What are Granules?
Granules on roofing shingles are small, rough particles made of crushed minerals like stone or ceramic. They are embedded into the surface of asphalt shingles to serve multiple purposes: protecting the shingles from ultraviolet (UV) rays, enhancing their durability, and providing a decorative finish with various colors. Granules also improve fire resistance and help maintain the roof’s longevity by shielding it from weather-related wear and tear. Over time, granule loss can indicate aging or damage to the shingles.
Granule Loss
When clearing your eaves troughs, you may notice that some colored granules have accumulated in the gutters. Depending on the age of your roofing shingles and normal weathering processes, this is not unusual. An excessive amount of granules might be cause for concern. But what is considered “excessive”?
Whenever you clean your gutters, always be alert to unusual quantities of granules that may accumulate there and check that your roofing shingles aren’t balding.
While there’s no way to definitively quantify how much granule loss is too much, the best indication is to look at the roofing shingles themselves. When asphalt shingles are manufactured, more granules are embedded in their surface than are actually necessary so it’s only natural that the superfluous, loose granules would wash away first.
Even on brand-new shingles, you can make out the black asphalt the granules are embedded in. However, if the asphalt shingles on your roof have relatively large bare patches where the granules have eroded away and exposed the underlying black weathering asphalt to the elements, you will need to replace any damaged shingles. If the problem isn’t limited to just a few shingles, it may well be time for a roof replacement.
Schedule a Free Inspection
If you’ve noticed granule loss or bare patches on your asphalt shingles, it’s a sign that your roof may be aging or has sustained damage from weather exposure. These issues can leave your home vulnerable to leaks and other costly problems if not addressed promptly. At Greenawalt Roofing, we offer FREE inspections to assess the condition of your shingles and provide expert recommendations tailored to your needs. Don’t wait for small issues to turn into big headaches—schedule your FREE inspection with Greenawalt Roofing Company today and ensure your roof is ready to protect your home.
