What Is Granule Loss On Shingles? (& Ways To Prevent)

Granule loss on shingles is a common issue for homeowners, particularly with asphalt roofing materials. This problem occurs when the protective layer of mineral particles sheds away, affecting the longevity and overall performance of the roof.

It’s important to maintain your roof and act fast if you find damage to your shingles. You’ll want to get your roof inspected to figure out the scope of the damage and find and fix any roof leaks.

Understanding Granule Loss On Shingles

Granule loss is a common issue that affects the longevity and performance of asphalt shingles. To put it simply, granular loss refers to the shedding of mineral granules and small particles embedded in the surface of these shingles.

Shingles are comprised of a base mat, asphalt layer, and granule layer. The base mat is typically made of fiberglass or organic material, which gives the shingle its overall structure. The asphalt layer provides waterproofing capabilities, ensuring that water doesn’t permeate the shingle and enter the home. 

These tiny granules play a vital role in protecting your roofing material from various elements, such as UV light which can lead to deterioration over time. When granule loss occurs, the underlying asphalt layer is exposed, making it vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays and temperature fluctuations, which can expedite the aging process and compromise the waterproof integrity of the shingles.

There are several factors that contribute to the roof granule loss, on shingles besides general wear and tear. Strong winds or hailstorms can cause significant harm by dislodging large amounts of protective granules. Additionally, walking on your roof for routine maintenance tasks may wear down these important particles underfoot.

You want to preserve the protective coatings on your roof shingles. Apart from providing an added layer against UV radiation-induced damage like cracks or leaks, copper-infused color mixtures protect the shingle surface against algae growth, keeping rooftops looking fresh while maintaining structural integrity.

Ways To Prevent Granule Loss On Shingles

Prevent granule loss on shingles by ensuring proper installation techniques, regular roof inspections, adequate attic ventilation, professional roof cleaning, and timely shingle replacement.

Proper Installation Techniques

One of the key ways to prevent granule loss on shingles is by adhering to proper installation techniques. Improper installation remains the most common cause of premature granule loss on asphalt shingle roofs, which can lead to serious consequences such as water damage and a decrease in your roofing’s lifespan.

A skilled contractor will be familiar with best practices for asphalt shingle roof installation, including avoiding the laddering or stair-step method that contributes to granule loss.

They understand how essential the layer of granules on shingles is for preventing them from sticking together during installation and helping them shed water effectively by directing its flow down the roof.

Regular Roof Inspections

Regular roof inspections are an essential part of maintaining your home and your new roof, protecting it from potential damage caused by granule loss on shingles.

During these inspections, expert roofing contractors examine the entire roof surface for signs of wear, including loose or missing granules on the shingles. They also check for other factors contributing to premature aging or weathering, such as poor attic ventilation or tree branch damage.

With this information in hand, homeowners can take proactive measures to extend the life of their roofing system and prevent costly repairs caused by water infiltration or structural deterioration stemming from lost asphalt shingle granules.

Adequate Attic Ventilation

Adequate attic ventilation is a crucial factor in preventing granule loss on shingles. Without proper airflow, warm and humid air can become trapped in the attic, leading to condensation that can cause wood roofing materials to expand and contract.

This movement from moisture can result in an accelerated aging process for the shingles, causing premature granule loss.

Installing vents or fans within the attic space allows for proper air circulation and temperature regulation, this extends the lifespan of your roof while also preventing potential costly damages down the line.

It’s essential to make sure that any insulation installed doesn’t block these vents and that they’re working correctly during regular, roof inspection and inspections to prevent issues caused by poor ventilation.

Professional Roof Cleaning

Professional roof cleaning is a key preventative measure against granule loss on shingles. Homeowners should hire reputable and experienced professionals to clean their roofs, rather than attempting it themselves.

This is because many inexperienced methods of roof cleaning involve high water pressure that can dislodge and remove protective granules from the shingles.

In addition to preventing granule loss, professional roof cleaning helps to extend the lifespan of your shingles by removing mold, mildew, algae, and other harmful organisms that can eat away at them over time. It also keeps your roof looking its best by restoring its natural color and shine.

Timely Shingle Replacement

Regularly replacing shingles on your roof is crucial in preventing granule loss and maintaining the integrity of your roofing system. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause shingles to deteriorate or sustain damage that can compromise their ability to shed water effectively.

This can result in increased instances of granule loss and lead to more severe issues like leaks and water damage. By ensuring timely shingle replacement, you mitigate the risk of granule loss while also extending the lifespan of your roof. 

Most roofing experts recommend scheduling regular inspections with professionals who can help identify any problem areas before they turn into costly repairs or replacements.

Signs Of Granule Loss And What To Do

If you notice granule loss on your shingles, it’s essential to take action immediately. Common signs of granule loss on shingles include visible patches of missing granules, bald spots on the roof, and an accumulation of loose granules in gutters or downspouts.

To prevent further damage to your roof due to excessive granule loss, there are a few things you can do. First off, call a professional roofing contractor for an inspection if you suspect that there is significant damage to your roof.

Secondly, try looking out for any physical hazards, such as tree branches or debris sitting on top of the roof, which could be causing the issue.

Lastly, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and avoid walking on the shingles since human foot traffic may disrupt them, leading not only to increase risk but also causing unnecessary wear and tear over time.

Prevent Granule Loss To Extend Your Roof

Take steps to prevent granule loss, and you can prolong the life of your roof. As we’ve discussed, proper installation techniques, regular inspections, adequate ventilation, professional cleaning, and timely roof replacement, are all essential for preventing premature granule loss.

Signs of granule loss should be addressed promptly to avoid more significant issues down the line. We’ve seen it all during our 40 years of service. If you need your home’s roof to be evaluated or repaired, contact our team at Trust Roofing.