Roof Missing Granules

Roof box vent with hail damage.

Roof missing granules.

Indentations in the shingle where granules are missing. A small amount is normal especially on new shingles. The granules are what keep the roof weather proofed and without them your shingles are no match for the elements. This makes the shingle more acceptable to uv damage which leads to brittleness cracking.

Missing granules granules can become loose and fall off for a number of reasons. The bond holding the embedded granules gradually begins to degrade and releases the granules. As your roof ages and endures a series of weather events it will naturally begin to lose granules. Steeper roofs shed water faster and the same asphalt shingle on a low slope roof wears out faster than on a steep roof.

Take care not to damage the shingle surface. There are quite a few things you can do to extend the life of asphalt shingles. Then gather some into a small cup and sprinkle them over the sealant to mask the repair. You may need to contact a professional roofing contractor.

Over time the bond between the granules and asphalt deteriorates and granules will be loosened and carried away by runoff. The first thing is to increase the roof pitch. With older roofs even marble size hail may loosen granules. Severe weather such as heavy rain hail or strong winds can also knock your granules loose.

Moss can be brushed off but it won t prevent it from growing again. Granule loss which is uniform across the roof is usually a result of normal weathering. 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. Roofs where most granules have disappeared are usually old enough to need some type of roof repair.

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. Our advice is to go outside and take a look at the shingles on your roof. Moss holds moisture against the roof surface and overtime in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout.

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 new roof is a pricey proposition. Prolonged exposure to hail can also loosen granules.

A distinct pattern of small round shaped divots on the edges of the shingles. As your roof ages it s completely normal to lose some granular textures. These simple repairs can keep your existing roof sound for years to come.