Suppose you’re standing in your driveway, looking up at your roof, noticing it’s looking a digit broken down, and then you realize; that’s right, there’s some granular loss going on. Immediately, your mind could leap to horrible: “Do I want to replace the entire roof?” Yet here’s the good information: learning how to repair granular loss on roof without replacing it completely can save you truckload of cash, time, and hassle.
In this article, we’ll go through the ways you can fix those spots on your roof where the granules have taken a hit, keeping your roof in strong shape without the requirement for a full replacement.
What Causes Granular Loss on Your Roof?
To fix it, you have to understand it, isn’t that so? Granular loss on your roof shingles is actually normal over the long haul. Roof shingles are shrouded in tiny granules, which you can think of as armor; they safeguard the shingles from things like daylight, rain, and even hail. However, now and again, things like heavy storms or try and age can start to thump those granules free. And once that defensive layer starts to go, indeed, the shingles themselves become more vulnerable.
One of the greatest guilty parties behind granular loss is the weather. When storms hit, especially with hail or strong winds, those granules can simply move stripped away. Imagine, for example, a stormy night where hail is coming down hard; it’s easy for those little defensive pieces to get knocked off. Or on the other hand even after a particularly heavy rain, you could see granules in your drains or downspouts.
And then there’s the issue of ventilation. When your attic isn’t ventilated as expected, heat can get trapped up there, which makes the shingles bake from underneath. After some time, that extra heat simply releases the granules more rapidly than they’d normally wear off. Knowing what causes granular loss can actually assist you with preventing it later on, too.
Signs Your Roof Has Granular Loss
Some of the time, spotting granular loss can be somewhat precarious if you don’t know what to search for. One of the clearest signs is if you see a great deal of granules in your drains. Every time it rains, granules that have come free will get washed down the roof and wind up sitting there. Thus, if you’re cleaning out your drains and you find a heap of them, that’s a clear signal that your shingles are shedding.
Another thing to watch for is discoloration on your shingles. When those granules fall off, it leaves the surface of the shingle looking a piece faded or lopsided. You could see that parts of your roof don’t look as dark or as strong in variety as others. Those lighter, uncovered patches are an indication that the granules are missing, and that means the shingles underneath are getting hit harder by the sun and weather.
Finally, you can now and again see what are called “bald spots” on your shingles. These are patches where the granules are almost totally gone, and they will more often than not look harsher or even a piece bare. When you start noticing these, it’s usually time to think about some maintenance before things deteriorate.
Assessing the Extent of Granular Loss
Before jumping into repair mode, you want to get a feeling of exactly how serious the granular loss is. A smidgen to a great extent is usually normal for an aging roof, yet if you’re seeing large patches or on the other hand if it’s spread out across the entire roof, it very well may be an indication that something all the more should be done. Start by checking different parts of your roof, especially those areas that get the most sun and weather openness.
Take a care for storms, too. If you notice that every time there’s a heavy rainfall, an ever increasing number of granules show up in your drains, it very well may be an indication that the shingles are deteriorating faster than usual. If it seems like you’re scooping out significantly after each storm, it merits investigating.
Also, consider how old your roof is. Roofs that are nearing 15-20 years of age naturally lose more granules, yet if your roof is relatively new and shedding heavily, it very well may be an indication of low quality shingles or a consequence of unusually harsh weather patterns. Either way, knowing the extent assists you with deciding on the right repair steps.
How to Repair Granular Loss Without Replacing Your Roof?
So here’s the part you’ve been waiting for; how to fix granular loss without needing a brand-new roof. One successful way to handle this is by applying a roof coating. Roof coatings come as a fluid and are spread over the shingles, forming a defensive layer that can seal in any small gaps and cover those areas missing granules. This keeps your shingles safeguarded as well as add a touch of longevity to their life.
Another strategy is to reapply granules manually. It’s somewhat of a hands-on approach, yet it works for spot-treating areas with severe granular loss. Roofing adhesive and matching granules (usually available at roofing supply stores) can be applied to areas where granules are gone, helping those spots hold up better against the weather.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the force of regular roof maintenance. Straightforward tasks like cleaning out your drains, trimming nearby trees, and ensuring your attic is appropriately ventilated all go a long way in protecting your shingles from unnecessary wear. A very much maintained roof loses granules at a more slow rate, and that means you’ll require less repairs over the long run.
Using Roof Coatings for Added Protection
When dealing with granular loss, roof coatings are a fantastic choice. The idea behind them is to cover your shingles with an additional layer that will prevent the sun, rain, and other elements from wearing them down.
Applying a roof coating is fairly straightforward, especially if you’re comfortable with Do-It-Yourself projects. The coating is brushed or sprayed onto the roof and then left to dry, where it forms a seal over the shingles. This seal helps keep granules in place and keeps more from coming free, particularly during heavy storms.
In addition, coatings can have energy-effective advantages, too. Many roof coatings reflect daylight, which lessens heat absorption and can keep your home cooler during the hot months. That’s a pleasant bonus for your home’s energy bills, making roof coatings a popular decision for both protection and savings.
When to Call in a Professional?
Some of the time, fixing granular loss on your own isn’t practical, especially if the damage is broad. In these cases, it very well may be ideal to reach out to a roofing professional. They can inspect your roof for underlying issues, similar to unfortunate ventilation, and address more serious areas where granules are gone completely.
Hiring a professional guarantees that repairs are done safely and successfully. They have access to tools and materials that may be hard to find on your own, and they know exactly how to apply roof coatings or adhesive granules in a way that will last. For larger positions, the peace of mind that accompanies hiring an expert is often worth the investment.
On top of that, an expert eye can see giveaways that the average person would miss. They can make sure the repair is permanent and that your roof is ready for years of reliable service. It’s not cheap, however it’s generally expected the best call for greater repairs.
Keeping Your Roof in Good Shape After Repair!
Once you’ve repaired the granular loss, keeping your roof in shape means staying proactive. After all, you don’t want to go through the hassle of repair just to have the issue returned. Start by checking the roof regularly, especially after major storms, to detect any new areas of wear before they become greater issues.
Guarantee your attic ventilation is satisfactory, too. This small step can make a colossal difference in preventing unnecessary heat development that weakens shingles. Keeping that area cool and dry will safeguard your shingles from underneath, extending their life and reducing the gamble of more granular loss.
Regular roof cleaning can keep trash from building up, which can lead to extra wear. Keeping branches managed, cleaning out the drains, and clearing off leaves or greenery goes a long way in keeping the roof healthy. A little attention to a great extent keeps your roof looking good and functioning great for years.