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.
Why Do Shingle Roofs Have Granules?
The main purpose of granules is to protect your roof from extreme solar radiation, which can cause damage. In other words, granules extend the lifespan of your roof.
Additionally, they increase the fire resistance of your roof by adding yet another protective barrier to your home. As a result, mineral granules improve your roof’s durability and reliability. In fact, without them, your shingle roof would be nothing more than a simple layer of tar paper covering your house.
What Causes Granular Loss?
Generally speaking, age is the main cause of granular loss. Why is that the case? Simply put, granules are bonded to the shingle structure with the use of asphalt. Over time, the bond gets weaker, allowing rain to carry away the mineral granules.
Besides age, there are other factors that can cause granular loss prematurely. For example, some roofers might try to save time by skipping some key procedures of roof installation. More specifically, instead of installing shingles side by side, they do it in vertical rows. That results in granular loss, which consequently affects the reliability of your roof.
And lastly, extreme weather events such as heavy rain and hailstorms weaken the granular layer. After a heavy storm, you might find substantial amounts of granules in your yard. However, that is normal and isn’t always a sign of worry.
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 gutter’s downspouts, it’s 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.
Should I Get a Roof Replacement?
At the end of the day, granules are an essential component of your roof. Not only do they protect against the sun, but they also keep your roof waterproof. However, if you are dealing with granular loss, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a roof replacement. A professional roofing contractor might be able to fix it, depending on how many granules your roof has lost.
If you have any questions about granular loss, make sure to give us a call at 855.964.7663 and schedule an inspection with Tadlock Roofing.
