Granule loss is a normal occurrence, but it’s a cause for concern when you spot more granule loss than usual. Missing granules could mean a lot of things, but the worst is defective or aging shingles that can’t defend your house against harsh weather effectively.
Here are the top five causes of granule loss as described by Hinkle Roofing, the top roofing company in the area.
Improper Shingle Installation
The most common cause of premature granule loss is improper installation. One example is the laddering or stair-step method, where 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. This work is obviously cutting corners, resulting in significant granule loss.
New Roofing
While we’re on the subject of roofing installation, granule loss can also be attributed to something as innocuous as a new asphalt shingle roof. It’s natural to expect scattered shingle granules over the worksite or the gutters after the first few rain showers with your new roof. In addition, handling, nailing, cutting or stepping on shingles during installation may loosen a few granules.
Blisters
Pimple-like blisters on the surface of your asphalt shingles are usually manufacturing defects, which can expose your shingles and become susceptible to a storm or extreme weather.
Deteriorated and/or Balding Shingles
Bald spots indicate the end of an asphalt shingle roof, especially when they’re large or if they expose the substrate. You can think of them as a timer for when the roof needs to be replaced.
Hail Storms
Some roofs might already be weakened due to the combination of the factors listed above, but when a hail storm strikes, your roof is under further threat. A roofing contractor like us needs to be there to address the damage right away.
Hinkle Roofing understands how important your roof is to your home’s structural integrity, which is why we tailor our products and services to give you peace of mind. Call us at (205) 352-1940 for more information or fill out our contact form to get started. We proudly serve homeowners in Tuscaloosa and Hoover, AL.