Many homes feature an asphalt shingle roof because the material is cost-effective, durable, and attractive. These shingles come with a layer of mineral granules that serve an important function as decorative elements. However, when the granules start to come loose, they can be a warning about the condition of the materials and the potential need for roof repair services. Here's a look at what granule loss means and what you can do about it.

Why Shingles Shed Their Granules

Shingle granules are made from a mixture of crushed rock and minerals covered in a pigmented ceramic coating. They’re embedded into the face of a shingle during the manufacturing process and finished with a sealant to create a wide array of colors and patterns for versatile roof design. Not only do they enhance a shingle’s appearance, but they also increase its resistance to rain, wind, and harsh sunlight, extending its service life.

Over time, shingles naturally shed their granules as they wear down. Aside from age, granule loss can also be caused by regular exposure to severe weather, such as heavy rainfall and hail storms. After periods of inclement weather, you may notice granules gathered inside your gutters or on the ground around downspouts or below the eaves and soffits. You may also spot bald shingles with patches of severe granule erosion.

How to Respond to Granule Loss

Although shedding granules is a natural consequence of age-related wear and tear, it could also be a sign that your shingles are damaged and less able to protect your roof. If you notice an unusually large amount of granules in a certain area, a roof repair specialist may need to replace a few damaged shingles.

If the issue persists or is widespread, it could mean the roof is reaching the end of its useful life and should be replaced. A roofing contractor will inspect the entire system to assess the state of all the shingles.

If you’ve noticed shingle granules in your gutters or near your roof, get in touch with the team at Complete Roofing Solutions LLC. Serving residents throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties in Alabama and Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida, these trusted contractors offer a wide range of services, including roof repair, replacement, storm damage remediation, and more. They offer comprehensive 10-year labor warranties on all work to guarantee your peace of mind. To learn how they'll help, call their Orange Beach, AL, office at (251) 228-6889 or visit them online for more information.