Asphalt shingle roofing systems are the most common roof type in America. There’s a wide variety to choose from, depending on your needs and budget.
People love them because they’re highly affordable, easy to install, and available in many styles and colors. They allow homeowners to style their homes according to their personal aesthetic preferences without breaking the bank.
One of the significant advantages of having an asphalt shingle roof is its fiberglass coating. These fiberglass granules add extra strength, UV protection, and an extended lifespan to your asphalt shingle roof.
However, one of the first signs of a deteriorating asphalt roof is granular loss. If you think that your roof is experiencing significant granular loss, keep reading as we detail the signs as well as the causes of this common roofing problem.
How To Tell That You’re Losing Granules
An asphalt roofing system losing its granules has a dull appearance and may have several patches of missing asphalt across the roofline.
Another sign that you are losing fiberglass granules is an accumulation of the material in your gutter system or on the floor below your roof.
Causes of Granule Loss
Excess Foot Traffic
Consistent foot traffic on your rooftop will lead to you losing a significant amount of asphalt granules. This is primarily due to the strain of people’s weight and the texture of construction boots. People constantly walking across your roofing system will cause significant friction and physical damage to your roof, which leads to granules loosening and breaking off.
Storm Damage
During intense weather conditions, your roof takes quite a beating from elements such as high wind speeds, hail, heavy rains, and more. If you’ve experienced a bit of severe weather recently, you can expect some granule loss to occur.
An Old Roof
If your asphalt shingle roofing system is at the end of its life, you can expect your shingles to lose quite a bit of their granules. Because of its age, combined with wear and tear over the years, your roof’s granules won’t be as secure as the day you first installed it.
Over the years, your roof has had to deal with overexposure to UV rays, physical damage, and simple wear and tear. If only a small area of your roof has shed its granules, replacing those shingles should be easy and affordable. However, if the problem has spread throughout your roofing system, it may be time for a roof replacement.
For more information about the health of your asphalt shingle roofing system, give Roofs For Life a call today!
