Shingle Sediment: What It Says About Your Roof and Gutters

Granule loss is common with asphalt shingles. In the case of new roofs, extra granules that did not adhere during the manufacturing process shed for some time after installation. In other cases, the shingle sediment that you see in your gutters could be an indication of roof aging, deterioration or damage. 

In today’s post, top-rated roofing and siding contractor Shine Construction Inc. further discusses what shingle granules could tell you about the condition of your roof and gutters.

What Does It Mean if There Are Granules in My Gutters?

Your roof is exposed to the elements on a daily basis. Over time, this constant exposure to various environmental factors will cause the roofing material to degrade. Small amounts of granules would come off from time to time and get washed away into your gutters and downspouts. Generally, as long as there is no buildup of shingle sediment in your gutters, you shouldn’t be alarmed — especially if your roofing is approaching the end of its life span. This is a normal occurrence in aging asphalt roofs.

When Is Shingle Sediment a Sign That I Should Replace My Roof?

There are some instances where granule loss becomes excessive and could mean trouble for your asphalt shingles. However, it’s not always easy to tell when granule loss is too much. So as a rule of thumb, you should call up your roofer if the buildup has reached a thickness of about 0.5 inches to two inches. It’s important to have a professional inspect the problem. Because much like window replacement, roof replacement should be done immediately in order to avoid further damage.

Typically, roof replacement is recommended if the material is old and near the end of its expected life span. If there are also large bald patches on your roof, it would be best to have your roof evaluated by a professional as soon as possible.

Shine Construction Inc. is a local company that offers various home improvement services, including roof installation, siding replacement, window and door installation, and more. We also offer our roofing services to commercial clients in the local area. Call us at (508) 278-3300 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote.