Granule loss can be identified through the visible changes in the color of the asphalt roofing indicating that granules are being lost through detachment from the surface of the asphalt used in the roofing. Also, the loss of granules can be identified through the present of the granule sediments in the gutters and water drainages. It indicates the granules have been washed down by water from the rooftops.
During the manufacturing processes, some of the granules are not embedded into the asphalt but are joined to other granules. Such granules become loose during the packaging, transportation and installation processes. If a slight storm occurs most of these granules are also washed down the drains.
Most of the granules also get lost through the natural aging processes in shingles. Any roofing company will tell you the rate of the loss of granules by shingles depends on the quality of the shingles and the climatic conditions of the location. Granules that are lost through the normal weathering are noticed through the uniform changes in the color of the shingles.
The slope orientation of the roofing also has a significant impact on the loss of granules. Slopes facing a specific direction may indicate loss of granules due to excessive exposure to the sun and other weather conditions such as storms. The shingles facing such direction are likely to change color due to pervasive loss of the granules because of increased exposure to the sun or other conditions in comparison to other shingles or slopes facing other directions.
The loss of granules is also noticeable due to batch problems during the manufacturing processes of the shingles. Batch problems emerge where shingles from the different batches are installed on the same roof. Such shingles can weather at different rates making their change of color lack uniformity. Such a roof has different shades of color due to the unequal loss of granules in each batch.
An roofing company can perform an inspection of the shingles and will start by looking at the compound to determine whether there are any shingles that have been blown off after getting detached from the adhesive strips. Also, one should check on the roof by tugging at the shingles to establish the strength of their adhesive bonding.
The bonding is vital as it determines the ability of the shingle to withstand weather and climatic conditions such as storms, rain, sunshine and winds. It is also necessary to give priority to the areas that are exposed to higher uplifts such as the corners, area above the eaves, rakes amongst others. The pattern of deterioration should be noted along batch strips to determine the need for replacement.
Also, it is vital to inspect the quality of the shingle fastening by checking whether there are any shingles that get uplifted easily. Shingles that are easily lifted are weak and can fall off any minute. They must be replaced or their adhesive bonds strengthened. The bond in such a shingles should not be broken, but a mark should be placed on top of that shingle to indicate it requires further fastening. It is likely that the problem is not only on such a shingle. It becomes necessary for an roofing company to inspect the entire strip to ascertain the strength of its bond.
Besides checking the fastening and bonds on the shingles, it is also necessary to check issues regarding the manufacture of the shingles, design, installation and damage. A shingle gauge should be used to ascertain the thickness of the shingles to have a better idea on the warranty. It is also vital to check the number of layers and whether such layering is uniform throughout the roof. Such layering is visible from the edges of the roof, and it is essential to verify whether such layers are of similar materials. An roofing company will have all the appropriate specifications and inspection criteria needed to provide accurate and reconcilable solutions.
Bibliography
Atcheson, Daniel. Roofing Construction & Estimating. New York. Pearson. 2000. Print.
Guertin, Mike. Roofing with Asphalt Shingles. Chicago. Taunton Press. 2002. Print.