Should you be worried about your asphalt shingle roof losing granules? The short answer is it depends on the extent of the granule loss. Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, Inc., your trusted roof and gutter replacement contractor, elaborates further below:
It’s normal for asphalt shingles to lose a few granules over the course of their service life. That’s why manufacturers embedded up to 40% more granules in their asphalt shingles. This means minor granule loss shouldn’t affect your shingle’s durability.
When the granule loss becomes so extensive that bald patches start appearing on your roof or granules start accumulating in your gutters. These granules protect your roof from ultraviolet rays that can cause premature aging. Without them, it’s only a matter of time until your roof develops leaks. That’s why if you notice any of the aforementioned warning signs, you need to replace your roof as soon as possible.
Age is the usual culprit. As your roof ages, the adhesion of the granule to the shingles’ top layer weakens, which will eventually lead to more extensive granule loss. The average lifespan of asphalt shingles is 20 years. However, this may vary depending on several factors such as the local climate (in general, asphalt shingles tend to last longer in cooler climates than in warmer climates) and the frequency of maintenance (as a general rule, you should have your roof inspected at least twice a year).
What if you find granules in your gutters even though your roof was installed recently. Installation errors might be to blame here. Remember: always vet prospective roofing contractors before hiring them to make sure they’re qualified for the job.
Looking for experienced roofers near you?
Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, Inc. has been proudly serving the local community since 1979. We offer a wide range of professional roofing services as well as quality gutters. To request a free estimate, call us at (785) 628-3614 or fill out this form.