If you have asphalt shingles installed as your roofing system, then you may have heard a few things on how to care for and maintain it. For instance, you’ve probably heard that severe storm damage can easily loosen the roof granules or that it isn’t wise to pressure wash your roof as it may blast away the roof granules over time.
But what exactly are granules, and why are they an important part of your asphalt roofing system?
What Goes Into an Asphalt Shingle?
One of the main reasons why asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in many countries is because they’re durable and reliable, and made in essentially the same way using only a handful of raw materials. A typical asphalt shingle roofing consists of several components, including:
- Asphalt – A vital water-resistant component from which derives its namesake, the material is essentially an end-product of oil refining. It’s similar to road asphalt, but processed to a higher degree of toughness, which is required in standard asphalt shingle roof performance.
- Fiberglass – During the manufacturing process, a thin fiberglass mat is used to reinforce the asphalt roofing shingle. This material is made from glass fibers of specific length and diameter and is bound together using resins and binders.
- Granules – This is usually the most visible component of any asphalt roofing shingle. This is made by crushing hard rock, screened to specified granular sizes, and applied in their natural stone-colored state before being processed into different colors and styles.
How the Granules Work in Asphalt Shingles
In residential roofing, the granules in an asphalt shingle serve an important role in helping it shed and divert water runoff into the gutters. They also provide ultraviolet (UV) and fire resistance, which means they’ll be constantly exposed to the weather elements. This means that the weather can sometimes be harsh, such as intense heat and heavy rain, and, over time, the roof will deteriorate and suffer from granule loss.
If you notice some granules in your gutters after a recent roof replacement, then you shouldn’t worry. But if you’ve already lost a bunch of granules over the years, then you need to have it checked by a trusted roofer to know whether you need a repair or a full replacement.
The roof repair and replacement experts at Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC. to always get the job done professionally. Just call (541) 688-7663, and we can talk about your next project today. You can also fill out our convenient online request form. We serve our customers in Oregon, including Eugene and surrounding areas.