5 Causes of Granule Loss on Asphalt Roof Shingles

Preserving asphalt roof granules is a must not only for maintaining aesthetics, but also because these granules serve an important function as well. They enable roof shingles to shed water and ensure your roof is protected from ultraviolet (UV) rays and fire.

If you notice too many granules in the gutter, you might want to take a closer look at your shingles to learn if a roof repair is in order. Here is Easton Roofing’s guide to help you determine why your asphalt roof may be losing granules.

1. Foot Traffic

Walking on shingles causes some of the granules to fall off your roofing system. If a contractor is working on your roof or chimney, keep an eye out for bald spots that may start appearing. These bald areas could be an indication that someone has carelessly walked on your roof.

2. Hail Damage

Granule loss is common after severe weather like hailstorms. Make sure to check your roof shingles for pitting or granule loss after a storm. This way, you can have a roofing expert assess the damage and give you repair or maintenance advice.

3. Blistering

Blisters are pimple-like protrusions on a shingle surface. According to manufacturers, these may simply be a cosmetic manufacturing defect. On some roofs, though, these shingle blisters are early signs of wear. Possibly due to weather or foot traffic, small round dots of missing granules can be seen usually on the upper surface of shingles.

4. Normal Wear and Aging

Old roofs, especially those nearing the end of their lifespan, are more vulnerable to granule loss. Some shingles become so fragile that stepping on them can cause them to easily break into smaller fragments. In such cases, get ready to contact roofing contractors to have new shingles installed.

5. Normal Granule Loss on New Asphalt Roofs

Granule loss can also happen on newly installed asphalt roofs, but it’s usually not a cause for worry. A new roof typically has some excess granules, which it will shed during installation and over a short period after that.

Easton Roofing is a trusted provider of roofing and attic insulation services. Call us at (913) 257-5426, or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. We serve all customers in Kansas City.