Why Granules on Asphalt Shingles Matter — And Why Granule Loss Is a Serious Problem for Homeowners in Romeo & Bruce Township, MI

When you think about your roof, you probably picture the shingles — those familiar overlapping tabs that protect your home from Michigan’s unpredictable weather. But have you ever noticed the gritty, sand-like texture on the surface of your shingles? Those little particles are called roof granules, and they play a much bigger role than most homeowners realize.

In fact, a recent roof replacement project we completed in Romeo/Bruce Township, MI reminded us just how important granules really are. The home had two layers of old roofing, and when we pulled the gutters, they were filled with nearly three inches of loose granules. That much granule loss is a clear warning sign that the shingles were well past their lifespan and the home needed a full roof replacement.

This project was special too us as I personally grew up just a couple miles from here. Go Bulldogs!

So, what exactly do granules do, why does granule loss happen, and why should Romeo and Bruce Township homeowners be concerned? Let’s dive into it.

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What Are Roof Granules?

Roof granules are small, ceramic-coated particles that are embedded into the surface of asphalt shingles during the manufacturing process. While they may look like nothing more than crushed rock or sand, granules actually serve several vital purposes:

1. UV Protection

   • The sun’s ultraviolet rays are one of the most damaging forces a roof will ever face. Granules act like sunscreen for your roof by blocking and diffusing harmful UV rays. Without granules, the asphalt beneath would quickly dry out, crack, and fail.

2. Weather Resistance

   • Michigan weather isn’t easy on roofs. From heavy snow to driving rain to the occasional hailstorm, your shingles need to hold up against it all. Granules create a protective barrier that helps shingles withstand impact and resist water intrusion.

3. Fire Resistance

   • Many modern shingles are rated for fire resistance, and granules play a big role in that rating. They help slow the spread of flames and provide a critical safety feature for your home.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

   • Beyond protection, granules also give shingles their color and style. Whether it’s a deep espresso brown, classic black, or weathered gray, granules create the visual curb appeal homeowners love.

5. Durability & Longevity

   • By shielding the underlying asphalt from the elements, granules extend the life of your shingles — often by decades when properly installed and maintained.

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What Causes Granule Loss?

Some degree of granule loss is completely normal. In fact, when you get a brand-new roof, you’ll often see a light sprinkling of granules in your gutters after the first heavy rain — that’s just the “extra” particles from the manufacturing process shaking loose.

However, excessive granule loss is a red flag. Here are the most common causes:

1. Age of the Roof

   • As shingles get older, the asphalt becomes brittle, and granules begin to loosen. A roof nearing the end of its lifespan (typically 20–30 years, depending on the material) will naturally shed more granules.

2. Two Layers of Roofing

   • In our recent Romeo/Bruce Township project, the home had two layers of shingles. This creates excess heat buildup, which accelerates deterioration and speeds up granule loss.

3. Poor Ventilation

   • Homes in Southeast Michigan often struggle with attic ventilation. Without proper airflow, heat and moisture build up under the roof, causing shingles to “cook” from the underside. This leads to premature aging and granule shedding.

4. Storm Damage

   • High winds, hail, or heavy rain can knock granules loose, especially on an older roof. Even if shingles don’t blow off, significant granule loss can compromise protection.

5. Foot Traffic

   • Walking on your roof can scuff and dislodge granules. That’s why it’s best to leave inspections to professionals who use safe practices.

6. Manufacturing Defects

   • Rarely, defective shingles may lose granules prematurely. Reputable manufacturers like CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and GAF have warranties to cover such issues.

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Why Granule Loss Is a Problem for Homeowners

You might wonder: “If granules are just the surface layer, does losing them really matter?” The answer is a resounding yes. Granule loss isn’t just cosmetic — it directly affects the health of your roof and your home.

Here’s why:

1. Accelerated Aging of Shingles

Without granules, the asphalt underneath is exposed directly to UV rays and weather. This speeds up cracking, curling, and overall deterioration.

2. Increased Risk of Leaks

As shingles degrade, they lose their waterproofing ability. In Michigan’s rainy springs and snowy winters, that means water intrusion — which can damage decking, insulation, drywall, and more.

