Shingle Granules In Gutter

Shingle sediment is made up primarily of sand like granules or grit that separate from asphalt shingles and other small matter that sticks to the roof surface and washes into gutters.

Shingle granules in gutter.

This is due in part to the installation process where handling and walking on the shingles dislodges granules from the asphalt. Granules naturally separate from shingles over its life. It seems to be most prevalent early and later in the shingles life. Scrape loose any hardened or compact base of the pilings as you advance toward an end.

Depending on the circumstance shingle granules are not always a cause for concern. If you are noticing granules in your gutter system or downspouts or if you simply notice that the tiles are balding this means that your roof materials are eroding and do require some attention. Since shingles are composed of thousands of these tiny granules it is not uncommon to shed a few. Premature failure of the bond between the granules and asphalt can be caused by poor quality asphalt.

The gutters have an accumulation of granules. Severe storms and windy weather can cause some of the granules to loosen and make their way into your gutters. If you are noticing granules in your gutters on the ground around your house following a new roof installation you should expect that to subside within a few weeks. Though watch for any metal cuts inside the gutter.

The organic felt based asphalt shingles shown at below left has lost some granules into the roof gutter but an inspection of the shingles themselves showed no significant bald areas. If you find shingle granules in your gutters don t panic. Minor granule shed from asphalt shingles is totally normal because there is no way to keep all granules attached to the shingles. Shoving everything successively forward.

When you start to see an excess of granules in the gutter or you have a significant buildup of granules that is affecting the drainage of your home this is a sign of a problem that might warrant roof replacement. The knife will have be held to move it with force. It can also be caused by other conditions. In addition to normal deterioration close examination shows widespread blistering.

Because each shingle has so many you usually don t have to be concerned about finding granules in your gutters especially if your roof is relatively new. Therefore a few granules in the gutter should not cause you to panic especially if your roof is under 15 years old. Wear gloves and begin with a 2 1 2 plastic putty knife larger for oversized gutters. In fact they are so covered with minerals some excess material is bound to fall off.

We had to look closely at those shingles in the upper right of the photo and we decided the wear was probably due to foot traffic as well. Flying debris low hanging tree branches and algae and moss build up can all contribute to granular loss on your shingle roof. But it should be just a sprinkling not a dense pile like in the photo above of a shingle roof at midlife with a granule loss problem. If your roof is relatively new or your home just endured a storm it is common for your shingles to experience granular loss.