In our blogs, we often mention granules on shingles. But have you ever wondered what they are and what purpose they serve? Let’s take a look at the anatomy of a shingle. There are three parts that make up a shingle; these are the asphalt, stone granules, and fiberglass matting. All of these parts serve an important purpose in keeping your roof protected and durable. However, overtime, these materials can become worn down. This is especially true when it comes to granules. Granules are meant to protect your home, and when they are worn down, they cannot fully function as intended.
Granules are ceramic baked and make up the top layer of a shingle. They have an extra layer that protects against UV rays. The more that granules wear away, the less they can protect your home. Alternatively, the newer the roof, the more effective it is at keeping out UV rays and heat. Granules can save on energy usage and their accompanying costs. This means that when you invest in a new roof, you are saving on these energy costs in the long run. In addition, when granules are in good shape, they keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Heavy rain, intense winds, tree branches, blizzards, and so much more can affect these over time. Hail, in particular, is one of the biggest threats to granules. If you find that your home has endured a lot of hail— and we have seen an increase in hail this season— it can never hurt to set up a free inspection with us to ensure your granules are in good condition.
If you are concerned about your granules, or if you want a free inspection or consultation, give us a call so we can help.
