules then you may need some urgent attention. Granules come off for a variety of reasons including being trodden on. Mostly though, they will come from wear and tear during their lifetime. Shingles are there to protect the roof from the extremities, and weather takes its toll on the granular coating.
How To Fix Granular Loss
Unfortunately, once the shingle has lost its granular protective covering, the shingle must be replaced.
If your roof is nearing its effective end of life, granular loss is likely comprehensive and you will probably need to replace the roof in its entirety. However, if a section of roof has been damaged, asphalt shingles can easily be replaced in sections. Just keep in mind that shingles will be a different color, due to fading and usage of the original shingles.
Granular loss is just one of the issues to look out for if you have an asphalt shingle roof. Other warning signs of deteriorating shingles include cracking or curling, or even shingles falling off if the adhesive has dried and eroded.
Avery Roofing Services recommends an annual roof inspection which will help to identify roof problems before they become a major issue.
If you have noticed granules, or have any other concerns regarding the life expectancy of your roof, give us a call. Wed love to explain your options.
Your Local, Trusted, Sarasota Roofer
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Why Is Gravel Coming Off My Roof
As your roof ages, its completely normal to lose some granular textures. Though age is the most common cause of granule loss, there are several other factors that can contribute to the premature loss of this protective coating. Severe weather such as heavy rain, hail or strong winds can also knock your granules loose.
Is Granular Loss Bad For My Roof
Despite normal aging and elemental damage over the course of time being completely normal for granule loss, there are instances when too much granule loss can lead to the fast and unexpected deterioration of your roofing materials. In these cases, the loss of mineral granules on your shingles is not good for your roof.
Excessive granule loss is usually due to human-created events rather than the normal effects of Mother Nature. This kind of extreme granule loss is preventable, particularly if you know what to look for when assessing your granule shingles, the preventative measures you can take, and if you schedule regular roof maintenance services on your home.
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Your Roof Is Worn Out
Granular loss on your roof is a sign of its aging, and it can happen to any roof. As discussed earlier, roofs have a lifespan where they will be able to perform optimally. In the case of shingles, the granules usually become loose after about 15-20 years. Depending on the quality of the roofing material, some can last even longer. The older your roof, the more likely it will experience significant granule loss. If you have an older roof, you should consider replacing it before the granular loss starts to occur. This can help prevent major problems down the road.
What Is The Primary Cause Of Granule Loss
There are a few reasons why granular loss might occur. One of the most common reasons is simply due to weathering. As asphalt shingles are exposed to the elements, they will start to break down over time and lose their granules. This process is accelerated by things like UV exposure and extreme temperatures.
Another common reason for granular loss is physical damage to the shingles. Things like hail or debris can cause the granules to loosen and fall off, leaving the shingles exposed and vulnerable to further damage.
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A Normal Part Of Roof Aging
Granule loss in asphalt shingles isnt necessarily an indication that a roof replacement is due. In fact, the shedding of grit occurs right after installation. Excess granules may fall off the asphalt shingles outer layer as the installers walk on your roof. Granule loss happens gradually as your roof is exposed to wind, rain and hail for many years. It is not something to worry about since it is a normal part of your systems aging process.
How Can I Check For Granular Loss
Unlike other types of damage, you can check for granular loss without having to climb on your roof. All you need to do is take a walk around your home and inspect the areas next to downspouts. Many granules end up falling through gutters and accumulating on the ground. So, if you see a pile near your gutters downspouts, its a clear sign that your roof is losing granules.
You can also detect granular loss by simply taking a look at your roof. Do you see any exposed areas or discoloration? If yes, you should contact a roofing company near you as soon as possible.
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What Is Granule Loss On Asphalt Shingles
Shingles are expected to shed granules over time, but slowly. When your roofs shingles are continuously exposed to extreme weather, storm damage, fallen debris, and other outdoor elements, the roof ages, and the shingles deteriorate, shedding a few granules here and there. However, loose granules and significant granule loss can lead to the unnecessary deterioration of your roof. This premature granule loss will damage shingles, lead to the potential of costly leaks, or even result in a roof replacement.
A lot of things will contribute to granule loss- even simple installation will shed some of the little particles off of the surface of the shingle. Its completely normal to notice, after heavy rainfall for example, that your shingles had some granule loss that collects in the gutters. Its also common for normal wear and tears throughout the shingles lifespan to result in more granules lost over time.
