Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common roof type in the U.S. Learn about average shingle roof costs and the factors that can affect your total.
What Does Shingle Granule Loss Mean for Your Roof?
It’s important to keep your shingles shipshape
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Granule loss on a roof happens when weather exposure, UV rays, hail, wind, or foot traffic breaks down and removes the protective mineral coating from your asphalt shingles.
Shingles with granule damage lose their ability to block UV rays and repel water, leaving your roof vulnerable to cracking, curling, leaks, and premature deterioration.
Check for bare patches on your shingles where the surface looks flat or discolored compared to surrounding areas, especially near gutters and downspouts after storms.
Hiring a local roof repair professional provides reliable guidance on whether you need targeted shingle replacement or a full roof replacement based on your roof's age and condition.
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Ever wonder why your asphalt roof shingles have a gritty surface? Shingle granules help protect your home from the elements, and when shingles start to lose those granules, your home is more susceptible to damage. Learn more about shingle granules and what granule loss means for your roof.
What Are Shingle Granules?
Shingle granules make up the top layer of asphalt shingles and give the shingles their texture. Granules are made from crushed stone or other minerals embedded into the asphalt. Shingle granules have a number of functions, including:
UV and heat protection
Water resistance
Algae prevention
Fire resistance
Non-slip texture for installation and repairs
What Causes Granule Loss?
Over time, shingles lose their granules. Weather factors like extreme heat, prolonged exposure to UV rays, roof hail damage, wind damage to roof shingles, and heavy or sustained rain can cause the granules to deteriorate and wear away or fall off the shingles. Granule loss can also be caused by foot traffic from roof repairs or other work involving roof access, debris impact or friction, pressure washing, and improper installation.
Granule loss is expected over the life of asphalt shingles, but it’s important to know when there’s enough loss to cause serious and potentially costly problems.
Effects of Granule Loss
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Because shingle granules provide significant UV protection, once the shingles experience granule loss, they’re more susceptible to damage from the sun. UV exposure on unprotected shingles can lead to cracking, splitting, and curling shingles, and with this kind of damage, your asphalt shingles will last a much shorter time than expected.
Granule loss also reduces your roof’s ability to repel water. Without the outer layer of protection from rain and snow, water can enter your roof, leading to leaks, mold growth, and structural damage to roofing components. Over time, shingles with granule loss can cause your roof to quickly deteriorate, which may make a full roof replacement necessary sooner than you’d planned.
How to Identify Granule Loss
To identify granule loss, look for shingles with “blad spots” or areas that appear flat when compared to the texture of other shingles. Take extra care to look low on the roof near your gutters and downspouts. Shingles that appear to be a different color from surrounding shingles can also be a sign of granule loss, as granules help give shingles their color.
After a storm, check for signs of roof storm damage or wind damage to your roof—granule loss can happen as a result of severe weather, so you may be able to spot it then. A professional inspection from a local roof repair company can also identify granule loss as well as any other roof problems that might need to be addressed.
How to Tell It’s Time for Shingle Replacement
So when is it time to budget for the cost of roof shingle repair or replacement? If granule loss is only present in a few places and your roof is in good shape otherwise, you might only need to replace the damaged shingles. More widespread granule loss on a roof that’s nearing the end of its life span may have you spending more than just roof repair cost—it might be time for a full roof replacement.
Consult with a pro who fixes roofs to assess your roof’s condition and advise you about shingle or roof replacement. Your roof protects your biggest investment, so you want to make sure it’s in the best possible condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
- Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc. - Madison B.
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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