Why Asphalt Shingles Lose Their Protective Granules And When Roof Repairs May Be Needed

One sign your roof may need repairs is when there's a loss of granules on the shingles. The granule loss could be widespread or just in a small area. When you notice a lot of granules in the gutters, or if the shingles look bald, have your roof checked to see if it needs repairs. Here are some reasons for the loss of granules and the roof repairs your home might need.

Normal Loss Due To Age

Granule loss is normal as your roof ages. Once your roof has lost a large number of granules, it's probably time to have your roof replaced. Brand new shingles often shed granules at a fast pace. It could be normal for a new shingle roof to shed a noticeable amount of granules, but if you're concerned, talk to a roofer to make sure your roof is okay and that the shingles aren't defective.

Walking On The Roof

If your roof has a lot of foot traffic, all that walking can knock off granules. If your HVAC is on the roof, occasional foot traffic might be necessary, but if you like to sit on the roof at night to watch the stars or admire a view in the distance, you may need to change your habits so you can protect your roof.

If the granule loss is in a small area, the roofer might replace those shingles so the granule layer is restored. It might also be possible to replace only the granules. The roofer will recommend the best roof repairs that fit your budget and that protect against leaks.

Trees Brushing Against The Roof

If a tree hangs over the roof and the branches are too close, the branches might scrape the roof when the wind blows. This situation can cause a lot of granule loss on the shingles that get scraped. Since granule loss speeds up the aging of the shingles and increases the risk of leaking, the roofer might have to repair a leak in addition to putting on new shingles.

Tree branches scraping on the roof can also lift shingles and cause other damage. The roofer may decide to replace all the damaged shingles and check the deck underneath them for water damage. If the deck is rotted, the rotted area needs to be replaced, too.

Hail Damage

If hail is large enough, the impacts from it can cause granules to get knocked loose. However, hail can cause other damage to shingles, too, so it's a good idea to have a roofer check the shingles after a bad hailstorm. If you see a lot of granules in the gutters after a storm, that could indicate the need for roof repairs. If the damage is widespread, as often happens with hail, you might need a roof replacement.

The roofer might be able to repair or replace storm-damaged shingles in a small area. Consider the age of your roof, the cost of a replacement versus repairs, and the recommendation of your roofer and insurance company when deciding on the best way to handle hail damage.

Contact a local roofer to learn more about roof repair.

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