Going to the beach and playing in the sand is fun, but finding sand stuck in your shoes and hair later on is pretty annoying. 🏖️ The same goes for shingle granules. This sand-like material is fantastic when attached to shingles, but if you notice a lot of them in your gutters or yard, alarm bells should start ringing. 🚨

Granule loss on shingles can be a mysterious aspect of roofing, and many homeowners are unclear about what they mean. This ultimate guide will cover:

The purpose of shingle granules
What shingle granule loss is
5 causes of granule loss
What to do next

What Do Shingle Granules Do?

Shingle granules have a similar texture and appearance to sand. They are the most outer layer of 3-tab and architectural shingles, but they don’t appear on any other roofing materials.

Asphalt shingles are usually made with an organic or fiberglass mat core that is then coated with layers of asphalt. Then, mineral granules are ingrained into the hot asphalt as the final protective layer.

Granules give shingles their color, and they also offer a level of fire resistance. Ultimately, the main jobs of shingle granules are:

☀️ UV Protection: Harmful UV rays from the sun have the capacity to cause asphalt shingles to deteriorate quickly. Granules help protect the shingles from UV rays.
💪 Durability: Granules keep the shingles protected from repeated inclement weather and debris over the years.
🤩 Aesthetics: Since you can get granules in numerous color options, they help provide an aesthetic value that boosts curb appeal.
🔨 Ease of Installation: The layer of granules helps prevent asphalt shingles from sticking together, and the outer layer provides a safer walking surface for contractors.

What Is Granule Loss on Shingles?

Unfortunately, roofing shingles aren’t indestructible. You can expect an asphalt shingle roof to last approximately 15-25 years. As your roof experiences wear and tear, inclement weather, or any manufacturing defects, you may notice a sand-like material in your gutters, downspouts, or yard.

And if you peer at your roof, you might see some shingles with bald patches that look darker or misshapen compared to the lighter shingles around them.

This is called shingle granule loss.

Oftentimes, shingle granule loss can be a clear indicator of needing roof repairs or a total replacement. It’s not always super urgent, but if you notice granule loss after a storm, or if they’re paired with an internal roof leak, then you probably have a roof issue on your hands.

5 Causes of Granule Loss

Shingle granule loss is common in small amounts. But if you notice a larger amount of granule loss, it was likely caused by one of these five circumstances:

1) Hail Storms

Storm damage is the leading cause of granule loss on shingles— particularly hail storms. Hail storms are backed by sheer force, and the impact can strip granules right off your shingles. Hail can cause distinctive dents and pits on your shingles, and a professional roofer will be able to notice any granule loss caused by hail.

2) Foot Traffic

It’s important for either you or a professional roofer (or both!) to perform regular maintenance and inspections on your roof. However, if someone was walking on your roof to clear debris and clean the gutters, the foot traffic can cause loose granules. Be sure to keep up with your roof maintenance, but minimize walking on your roof if it isn’t necessary.

3) Aging + Wear and Tear

As we mentioned, most asphalt shingle roofs have an average lifespan of 15-25 years. Older roofs are more susceptible to granule loss. After years and years of sun exposure, inclement weather, and debris, it’s no surprise why your shingles would start to wear down.

4) Brand New Roof Replacement

If you just got a brand new roof, it’s understandable why you would be alarmed to see scattered shingle granules. However, this cause of shingle granule loss is usually the only one that doesn’t require immediate action.

The handling, nailing, and foot traffic during a roof installation can cause a few granules to loosen. You can expect to see some granule loss during the first few rainfalls after a new roof replacement. However, as long as this doesn’t continue for an extended period of time, you have nothing to worry about.

5) Fallen Debris

Tree branches, rocks, and other debris that falls on your roof can scrape off the granules. Since you can’t stop the wind that causes the debris to fly around, you can instead make an effort to trim trees and tall shrubs that are in close proximity to your roof to lessen the impact of shingle granule loss.