What Do Shingle Granules Do
Shingle granules have a similar texture and appearance to sand. They are the most outer layer of 3-tab and architectural shingles, but they dont appear on any other roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles are usually made with an organic or fiberglass mat core that is then coated with layers of asphalt. Then, mineral granules are ingrained into the hot asphalt as the final protective layer.
Granules give shingles their color, and they also offer a level of fire resistance. Ultimately, the main jobs of shingle granules are:
- UV Protection: Harmful UV rays from the sun have the capacity to cause asphalt shingles to deteriorate quickly. Granules help protect the shingles from UV rays.
- Durability: Granules keep the shingles protected from repeated inclement weather and debris over the years.
- Aesthetics: Since you can get granules in numerous color options, they help provide an aesthetic value that boosts curb appeal.
- Ease of Installation: The layer of granules helps prevent asphalt shingles from sticking together, and the outer layer provides a safer walking surface for contractors.
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Is It Doable To Switch Granule Loss
Some corporations focus on roof coating programs. They advocate someplace within the area of 40lbs per 100sq ft of roofing. The concept is that a couple of coats of adhesive are utilized to the shingles one part at a time. The granules unfold throughout this part after the adhesive has had time to dry for a couple of days. The free granules may be blown off and picked up to be used on the remainder of the roof. How efficient these programs are is unclear.
When To Call A Professional
Excessive black streaks Since granules discourage algae growth, lots of algae on your roof could be a sign of granule loss.
After any hailstorm Hail is probably the number one enemy of your roofing granules, striking with force and usually followed by hard wind and rain. Hail damage can be difficult to see from the ground, and a fast, professional assessment protects you if you have need to make an insurance claim to get the roof repaired.
Loose shingles Sometimes a storm wont cause damage to your entire roof, but the wind may catch a few shingles and pull them loose. This is the kind of repair that can save your roof and the decking and attic underneath it. Water that gets in under loose shingles can flow into more areas of your roof and home and cause significant general damage. Also, if you are tempted to staple loose shingles down, know that this is no longer allowed in new construction because staples come loose more easily in the wind.
Bald spots If you can visibly see that your shingles are going bald, this is an urgent situation. This is the kind of damage that shows on older roofs that have had years of wear and usually means its time to replace your shingles. Bald is not normal.
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What Are The Alternate Options For Changing Granules
The vast majority of roofing corporations advocate changing broken shingles, or within the worst-case eventualities, the entire roof. When deciding on a roofing firm its a nice thought to learn native critiques and testimonials. These may give you a extra knowledgeable and regarded opinion when selecting a roofing firm. A good roofer will come and assess your roof for granular loss and advise on one of the best plan of action. It could be that your granular loss is completely regular, as shingles will shed these over time naturally. Its regular for a certain quantity of shingles to shed from easy put on and tear, or from being free within the first place.
What Happens When Shingles Loose Granules
The granules cause the water to slide off the shingles and flow down the roof, which is exactly what you want from your shingles. With granule loss, water is more likely to sit on the roof and eventually soak through. The granules also provide UV resistance, which helps keep sunlight from deteriorating your roof.
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What Is Granular Loss On A Roof
Granular loss is the shedding of tiny particles from the surface of asphalt shingles. These particles are what give the shingles their color and texture, so when they start to shed, it can leave the shingles looking dull and worn.
Granular loss usually happens due to weathering or age, but it can also be caused by physical damage to the shingles.
When To Replace A Roof
Here are several signals it is time to replace your roof:
- If most of your granules have shed, your shingles will not protect your roof from water intrusion. Besides, you will miss out on shingle granules additional benefits.
- Shingles that curl, peel, buckle, or droop can cause roof leaks and mold. If your roof is warped or buckled, water damage has damaged its structure.
- Metal flashing seals chimneys, exhaust fans, vents, etc. This metal corrodes, rusts, and wears out. Therefore, issues like these nearly always cause leakage.
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Shingle Roofs: Still The Most Popular Roofing Material In The Us
Got shingles? Wanting to learn more about shingle roofs, or thinking about making plans to replace your current shingle roof? If youve got shingles on the brain , youre really in pretty good company. Asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular type of roofing in America, as they have been for almost 100 years.
