Having a few loose granules from your asphalt shingle roof is normal after an adverse weather event. You may find some in your gutter or right outside your home. However, constant and lots of loose granules is alarming. This means that your asphalt shingles are weak or damaged. In most cases, a visit from your roofer can fix your roof. However, how would you know if your asphalt shingle roof needs a replacement and not just a simple repair based on granule loss? In this article, we will be discussing when granule loss is irreparable. Learn when to replace your asphalt shingle roofing based on its granule loss from the professionals of the trusted roofing contractor, [company_name].
The Purpose of Granules
The granules are the protective layer of your asphalt shingles. They serve as the first line of defense against harmful elements. When your asphalt roofing is continuously exposed to these harmful elements, the protective layer of granules naturally wears off. Granules are designed to form a protective layer over asphalt shingles. Once the granules are worn off, your asphalt shingles are now more susceptible to damage. Without the protective layer, your asphalt roofing is now at risk of all kinds of damage.
Without the protective layer of granules, asphalt shingles may weaken and wear off. As they are now fully exposed during an adverse weather event. This is why granules are very important to your asphalt-shingle roofing. A reliable roofing contractor will advise you to properly maintain your roofing with professional inspections and good maintenance practices. It’s best to avoid losing your asphalt shingles granules to protect the integrity of your roof.
When Granule Loss Is a Sign to Replace Your Roof
You have to carefully watch for some warning signs that your asphalt shingles are dangerously stripped of granules. Severe granule loss will result in bald sections on your asphalt roof. You can also check for your gutter system if there is any clogging caused by loose granules. Another sign of extensive granule loss is water leakage. When your roof is balding, it’s more susceptible to tearing, letting in water through your roofing structure. You can check for water stains in your attic and walls.
During summer, you can check for sunlight peeking through your attic. This is a clear sign that there are gaps and tears in your roof. This can only mean the absence of the protective layer of granules in your asphalt shingles roofing. When the shingle body is exposed to direct heat and cold, it can cause mineral granule loss. This will result in water absorption and cause more serious damage to your roofing structure. At this point, you will have to ask a roof repair services contractor for help with replacing your roof.
In addition, if there is a sudden dramatic increase in your energy bills, it may have been caused by the tears in your asphalt roof. A well-functioning roof also plays as an insulator for your home. If your roof’s insulation is compromised, your comfortable and conditioned air can be leaked. This will only overwork your HVAC system and will increase your home’s energy consumption.
If you are experiencing most of these warning signs, it’s time for a roofing replacement immediately. Ignoring these roof damages will only result in more detrimental conditions. It is also more cost-effective to completely replace your ineffective asphalt shingles than the constant band-aide repairs. You should contact your reliable professional roofer to start planning your roof replacement.
Common Causes of Shingle Granule Loss
It’s also in your best interest to learn the common causes of asphalt shingle granule loss. We listed some causes of granule loss below. The knowledge will help you avoid committing the following mistakes and preserving your asphalt’s protective layer of granules.
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Power Washing – Keeping your asphalt roofing clean is essential. You should always clean out algae growth and other moss build-ups. However, power washing your asphalt shingle roofing is not advised. Granule-coated shingles are very sensitive to pressure wash. The strong force of the water may loosen and remove the granules, washing them away down your gutter. To clean your roof, a softer water flow is more ideal. Just scrub lightly and be careful not to damage or loosen the granules.
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Tree Limbs – Roofing replacement professionals may have advised you to clear out tree branches or limbs near your asphalt roofing. They may provide a cooling shade to your home but the limbs of a tree beside your home can easily scratch and loosen your asphalt granules over time. The constant limb brushing may also bruise your asphalt roofing. Especially during storms with the high-speed wind that can only make the limbs of the tree brush harder on your roof. The debris from nearby trees can also aggravate and loosen your granules.
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Constant Foot Traffic – In the first place, there shouldn’t be foot traffic on your asphalt roofing. Your professional roofer may occasionally walk or climb on your roof during inspections and maintenance, but foot traffic should be minimized. When you’re cleaning your roof, make sure to only step lightly and carefully on top of your asphalt shingles. Friction and pressure may easily loosen some granules. After going onto your roof, it’s important to take note if there are signs of granule loss.
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Intense Weather Event – Hail and storm damage are the most common causes of extensive granule loss. The heavy winds or the impact of hail heavily loosens the granules. After an adverse weather event, you should always check for any signs of loose granules. Contact a professional roofer to thoroughly inspect your roof. With their help, you can determine if your asphalt shingle roof can be easily repaired or if it needs a roof replacement. In the case of an insurance claim, your roofer can also provide you an idea of the expanse of your roof damage claim.
Looking for a trusted contractor for quality roof repair services? Your search is over with [company_name]. We offer professional roofing installation and maintenance services. Call us at (941) 217-2411 or you can fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
