It’s normal for your asphalt roof to lose a few granules over the course of its lifespan. However, under what circumstances should you be worried about granule loss? When it becomes so extensive that you start seeing bald patches on your roof or granules in your gutters. These are warning signs you’ll soon need a roof replacement.
Causes of Granule Loss
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Age – As your roof nears the end of its lifespan—which is about 20 years—the adhesion of the granules weakens, causing some of the granules to fall off. These granules protect your roof from ultraviolet rays; without them, your roof is left vulnerable to the elements.
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Moss – Normally, you don’t need to worry about moss on your roof; the worst thing it can do is lower your curb appeal. However, in temperate climates, moss can damage asphalt shingles. Moss—which grows in cool, moist climates—can hold moisture against the surface of your shingle roof. When temperatures drop below zero, the water retained by moss freezes, potentially damaging the surface of the shingles.
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Extreme weather events – Gale-force winds and hail storms can loosen granules or even knock off asphalt shingles altogether, which is why you should always have a professional residential roofing contractor inspect after an extreme weather event. Remember: No matter how durable your roof is, it’s bound to have suffered some form of damage during the storm.
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Installation errors – If your asphalt roof started losing granules even though it was only recently installed, installation errors might be to blame. To ensure your new roof is installed properly, only qualified professionals should handle its installation.
Here’s a tip for vetting contractors: The number of years a company has been in business in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise.
Universal Roofing & Exteriors, a family-owned company with more than three decades of experience, offers professional exterior services, including roof repair and replacement services. To request a quote, call us at (317) 257-0779 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Carmel and Zionsville, as well as the surrounding communities in Indiana.
