Roof Shingle Granule Loss

Over the years granules begin to erode and fall off.

Roof shingle granule loss.

Walking on shingles causes some of the granules to fall off your roofing system. Because granule loss is one of the signs that a roof is getting older it is used by inspectors as a gauge of roof condition and a way to estimate additional roof life. What is granular loss. This thermal expansion and contraction can lead to granule loss and cracking over time.

Let s look at a few causes so that you can determine if you need a roof inspection from a professional. Make sure to check your roof shingles for pitting or granule loss after a storm. Steeper roofs shed water faster and the same asphalt shingle on a low slope roof wears out faster than on a steep roof. Still shingle roofs do present a unique maintenance issue known as granular loss.

There are quite a few things you can do to extend the life of asphalt shingles. You may find evidence of this in your gutters or sometimes in your yard. Prolonged exposure to hail can also loosen granules. Granule loss is the leading instigator of roof replacements as it s the heaviest and most prevalent symptom of a very aged roof.

These bald areas could be an indication that someone has carelessly walked on your roof. Granule loss is common after severe weather like hailstorms. With older roofs even marble size hail may loosen granules. Once this erosion of the granule has taken place the life of the shingle is basically over.

Over time the bond between the granules and asphalt deteriorates and granules will be loosened and carried away by runoff. If a contractor is working on your roof or chimney keep an eye out for bald spots that may start appearing. Depending on the level of granule loss and age of your roof you may be able to replace the damaged shingles without having to get a new roof. However not all granule loss is a concern.

However other things can cause this too such as tremendous rains hail branches strong wind storms and exceptionally intense hot and sunny days. Granule loss occurs when the embedded granules begin to loosen and fall off the shingle. These granules help to protect the asphalt from harsh environmental conditions such as uv light and heavy rains. Some other aging clues are curling at shingle corners lack of tab adhesion and broken off pieces as the shingles get more brittle with age.

Roof shingles are covered in tiny colored chips known as granules. Granule loss indicates aging of a roof. The first thing is to increase the roof pitch.