All about asphalt shingle granule loss from Watkins Construction & Roofing. Asphalt shingles have been America’s most popular roofing material for nearly 100 years.
But many homeowners don’t know the composition or function of shingles. Therefore, we’ll talk about shingles and shingle granules today. Why do roofs have sand-like granules, and what happens when they wash away? These granules have a critical role in the shingle’s structure and give your roof color and texture.
However, they are not merely for looks. Shingle granules provide several benefits:
Direct Water Flow
Granules help shingles shed water by directing it down and off the roof.
Sunscreen
Granules consist of UV-resistant minerals and ceramics that give them sunscreen properties.
Cooling
Coated grains reflect sunlight and infrared rays. Warm climates benefit from this heat shielding.
Fire Safety
Granules can’t prevent fires inside your home, but they can guard against windblown sparks and blazing debris.
Stop Algal Growth
Asphalt shingle granules contain copper, which prevents algal growth.
Easier Shingle Installation, Better Footing
Granules protect shingles from adhering during packing, shipping, and installation. Likewise, they improve foot traction for roofers.
Is Granule Shedding Bad?
Asphalt shingles shed granules naturally. Indeed, these shingles have more granules than they require because some will be lost during installation. With shingle roofing, you may expect little granule loss with every precipitation event. However, when a roof sheds too many granules, issues might arise.
After heavy rain, it is normal to notice granules surrounding downspouts. UV radiation, wind, and other weathering will also take a toll.
Besides, if you observe shed granules in your gutters or downspouts, your shingle roof may be nearing the end of its useful life. At that time, a local roofing specialist from Watkins Construction & Roofing should perform a shingle inspection and provide repair or replacement suggestions.
What Causes and Prevents Shingle Granule Loss?
Several factors can promote granule loss. So, let’s look at some frequent causes and ways to prevent premature granule loss.
Fallen Debris
Roofing debris can scrape off granules. Windstorms and other weather events can break off tree branches, but you can reduce the probability that they will drop on your roof. Annually, prune overhanging trees and tall bushes near your home. Fewer branches overhead will mean less granule loss.
Backups
Clogged gutters might increase granule shedding. Storms can blow or wash gutter debris onto the roof, knocking additional granules off the tiles.
Foot Traffic
While keeping your roof and gutters clear is necessary, excessive walking or climbing can be harmful. Shoes always win while battling grains. Therefore, minimize traffic on your shingle roof.
Pressure-Washing
Pressure washers are NOT convenient for cleaning off roof debris and keeping gutters clear, especially on shingle roofs. It is not that a pressure washer doesn’t have enough force; it has too much! Besides, misdirected pressure may knock off the granules, causing water damage.
Storm Damage
Storms cause most roof damage. Thus, wind, hail, and heavy rain can remove shingle particles from your roof. You cannot control Mother Nature. But you can lessen her effects quickly. After a storm, check your roof. It is better to make repairs where they are needed than to do nothing and witness increasing damage with each storm.
When to Replace a Roof?
Here are several signals it is time to replace your roof:
- If most of your granules have shed, your shingles will not protect your roof from water intrusion. Besides, you will miss out on shingle granules’ additional benefits.
- Shingles that curl, peel, buckle, or droop can cause roof leaks and mold. If your roof is warped or buckled, water damage has damaged its structure.
- Metal flashing seals chimneys, exhaust fans, vents, etc. This metal corrodes, rusts, and wears out. Therefore, issues like these nearly always cause leakage.
- Generally, problems in your roof cause leaks in the attic or ceiling. Leaks like this won’t mend themselves and will worsen if ignored.
Shingle Roof Replacement? Choose Watkins!
Watkins Construction & Roofing can help you replace your shingle roof with Owens Corning shingles! Watkins is the highest-rated, most-trusted roofer in Mississippi.
For more information, you can reach Watkins Construction & Roofing at 601-488-3179. You can also come by and visit us in person to go over your roofing needs. We can get you squared away in no time! We service areas in Jackson, MS, Flowood, MS, Clinton, MS, and Ridgeland, MS.