It can be a cause for concern when you spot granule loss from your shingles. Loose granules may mean defective or aging shingles that won’t defend your house against harsh weather as effectively. You can find granules in your gutters and downspouts, on the ground and even in your attic. This is a clear sign you’re in need of residential roof replacement.
If you are experiencing granule loss or doing research to avoid dealing with it, here are the top five reasons behind asphalt shingle granule loss.
Newly Installed Shingles
Often, granule loss is due to new installation of an asphalt roof. It’s normal to see scattered shingle granules going down your gutters. During installation, handling, nailing, cutting, or stepping on shingles may cause a few granules to loosen.
Blistering Shingles
Small, pimple-like blisters on the surface of your asphalt shingles are usually manufacturing defects. These could expose your asphalt shingles and become the tear points of granule loss when a heavy storm or extreme weather passes by.
Deteriorated, Bald Shingles
An asphalt shingle is near the end of its service life when you see bald spots forming in large areas and revealing its black shingle substrate. These blisters are known as a clear indicator of old asphalt shingles and how much time those shingles have left.
Hail Storms
Some roofs are already weakened due to the reasons listed above, but when a hail storm strikes, your roof is in danger of immediate damage and would require storm damage restoration to function normally again.
Improper Shingle Installation
Laddering or stair step shingle installation is another culprit behind loose granules in asphalt shingles. Instead of laying the shingles side by side, they are installed from the eaves to the ridges without moving beyond reach from left to right. It’s sloppy installation work which results in significant granule loss. This type of shingle installation is more likely to lead to roof leak repair in the near future.
Genesis Roofing understands how important your roofing system is. Our quality products and services prevent granule loss and any other major damage from happening instantaneously. Talk to us at (515) 200-1973 for more information. You can also fill out our contact form for a free project estimate. We proudly serve homeowners in Clive, IA, and other areas in Iowa.