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Denver Roofer Explains What Causes Asphalt Granule Loss


June 21, 2017

If you’re interested in learning about what causes asphalt granule loss, look no further. Granules are embedded into the surface of asphalt shingles. Not only do these granules add color and beauty to your roof, they also serve as extra protection against harsh environmental elements. Clearly, these granules play an important role, so it may concern you when you start to see the shingles on your roof lose some of their granules. There are several factors that can cause the granules in your asphalt shingles to become loose, according to a Denver roofer from Big Creek Roofing. Here’s what you should know:

Aging Roofs

How old is your roof? It’s natural for granules to become loose as the roof ages, so you shouldn’t worry if you see loose granules as your roof is nearing the end of its life. This occurs because the bond between the granules and the asphalt material begins to weaken over time. But, granule loss due to aging should occur uniformly across the roof. If the granule loss is limited to a specific area on your roof, this may not be due to aging. Learn how to extend the life of your roof here.  

Severe Weather

Granules can also become loose when exposed to extreme weather conditions, especially hail and heavy winds. The older that your roof is, the more vulnerable it will be under these extreme weather conditions. It’s normal to see granules in your gutters after a bad hail or wind storm, but you should still have your roof inspected so a professional can determine the extent of the damage.

Newly Installed Roof

If you’ve recently had your asphalt roof replaced, you may notice loose granules accumulating in your gutter or on the ground around the perimeter of your roof. Why? Some of the granules that are not deeply embedded into the asphalt will become loose when the shingles are packaged and shipped. Most of these loose granules will fall off before the shingles are installed on your roof, but some will still remain. The ones that make it through the installation process will most likely detach from the shingles during the first rainstorm and end up in your gutters or on the ground.

Slope

Sometimes, the granule loss may be limited to slopes on your roof that face a particular direction. This type of granule loss could be due to increased exposure to sunlight. If you notice that the granule loss is only affecting one portion of your roof, try to determine if it is the side of your roof that gets the most sun.
 
If you ever notice a significant amount of granule loss, it’s important that you contact a roofing professional as soon as possible. Granule loss could leave your roof unprotected, so you will need a roofer to examine the damage to determine if repairs are needed.
 
Big Creek Roofing is the premier Denver roofing company, with a staff that specializes in every aspect of roof maintenance, repair, and replacement for commercial and residential properties. When you hire our team to tackle your roofing project, you can expect on-time and high quality service at a reasonable price. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs!