Should You Worry About Asphalt Shingle Granules?

Asphalt shingles are an extremely common roofing material. Even if they are cheaper than most other roofing materials, they still hold a life span that can last as long as you own your home. Over time and through harsh weather, however, your shingles may start to deteriorate. You may notice some granules going down your gutters. Northwest Construction is here to help you understand where those granules are coming from, what they do, and when you might need roof repair.

What Are Asphalt Roofing Granules?

Asphalt shingle tiles are made by soaking a mat with asphalt and covering the tile with granules. These granules help to block UV light and protect your home. They help extend the life span of your asphalt shingles. They can also help to reflect sunlight and cool your roof, even during summer. However, those granules will deteriorate over time. Rainstorms, heat and debris contribute to the deterioration and loss of granules on your shingles.

What Happens When They Erode?

Once your roofing granules start to erode, you may notice some of your asphalt shingle tiles looking “bald.” You may also notice that the water going down your gutters has granules in it. When this happens, it’s a sign that your roof shingles are eroding.

Shingle tiles with major granular loss are more likely to crack, break or curl during changing weather conditions. Granular loss can also put your gutter at risk, and heavy loss may start blocking your gutters and keep them from redirecting water properly. At that point, you will need to call professionals to remedy the problem.

The best way to maintain a healthy roof is to inspect and address any problems as soon as you can. Call in your roofing contractor to help you with any problem before it gets worse. Northwest Construction has a team of experienced roofers who can definitely help maintain your roof’s health. Call us at (313) 277-7676 or fill in our contact form for an appointment. We offer our services to residents of West Bloomfield, Dearborn and Taylor, MI.