The majority of homeowners think about issues like burst pipes, malfunctioning furnaces and frozen driveways when they think of winter-related property problems; however, very few people realize just how detrimental winter weather is to their roof.
Asphalt shingles are still by far the most common roofing material in America, and these shingles rely heavily on tiny granules that protect asphalt layering. When these granules become too loose, a home’s roof subsequently get susceptible to cracking, leaks and increased wearing.
We recently reached out to some asphalt shingle specialists in grove city ohio to learn more about how winter weather strains shingles—as well as what homeowners can do to prevent long-term damages this season.
So, check out the below sections to figure out how you can protect your property’s roofing system during these ensuing cold months!
Why Asphalt Shingles Tend To Lose Granules During The Winter Season
Although granule loss is something that all asphalt shingle roofs will experience eventually regardless of the season, there are some specific winter conditions that make these issues much worse.
Some of these conditions include the following:
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
It’s normal for temperatures to rapidly fluctuate during the winter from below to above freezing levels, and this can cause moisture to get trapped under asphalt shingles due to repeated expansion and contraction.
This constant movement on a daily basis quickly weakens the asphalt layering, which causes the granules to gradually loosen. Older roofing systems are particularly vulnerable to this dilemma.
Ice Dams Add Stress To Asphalt Shingles
Ice dams are another major issue for homes during the winter, and they form when heat escapes through a home’s attic area and melts snow—until that snow later refreezes at the edge of the roof.
The pressure and weight imposed by an ice dam can easily push against asphalt shingles in a way that dislodges granules and even lifts shingles. This intense level of structural straining unfortunately leads to premature wearing.
Harsh Winds Stripping Away Loose Granules
Winter storms often come with high winds that are harsh enough to blow off asphalt shingles and erode granules.
Big storms can potentially brush your roof’s granules off like sandpaper, and this is particularly a problem for exposed rooftops.
Wet Slush & Heavy Snow Increase Shingle Abrasion
Although snow accumulation often seems harmless in regard to roofs, it’s important to remember that snow is constantly melting, shifting and refreezing throughout the course of the winter season.
This creates friction against your shingles, which can detrimentally impact your roof’s long-term condition.
How Granule Loss Impacts Your Home
A lot of homeowners think that granule loss is only a cosmetic issue, but the harsh truth is that it actually impacts an entire home. Granules are simply decorative, because they’re crucial for weather resistance, UV protection and fire safety.
When granules go missing, you’ll likely experience the following issues:
- Asphalt shingles becoming increasingly vulnerable to cracking
- UV exposure accelerating roof system aging
- Singles becoming brittle and less flexible
- Increased leak risks
Even the tiniest of leaks can lead to moisture problems that impact your home’s interior!
How You Can Tell If Your Asphalt Singles Are Currently Losing Granules
You don’t always need to get on a ladder and visually inspect your roof to detect granule loss.
Some of the most common red flag warning signs include:
- Patches of asphalt shingles that look “bald” or lighter
- Excess granules collecting in your gutters
- Increased roof debris found after storms in downspouts
If you can spot these warning signs early on, you’ll end up preventing much bigger issues in the future!
What Homeowners Can Do To Reduce Wintertime Granule Loss
Although no one can stop winter weather from arriving in their areas, you can potentially slow down the roofing damages that winter weather causes.
Some of the best things to keep in mind this winter in regard to preventing granule loss include the following:
- Ensuring Adequate Insulation:Insufficient insulation will allow heat to escape to your roof, which will create the building blocks for ice dam creation. Upgrading your attic’s insulation can be a very cost-effective way to prevent granule loss issues.
- Improving Attic Ventilation:Proper airflow ensures that your roof remains cold, which reduces the overall likelihood of freeze-thaw cycles and ice dams.
- Cleaning Gutters:Clogged gutters end up allowing ice to accumulate during the winter, which can then push back onto your roof. By cleaning your gutters, you’ll assist snowmelt in terms of properly draining and reducing granule abrasion.
- Schedule Wintertime Roof Inspections:It’s often a homeowner’s best decision to hire licensed roofing professionals when noticing the initial warning signs associated with granule loss.
Protecting Your Home This Winter Starts With Your Asphalt Shingle Roof!
Winter is by far the toughest time of year for asphalt shingles, and one of the first warning signs that your roof needs attention is granule loss.
By knowing how exactly causses winter granule shedding, you can take the necessary proactive steps toward protecting your property and prolonging your roof’s lifespan!
