Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun damages asphalt. It turns it dry and brittle over time. This is a problem in roofing, because when an asphalt shingle turns dry and brittle, it leaks.
Granules are an asphalt shingle’s sunblock. The coarse, gritty, outermost layer of the shingle reflects UV light away from it so it can last longer. When shingles lose their granules – and they always do, over time – they require immediate replacement. Let’s explain why that is!
What Exactly Are Granules?
Granules have always been part of the asphalt shingle’s design. The original asphalt shingles from the 1860s had slate granules; tiny little fragments of rock embedded in their surfaces. Granules are still made of crushed natural stone to this day. It works well, and we can’t imagine a cheaper alternative.
Modern shingle granules contain pigments which give the roof its color, as well as ceramic which provides even greater protection against UV light. Some shingles, such as Pinnacle Pristine Shingles by Atlas Roofing, additionally contain copper that prevents algae growth.
You can’t explain what granules are without also explaining why they are so important. They make asphalt shingles last longer. They make the roof attractive. They can even prevent gross single-celled organisms from staining your exterior.
Now that you know about granules, there’s no turning back. All you can do is ask yourself the burning question:
Is Granule Loss a Sign You Need Roof Replacement?
It is. Without their granules, shingles start leaking. That leads to water seeping inside the attic and walls, which leads to structural damage and mold growth. At that point, nobody is having a good time.
What Causes Shingle Loss?
If it’s on a roof, a shingle is bound to lose its granules over time. UV light is so powerful that it even damages granules. Long-term exposure to wind, water, mold, and occasional impact with hard objects also weathers granules away.
But the natural elements aren’t the only factors that contribute to granule loss. Low-quality shingles show their worth in many ways; losing their granules quickly is just one of them. Heavy rainfall accelerates granule loss, as does hail. A poorly installed roof loses its granules too quickly, also.
What Are the Signs of Granule Loss?
There are two major signs of granule loss – both unmissable.
- Gutter granules – As a budding expert on granules, you already know they are part of a shingle. That’s why you know you have a problem when you start finding large aggregations of granules in your gutters and downspout areas. They’re proof your granules are no longer where they belong.
- Balding shingles – Of course, the presence of displaced granules is just half of the reality. Once it has been robbed of its protective coating, a shingle reveals its flat asphalt underbelly. If your roof looks patchy or discolored, it’s lost enough granules to justify replacement. Roof replacement is even more important if your shingles appear shiny – a sign that the fiberglass mat beneath the asphalt itself is exposed!
Can You Repair Granule Loss?
Repairing asphalt shingles that have lost their granules isn’t unthinkable. A clever handyman could manage it, but he would still do a temporary patch job: not very durable, and certain not to match the surrounding roof in color.
From a practical standpoint, the only real solution to granule loss is roof replacement. But hey! Look at that as an opportunity. You can install high-quality shingles that will go decades without needing repairs, and your home will never look better once it has a brand new roof.If you’re finding heaps of granules in your gutters in the greater St Cloud, Little Falls, Alexandria or Brainerd, MN area, then you’ve already found the best local roofing contractor. Contact Exterior Pro today for a free estimate on roof replacement!