What are shingle granules?
Have you ever noticed the surface of your roof shingles resembles coarse sandpaper? Shingles are manufactured with tiny fragments of hard stone adhered to the surface. These are known as granules and they have both practical and design functionality.
When a homeowner is shopping around for a new roof, color comes into play. Most consumers will want to select a shingle color that complements the house or surroundings. The color of granules help to determine an overall roof color.
Some of these tiny stones are fortified with copper to help fight the growth of certain types of algae. Some algae leaves black streaks on roofs.
Granules begin to shed from the shingles almost immediately after manufacturing. This loss continues up to and after installation. Everyday wear and tear contributes to shingle granule loss. They are often visible in parts of the gutter system. A little bit of this is normal.
Is too much reduction in shingle granules bad for my roof?
It’s when granule loss reaches a certain threshold that home owners need to consider whether or not it might be time to replace their roof.
Aside from color, granules also serve as a barrier to the harmful ultraviolet rays that break down the asphalt in shingles. Over time, particularly with heavy de-granulation, the sun will reduce the effectiveness of the asphalt and your shingles as a whole.
Another slightly more obvious benefit of granules is the traction they can provide. A healthy coating of granules on your shingles makes your roof surface more slip resistant.
Lastly, if you are shopping for a contractor because your roof is nearing the end of its life, be sure to hire a team of professionals who will clean up after themselves, including the sweeping up of any shingle granules that never made it to the roof. For more questions about granules, call Re-New Roofing & remodeling today.