What You Need to Know About Asphalt Roofing Granules

There are many roofing choices available today, but asphalt shingles remain supreme because of their exceptional benefits. Shingles generally consist of a thin fiberglass mat reinforced by stable resins and binders, which are topped by the asphalt material itself. But a huge part of what makes asphalt shingles durable and long lasting is their mineral surfacing or granules. 

Here’s what essentials you should know about asphalt shingle granules.

• They are made of crushed natural stone. The granular coating in asphalt shingles uses hard rock with certain physical properties. These are crushed and screened to exact size specifications and then processed into different colors through ceramic firing to give them a longer lasting hue. In the less visible part of the shingles, however, the granules are applied in their natural stone color.

• They keep the shingles weather-resistant. The granules give the shingles their weather-proofing ability, allowing rainwater to shed smoothly from the roof. Without the granules, asphalt shingles are basically just large sheets of tar paper installed over your home. But effective shedding performance isn’t the only thing shingle granules can offer. Some are designed for fire or impact resistance and ultraviolet (UV) protection.

• Their loss usually signals a roof replacement. Shingle granules wear down over time – which is normal. But major weather events can accelerate their erosion. Hail stones and wind-blown debris, for example, can knock the granules off your shingles, leaving the material “bald” and more vulnerable to damage. Once you find excessive shingle granules on your gutters, it can only mean the material has already lost most of its weather resistance and may prompt a replacement.

Aside from roof maintenance, Crown Roofing LTD also specializes in roof installation. As a GAF Master Elite® Certified Roofing Contractor, we offer only the highest quality asphalt shingle roofing systems from North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. We serve the areas in and around Surrey and Vancouver, BC. Call us today at (604) 370-6288, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.