Are you seeing a shine on your roof shingles? What you might be seeing is the fiberglass backing of your roof shingles.
Shingles are designed to protect your roof from damage from rain, snow, hail, and UV rays. The granules that make up the colored portion of the shingle play a crucial role in roof protection. They act as a water, light, and debris shield, reflecting sunlight, preventing premature aging, and enhancing the overall durability of the roof.
However, over time, shingles begin to lose their granules. This is standard across all roofs and needs to be addressed when it occurs.
Here are a few reasons why shingles may lose their granules:
Age
As shingles age, they naturally become more susceptible to granule loss. Over the years, exposure to sunlight and weather can cause disintegration of the structural components of the shingle, which causes the granules to erode or dislodge.
Poor-Quality Shingles
If your roof was installed with low-quality or defective shingles, granule loss may occur sooner than it would otherwise. Higher-quality shingles lose granules less quickly than low-quality shingles.
Storm Damage
Severe weather events, such as hailstorms or strong winds, can cause physical damage to your roof that leads to significant granule loss. Hailstones can dislodge granules upon impact, and strong winds can lift and blow shingles, causing large-scale granule loss.
Improper Installation
Incorrect installation or inadequate roofing underlayment can contribute to granule loss. Shingles that were installed with improper spacing, installed too low or too high, or installed under poor weather conditions are more likely to lose granules more rapidly. It’s crucial to hire professional roofers who follow proper installation procedures to minimize the risk of granule displacement.
When you notice granule loss on your own roof, it’s important to address it immediately. Excessive granule loss increases the risk of water damage. Granules act as a barrier against water penetration into the more vulnerable wood portions of the roof. When granules are missing, the underlying asphalt layer becomes exposed, making your roof vulnerable to leaks and water damage.
Excessive granule loss drastically decreases roof longevity. The granules on shingles not only enhance their aesthetic appeal but also contribute to their durability. By addressing missing granules promptly, you can extend the lifespan of your roof and avoid a premature total roof replacement.
Your home’s efficiency is also compromised by granule loss. The reflective properties of granules help regulate the temperature of your roof and reduce heat absorption. Missing granules can diminish this energy-saving feature, leading to increased cooling costs during the hot summer months.
Once you start noticing granule loss, it is important to address the situation promptly.
The Roof Guys offers free roof evaluations so that you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank just to see what state your roof is in.
Our team is experienced in roof aging cycles and shingle conditions. We can provide you with helpful roof-lifespan information and estimates of the cost necessary to repair roof damage. Remember, taking proactive measures to address missing granules can save you from costly repairs down the line and help maintain the structural integrity of your home. We want to help you make sure you’re protected.
Contact Us
There are dozens of signs that your roof may be reaching the end of its life: water damage, leaking, discoloration, brittle shingles, cracked tiles, and rusted metal, to name a few. The best way to know for sure whether or not it’s time to replace your roof is to have a professional come and conduct a roof inspection. If you suspect that it might be time to get your roof replaced, give us a call, and we’ll come out for a free inspection! Trust The Roof Guys for your roof replacement needs.
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