Surprisingly, many homeowners still dont know much about the makeup of shingles or exactly how they work. In todays article, well take a closer look at shingles in general, and at shingle granules in particular. Whats the point of those sand-like components, and what does it mean for your roof once those granules start to wash away?
What Does Granular Loss Look Like On A Roof
Ones that have lost their granules will be black, and look more like a uniform surface, compared to the lighter, visibly granulated shingles around them. They will often be misshapen as well. Do I Need a Roof Replacement? If youre losing granules, as we said, it can be a common symptom of an aging roof.
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Mastering Roof Inspections: Asphalt Composition Shingles Part 34
The purpose of the series Mastering Roof Inspections is to teach home inspectors, as well as insurance and roofing professionals, how to recognize proper and improper conditions while inspecting steep-slope, residential roofs. This series covers roof framing, roofing materials, the attic, and the conditions that affect the roofing materials and components, including wind and hail.ASPHALT SHINGLE LIFESPAN, Part 5
GRANULE LOSS
Another result of weathering is granule loss. Granules may be lost for a number of reasons. In determining the cause, it will help to look at the roof from both near and far. Look at it from the ground to check for overall patterns of loss. Examine its surface closely to see details.
New Roofs
When shingles are manufactured, in addition to granules embedded in the asphalt, some granules interlock with embedded granules but are not embedded themselves.
You can see here that not all granules are embedded in the asphalt.
Many of these granules come loose during packaging, shipping and installation, but many are still attached after installation is complete.
These will likely be removed by runoff during storms and deposited into the gutters. Its common to see an accumulation of granules in the gutters of fairly new roofs.
The sediment in this gutter is made up of granules mixed with dirt. If you see granules this deep in the gutters, look carefully at the shingles to see if theyre losing granules prematurely.
Uniform Granule Loss
Slope Orientation
Causes And Solutions For Granule Loss
Shingles make for common roofing materials in Bellevue, and many of the advantages that they offer are due to granules. Granules help protect roof shinglesand the homes they coverfrom threats like fire and ultraviolet rays. While some level of granule loss is normal, too much loss can be a sign of a real problem and may suggest that it is time for roof repair . You might experience extra granule loss when your asphalt shingles start to near the end of their working lives or after walking on your roof too much during inspections or repairs. Here is a closer look at some of the causes and solutions for granule loss from shingles.
Normal Granule Loss
No matter how well you maintain your roof, it is going to be exposed to normal wear and tear at some point. It is also common to experience some granule loss when you have a new roof installed. Roof installation is an extensive and involved project, so some of the granules on your shingles will likely fall off during the process. This is nothing to worry about and doesnt mean that there is anything wrong with your roof. If you are experiencing excessive granule loss during or shortly after roofing installation, talk to your roofing contractor to find out why so much of the material is shaking off.
Old Asphalt
Damage from Walking
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Contact Artisan Quality Roofing For Roof Replacement And Repair
Do you see signs of granule loss on your asphalt shingle roof? As soon as you see signs of roof damage, its important to find a professional roofing contractor you can trust!
At Artisan Quality Roofing all of our roofers are licensed, knowledgeable, and equipped with the skills needed to repair or replace your asphalt granules. Our NC roof repairs company has served the local communities of Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Durham, and the surrounding areas for over ten years.
Call us today at 919-906-3791 to request a free estimate on your roof repair and maintenance.
What Is Granular Loss For Your Roof J& m Roofing
- www.jandmroofing.com
- Highest rating: 5
- Lowest rating: 3
- Descriptions: It all depends on how much loose granules you find, and how old your roof is. If its over 25, its probably time to replace your roof. If its under that age
- More : It all depends on how much loose granules you find, and how old your roof is. If its over 25, its probably time to replace your roof. If its under that age
- https://www.jandmroofing.com/what-is-granular-loss-for-your-roof
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What Is Granular Loss And What Does It Mean For Your Roof
At first glance, mineral granules may appear to be just an aesthetic addition to the asphalt shingles surface. But in reality, they serve as a protective layer to your shingles, and, thus, to your home. Therefore, a significant granular loss is one of the first things that roofers observe when assessing the health of your roof.
As a homeowner, it is important to recognize a granular loss and its main causes. That way, you can notice roof damage and know exactly when to contact a roofing expert and request an inspection.