What to Do Next

If you notice shingle granule loss and you didn’t just have a brand new roof replacement, then your roof could be showing signs of storm damage or aging. Typically, if the granule loss reaches a point where you’re seeing bald patches on your roof, then it’s likely time for a roof replacement.

No matter what level of shingle granule loss you have, it’s a wise idea to contact a trusted local roofing contractor to perform a free inspection. A professional roofer will be able to tell if your granule loss is urgent or not and if they recommend any repairs or a replacement.

It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. Scheduling a roof inspection will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Call Scro’s When Dealing With Shingle Granule Loss

At Scro’s Roofing Company, we’ve seen and dealt with every possible roofing issue. We know exactly what to look for in terms of granule loss on shingles and other roof damage. Our friendly team will educate you on what we find after performing a free inspection; then, we’ll promptly schedule any necessary repairs or replacements.

We had significant hail damage due to the May 2016 hail storm in Cary, and warded off all the storm chasers that came through our area for 2 months after. I called Scro’s Roofing after the insurance adjusted had written off the roof, and they worked us into their busy schedule. Amazing job done by an amazing and hard-working crew. I was impressed by the way they used tarps to protect the landscaping around the house, and Patricia was pretty particular about cleaning up after the crew. Danny was a pleasure to work with, and he provided several improvements to our roof like a installing a chimney cricket and ridge vents. We used Moire black shingles and the roof looks...

Larry O. | Cary, NC

In life you get what you pay for and this is certainly true with Scro’s Roofing. There are so many “fly be night” roofing companies out there who do not have the long standing customer service and support that a local roofing company can offer. Everyone should take the time to educate themselves about the roofing process and the track record of the company, as this is a very larger investment and an area where you don’t want to cut corners. The team at Scro’s Roofing provided me with many educational links and never pressured me into a sale. They wanted to ensure that I fully understood the process and trusted that I would make an intelligent decision. This sharing...

Kevin A. | Wake Forest, NC

Scro’s Roofing installed a new roof on our home and everything went exactly as planned and scheduled. The installation crew covered all our plants and deck when removing the roof and then cleaned up perfectly when the job was done. We were kept informed all along the job from start to finish so we knew how and when everything would be done. I’ve never experienced a contractor, a company or an owner like Danny who worked with us on every detail. Further, we had gotten several other quotes with Scro’s being the best. This project couldn’t have been done more smoothly… We greatly appreciate Danny the owner and Sarah our scheduling contact. They both were there for all and every...

Joe V. | Cary, NC

We just had our roof done by Scro’s Roofing, and we are very happy with the results. Danny and his office were very helpful in answering all of my questions. I did a good bit of research beforehand, and after talking with Danny, I had a lot of confidence that they are up to date on best practices and latest materials. In particular, I liked that they hand nail the shingles, use a synthetic underlayment instead of tar paper, install a drip edge, and provide a 10-year labor warranty. The thing about getting a new roof is that most people may not find out whether the installer did a bad job or used inferior materials for 5-10 years when they...

Matt B. | Cary, NC

The big hail storm of May 2, 2016 did extensive damage to our roof (and Leaf-Guard gutters as well). Our insurance company appraised the roof and said it all needed to be replaced. My first choice was again Scro’s Roofing. I was not about to use one of the “storm chasers” that descended on our neighborhood like carpetbaggers from who knows where. Danny, the owner of Scro’s Roofing looked up my record from seven years ago and was able to give me an estimate almost immediately from the information he already had on file. Their estimate was within a couple percent of what our insurance had already written a check which made the decision to go with Scro’s Roofing again...

David C. | Cary, NC

I had a great experience working with Danny and his team. Danny even recommended a less expensive roofing product based on our needs. Sarah was so helpful and accommodating throughout the process. I wish all home repairs/renovations were this easy and professional. A wonderful company to work with!

Kate L. | Cary, NC