Found some small, sandy granules in your gutters or on your driveway? Roof granule loss is a common concern for homeowners, but the need for action will often depend on the causes and the extent of the issue. Get a deeper understanding of roofing granule loss, its causes and what it means for the health of your roof in this post by local solar roof company LePage and Sons Roofing LLC.
Roofing granules are small, crushed pieces of rock coated onto shingles’ surfaces during manufacturing. They protect the asphalt layer from harmful UV rays, shed water to prevent leaks, and provide fire resistance.
Granule loss can occur due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is the natural aging process of your roof. Over time, environmental factors such as wind, rain and hail can cause the granules to loosen and fall off. It’s normal to find a small amount of granules washed off in your gutter after a severe storm. Sometimes, manufacturing defects can cause excessive granule loss. too.
Granule loss can also occur when a new roof is installed. As the asphalt mats are formed on the shingle surface, sharp granules can be misplaced, leading to an uneven surface. Asphalt shingle blistering can also cause granule loss. When blisters pop, granules can loosen and fall off.
Foot traffic on your roof can also cause granule loss as well. It’s common to find granules in an area where an untrained person may have climbed onto your roof to access your gutters or chimney for repairs. Always leave your roofing needs to a professional roofing company that has extensive experience navigating roofs.
Several telltale signs can indicate granule loss. The most obvious is finding loose granules around your yard or in your gutters. A more subtle sign is the appearance of “bald spots”, which are the exposed matting of the affected asphalt shingles. They look lighter in color than the rest of the shingles when seen from the ground.
Early or excessive granule loss can be a sign of potential roof damage. In smaller amounts, this is a normal part of your roof’s aging process. However, if you start seeing bald spots, it’s a warning sign that it may be time to have a certified roofing company perform an inspection.
Proactive and regular inspections can nip any potential issues in the bud and ensure a longer lifespan for your roofing system. So next time you look up ” roofer near me” online, consider the inspection and maintenance services they offer as well.
While you can spot-check issues on your own, a professional inspection is always best for determining the overall health of your roof. If you’re in New Bedford, MA, and suspect your roof might be suffering from granule loss, reach out to LePage and Sons Roofing LLC at (508) 295-6483, or fill out this contact form today.
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