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Roof shingles are the most common material choice for residential properties in the U.S. But there is a common problem that many homeowners are concerned about: granular loss on roof shingles.
If you are dealing with this issue, you may see articles on repairing granular loss on roof shingles. But professionals generally do not recommend this as a safe approach.
At Kickapoo Roofing, we are your trusted local roofers serving La Crosse and other nearby areas in Wisconsin.
In this article, we will go through what you should know about repairing granular loss on roof shingles and why these repair techniques are usually not recommended.
What Is Granular Loss On Roof Shingles?
Before discussing the remedy for this problem, we will first go over what shingle granule loss is.
Your roof shingles have a layer of granules over them, which is important for maintaining their protective properties. The granules cover the fiberglass and asphalt underneath, adding significant strength to your roof structure.
These tiny mineral particles, composed of crushed stone, sand, and other minerals, are embedded in your asphalt shingles to provide durability and protection against ultraviolet rays and harsh weather conditions.
But it can be concerning if you start noticing a lot of granules in your gutters or near your home. This signals the need for repair or replacement. Without these protective granules, your roof becomes vulnerable to expensive damage and premature wear.
How To Repair Granular Loss On Roof Shingles
While you may see articles and videos suggesting DIY methods for repairing granular loss on roof shingles, it might not be the best option. We will examine these approaches and their effectiveness before discussing the most recommended solution.
Temporary Repair Methods For Granular Loss On Roof Shingles
Some homeowners try to address granular loss by applying sealants or adding new granules to the affected areas. These methods typically involve:
#1 Applying roofing sealant or adhesive
This involves brushing or spraying a roofing sealant over the bald spots to “glue” the remaining granules in place and supposedly protect the exposed asphalt.
#2 Adding replacement granules
Some articles suggest purchasing matching roof granules, applying an adhesive to the bald spots, and then sprinkling new granules over these areas to restore the protective layer.
#3 Using roof rejuvenator products
These commercial products claim to extend shingle life by resealing the surface and addressing granular loss.
While these methods may look cost-effective and convenient, they rarely provide lasting results.
The new granules typically don’t adhere properly, and sealants can create a barrier that traps moisture between the shingle layers, potentially causing more damage. These are very temporary fixes that may only last a few months at best.
The Recommended Approach: Replacing Affected Shingles
Professional roofers generally do not recommend adding granules to existing shingles. Instead, the technique is to replace the shingles that are showing granular loss. This provides a long-lasting solution to the problem.
Here are the materials required and steps to follow for proper shingle replacement:
Materials Required
To correctly address granular loss on your roof shingles by replacement, you’ll need the following materials:
👉🏻 Safety harness
👉🏻 Roofing cement
👉🏻 Protective gloves
👉🏻 Non-slip boots
👉🏻 Pry bar
👉🏻 New shingles matching your existing roof
👉🏻 Ladder with stabilizers
👉🏻 Roofing nails
👉🏻 Hammer or nail gun
👉🏻 Trowel
👉🏻 Soft brush for cleaning
👉🏻 Safety goggles
👉🏻 Dust mask
Repair Instructions
👉🏻 Step 1: Inspect The Roof Surface
Look carefully at your roof for bare spots on shingles or accumulated granules in gutters. If most of your roof is damaged or large areas are missing granules, you might need a new roof.
👉🏻 Step 2: Clean The Affected Area
Remove dirt, leaves, and loose granules from around the damaged shingles. Use a soft brush so you don’t harm the surrounding shingles.
👉🏻 Step 3: Remove The Damaged Shingles
Gently lift the edges of the shingles above the damaged ones with a pry bar. Remove the nails holding the bald shingle in place and slide it out.
Be careful not to break nearby shingles. If other shingles are losing granules too, replace them as well.
👉🏻 Step 4: Prepare To Replace The Shingles
After removing the old shingles, look at the wooden roof deck underneath. Fix any soft or rotted areas before installing the new shingles.
👉🏻 Step 5: Install New Shingles
Place new shingles where the old ones were. Line them up with the other shingles for an even finish. Nail them down following manufacturer recommendations.
👉🏻 Step 6: Seal And Finish
Put roofing cement along the edges where the new shingles meet the old ones. This keeps water from getting under them. This step helps your new shingles last through rain and storms.
👉🏻 Step 7: Clean Up And Final Inspection
Pick up all scraps and trash from your work. Look over your roof once more to make sure everything is aligned and in the right place.
Is It A Safe Approach?
If you notice bald spots or granular loss on the majority of your roof shingles, then it may be the right time to consider a full roof replacement and contact your local roofers.
Attempting to replace numerous individual shingles can be labor-intensive, and the new shingles may not match the exact appearance of your existing roof.
While replacing individual shingles is effective for localized granular loss, widespread issues generally indicate that your roof is approaching the end of its service life. In such cases, investing in a complete replacement is generally more cost-effective than continuous repairs.
How To Prevent Granular Loss On Your Shingles
Preventing granular loss on your shingles is far less expensive than dealing with an unexpected roof replacement. But once your roof shingles are at the end of their lifespan, you can not prevent this problem.
There are some simple approaches you can follow to prevent granular loss on roof shingles, including:
#1 Schedule Regular Inspections
Have professionals inspect your roof annually or after severe weather events. These routine inspections can help you catch small issues before they develop into serious problems.
At Kickapoo Roofing, we recommend scheduling these inspections during the fall, before winter weather adds stress to your roof, and in spring, to check if the ice and snow damaged your roof.
#2 Maintain Attic Ventilation
Your attic’s ventilation has a major role in preventing premature granular loss. Airflow through roof vents helps regulate temperature and moisture levels in the attic, which reduces the heat that can bake your shingles from below and cause granules to loosen.
Make sure your attic has sufficient intake and exhaust vents to maintain balanced airflow.
#3 Keep Your Roof Clean
Routine cleaning of your roof and gutters prevents the accumulation of unwanted debris that can trap moisture and accelerate granular loss.
Be gentle when removing debris to avoid dislodging granules. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, professional roof cleaning services can help.
#4 Invest In Quality Shingles
When it’s time for a roof replacement, you should always invest in high-quality shingles with better granule adhesion.
These may cost more initially but will provide better long-term value through increased durability and resistance to granular loss.
#5 Address Ice Dams
In Wisconsin’s climate, ice dams are a common winter problem that can accelerate granular loss.
Proper insulation and ventilation in your home can prevent the formation of ice dams, protecting your roof from granule loss and other damage.
Also Read: How To Spot & Repair Wind-Damaged Shingles
Get Professional Roof Repair Services In Wisconsin
At Kickapoo Roofing, we are your local roofing professionals serving La Crosse and the surrounding areas of Wisconsin.
Our team can assess your shingle roof and determine if repairs or a full replacement is needed to address granule loss.
Our professionals will not recommend unnecessary roof replacements. We take pride in our honest approach, providing you with a thorough assessment of your roof’s condition and transparent recommendations based on our findings.
Our experienced team is here to walk you through your options. For a free, no-obligation discussion with our professionals, give us a call today at (608) 352-8688.
