4 Reasons Missing Shingle Granules Are Bad for Your Roof
The shingles used to cover many roofs generally have an outer layer of rough granules that give them a texture similar to sandpaper. Many people assume those granules are only present to make the roof safer to walk across whenever additional work is required, but they actually help protect the roof itself.
Unfortunately, granular loss can develop over time. When it does, you may notice dull or worn patches across your roof — in some cases, you may even notice granules collecting around drains after heavy rainfall. This doesn't immediately impact your roof's waterproofing, but there is still a wide range of reasons why you should consider replacing the affected shingles or even the entire roof. Here are just four.
1. UV Damage
It should go without saying that your roof is going to encounter a high level of UV exposure over its life, and those UV rays can cause asphalt shingles to deteriorate at an increased rate. Granules are partly responsible for protecting underlying layers from UV exposure. Additionally, they provide a barrier against high temperatures, which can also cause damage. Given how much sun many parts of the country enjoy, a loss of shingle granules can greatly reduce the life of a roof.
2. Impact Damage
When people think about how impacts can damage their roofs, they usually think about things like tree branches. However, even hail and small bits of debris can cause damage. Over time, such damage can lead to anything from leaks to structural problems. Granular loss can increase the risk of such issues since the tough granules that cover your shingles provide protection against physical damage.
3. Water Shedding
Granules might provide added traction for anyone who needs to work on your roof, but they also help water slide down its surface. When those granules start to be lost, water will be more likely to sit on your roof. This can be a real issue since even small pools of water can create further damage and potentially start to soak through to the underlay.
4. Fire Resistance
Most people worry about fires coming from inside the house. However, sparks or debris from any nearby fires can spread to your own home. Granules add a vital layer of fire resistance to your roof, so they can be the difference between a fire that catches and a fire that doesn't. Even if a fire does start, granules should slow the spread of flames and give firefighters more time to save your home.
For more info about roof replacement, contact a local company.
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