Causes Behind Granule Loss in Asphalt Shingles

The granules in your asphalt shingle roofing have three main functions: to protect it from UV rays, to give its aesthetic appearance, and to provide fire protection. It’s natural for these granules to lose adhesion over time, especially when it’s exposed to natural wear and tear conditions including wind, rain, hail and foot traffic, among other factors. 

This doesn’t really mean that your roof needs an immediate roof replacement, but it may be wise to call your trusted roofing contractor when you observe too much granular loss from your asphalt shingles. They’ll be able to explain what’s happening to your roof, with causes including:

Blistered Shingles

Blistering shingles is not an uncommon result in the loss of granules. Aging, wear and tear, or a weather event such as rain or hail storm can cause moisture to get stuck inside the shingle. When this happens, it can cause them to blister. Depending on how much-blistered shingles you have on your roof, you may need an extensive repair or a full replacement. 

Your Roof Is Still New

Even if your roof was recently installed by roof and siding contractors, you might experience slight granule loss. During its manufacturing process, the granules are embedded into the asphalt. It’s also during this process that some excess granules may have become linked with the embedded granules, though they were not really embedded themselves. The excess granules that are not embedded into the asphalt can fall off during packaging, shipping, or installation. They can even fall off after a good rainfall, but there’s usually nothing to worry about. 

If you notice granule loss on your new roof, try to inspect the shingles to see if embedded granules are still intact. The excess granules should fall off after a short while, but if you notice that your shingles seem to be losing the granules more than it should, then you need to call its manufacturer because your shingles may be defective.

Your Roof Is Nearing Its End

Aging roofs can experience shingle more granule loss as they near the end of their life cycle. This is because they’re at the point where the bond between the granules and the asphalt shingle is already becoming loose, which allows the granules to gradually fall off. If you think your granules are falling off due to roof age, then you should consider a replacement.

Triangle Home Exteriors is one of the best roofing and home exterior remodeling companies in the area, so you’re assured of a successful project when you hire our services. Call us at (919) 615-1101 or just fill out our convenient contact form. Talk to us today to get started! We serve Raleigh and surrounding NC areas.