3. Energy Inefficiency

Granules reflect sunlight and help keep your home cooler in summer. Without them, your attic absorbs more heat, driving up air conditioning costs.

4. Clogged Gutters & Drainage Problems

Just like we saw in Bruce Township, granules can pile up in gutters. Three inches of debris can block water flow, cause overflows, and even damage fascia and landscaping.

5. Reduced Curb Appeal & Home Value

A roof covered in bald spots looks worn out, even if it hasn’t yet sprung a leak. For homeowners in Romeo and Bruce Township — where curb appeal is critical in the competitive housing market — granule loss can hurt resale value.

6. Warranty Concerns

Some roofing warranties require that shingles remain intact. If granule loss is due to neglect or improper installation, coverage may be denied.

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Signs You Have Granule Loss

How can you tell if your home is experiencing granule loss? Look for these warning signs:

• Granules in the Gutters — The most obvious clue. If you clean your gutters and find handfuls of sand-like material, it’s time for a roof inspection.

• Bald Spots on Shingles — Look up at your roof. Do you see dark, smooth patches? That’s asphalt showing through.

• Color Inconsistency — If parts of your roof look lighter or patchier than others, it may be because granules have worn away.

• Downspout Discharge — After heavy rain, check the ground near your downspouts. A pile of granules there is a sure sign of shedding.

• Interior Leaks or Stains — If granule loss has already led to roof damage, you may notice water stains on your ceilings or walls.

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What to Do if You Notice Granule Loss

If you live in Romeo, Bruce Township, or elsewhere in Southeast Michigan and see signs of granule loss, here’s what you should do:

1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

   • Don’t try to climb up yourself — a roofing expert can safely evaluate whether granule loss is normal wear or a sign of failure.

2. Check Your Gutters Regularly

   • Especially after storms. Document what you find with photos in case you need to file a warranty or insurance claim.

3. Consider Roof Replacement

   • If your shingles are shedding excessively — like the home we just serviced in Bruce Township with gutters full of granules — replacement is usually the best long-term solution.

4. Invest in Quality Materials

   • High-quality shingles like CertainTeed Landmark or Landmark Pro (which we often install in the Romeo/Bruce Township area) offer superior granule adhesion and durability.

5. Improve Ventilation

   • Proper attic ventilation extends roof life and reduces premature granule loss.

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Our Recent Project in Romeo/Bruce Township

To bring it back to real-world application: the roof we recently replaced in Bruce Township had two full layers of old shingles. Not only was the roof structurally compromised, but the gutters were overflowing with three inches of loose granules. That’s not something you can simply patch or ignore — it was a clear indication that the roof was done.

We installed a brand-new roofing system with CertainTeed Landmark shingles, giving the home a fresh, protective, and stylish upgrade. Now the homeowners can rest easy knowing their roof will protect their investment for decades to come.

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Why Choose a Local Romeo & Bruce Township Roofing Contractor

When dealing with something as serious as granule loss, you want a contractor who knows the local climate, the housing stock, and the unique challenges of Michigan weather. As a locally owned company with deep roots in Romeo and Bruce Township, we’ve seen firsthand how tough conditions can be on roofs here.

We don’t just install shingles — we install full roofing systems designed to handle Southeast Michigan’s:

• Heavy winter snow loads

• Springtime rainstorms

• Summer heat and humidity

• Occasional wind and hail events

And because one of our owners actually grew up just a couple miles from Bruce Township, we take extra pride in protecting homes in this community. Go Bulldogs! 🐾

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Final Thoughts

Roof granules may seem small, but they play a huge role in keeping your home safe, efficient, and looking great. If you’re a homeowner in Romeo or Bruce Township, MI, don’t ignore the signs of granule loss. By acting early — whether it’s scheduling an inspection, cleaning your gutters, or replacing an aging roof — you can save yourself from costly water damage and extend the life of your home.

And if your gutters look like the ones we just pulled in Bruce Township — with inches of granules piled up — don’t wait. That’s your roof’s way of telling you it’s time for an upgrade.