One of the easiest ways to monitor the condition of asphalt shingle roofing is to look at it often.
Black streaks indicate a potential mold problem and missing shingles are an obvious sign that roofer repairs are needed.
Another issue that roofing companies encourage homeowners to watch for is a shiny, smooth look on the shingle tops as opposed to the usual bumpy and matte appearance that asphalt shingles have when viewing them from the ground.
Unfortunately, singles that look shiny are in their last days!
What Do Shiny Asphalt Roofing Shingles Mean?
Asphalt roofing shingles in good condition have a rough and matte-looking appearance from a distance due to the stone granule coating adhered to their tops.
When these granules are mixed with reflective paint and applied as a protective coating over the fiberglass matting, they create a durable surface that can withstand heavy rains and blustery winds as well as reflect UV energy off the roof.
Roofers find that as shingles age or become damaged, they can lose their protective granule coating.
Shiny spots on the shingles are a prime indicator that the granules have fallen off in those areas, leaving the fiberglass matting exposed.
Homeowners can often confirm this if they find granules collected in their roof gutters or on the ground around the foundation.
Are Shiny Shingles A Serious Roofing Problem?
Granule loss is a problem that roofing companies find to be the start of many serious roofing problems.
It is a condition that older asphalt shingles that have passed beyond their serviceability often exhibit; however, it can occur on roofs that have experienced wind or hail damage.
Granule loss may also happen on low-quality shingles or those that are not properly maintained.
Regardless of the reason why shingles lose their granules, roofers know granule loss to be a symptom that can lead to many other problems.
Without the protection of its durable granule coating, an asphalt shingle roof will become dry and brittle due to UV exposure and experience leaks as well as other damage.
Affected shingles may start curling as well as splitting and homeowners may also notice reduced energy efficiency.
How Do Roofers Resolve The Issue of Shiny Shingles?
The issue of granule loss on asphalt shingle roofing suggests that the time for a roofing replacement has come.
Whether the existing shingles are newer or older, widespread granule loss leaves the roof susceptible to ongoing damage and continuous repairs.
Smaller areas of granule loss over a few individual shingles caused by hail impacts or another localized problem can be replaced by a skilled roofing company; however, when the damage is widespread, replacing the whole roof installation is the more suitable and cost-effective solution.
Get A Roof Inspected If Shiny Shingles or Bald Spots Are Seen
Asphalt roofing shingles that take on a shiny look are experiencing granule loss, a problem that can be detrimental to the whole roof.
Upon noticing individual shiny spots, larger shiny areas, or granules collecting in the gutters, homeowners should schedule a roofer inspection to assess this damage and determine the best way to repair it.
An experienced roofing company can determine the likely cause of granule loss, how severe the problem is, and recommend an appropriate repair to prevent additional roofing damage!
