Roof Missing Granules

Indentations in the shingle where granules are missing.

Roof missing granules.

A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout. With older roofs even marble size hail may loosen granules. A distinct pattern of small round shaped divots on the edges of the shingles. Though age is the most common cause of granule loss there are several other factors that can contribute to the premature loss of this protective coating.

It s easy to camouflage. Over time the bond between the granules and asphalt deteriorates and granules will be loosened and carried away by runoff. Roof granule loss due to normal aging occurs over the life of an asphalt shingle roof as weather and sun exposure cause the roof shingle to lose its flexibility as the roof is exposed to changing temperatures etc. Severe weather such as heavy rain hail or strong winds can also knock your granules loose.

As your roof ages it s completely normal to lose some granular textures. Granule loss which is uniform across the roof is usually a result of normal weathering. This thermal expansion and contraction can lead to granule loss and cracking over time. Missing granules granules can become loose and fall off for a number of reasons.

There are quite a few things you can do to extend the life of asphalt shingles. These simple repairs can keep your existing roof sound for years to come. Moss holds moisture against the roof surface and overtime in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. Roofs where most granules have disappeared are usually old enough to need some type of roof repair.

The bond holding the embedded granules gradually begins to degrade and releases the granules. A new roof is a pricey proposition. Our advice is to go outside and take a look at the shingles on your roof. Roof box vent with hail damage.

Check the gutter for an accumulation of colored granules that have washed down the roof from the shingles. It s a good idea to climb up on your roof and carefully inspect your shingles for missing granules. A small amount is normal especially on new shingles. Moss can be brushed off but it won t prevent it from growing again.

You may need to contact a professional roofing contractor. As your roof ages and endures a series of weather events it will naturally begin to lose granules. Take care not to damage the shingle surface. Steeper roofs shed water faster and the same asphalt shingle on a low slope roof wears out faster than on a steep roof.

However if you notice a lot of granules in your downspouts or gutters after a hail storm you could have hail damage on your asphalt shingles. This makes the shingle more acceptable to uv damage which leads to brittleness cracking. The granules are what keep the roof weather proofed and without them your shingles are no match for the elements.