Those are shingle granules, which play an important role in protecting your roof from certain elements. Over time, these granules will slowly fall off the shingles and land in your gutters, where they are not that important and, on the contrary, are needed to be removed!
While this may not seem a big deal, it can cause serious problems! This blog post will discuss why it’s important to clean shingle granules from gutters and what consequences can occur if left untreated.
What are shingle granules?
If you’ve looked closely at an asphalt shingle, you’ll notice that it has a rough, granular surface. These asphalt shingle granules are made of crushed limestone or other minerals, and they serve an important purpose in protecting your roof. A form-up of shingle granules in your gutters does not necessarily indicate you need a new roof.
As the granules break off over time, they help to deflect ultraviolet rays, which can cause the shingle to deteriorate. In addition, the granules help to keep your gutters clear by providing a barrier between the shingles and the clogged gutters.
Over time, however, a roof will lose its protective layer of granules, leaving it vulnerable to damage. If you notice that your shingles are losing their granules, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. A few missing granules probably won’t cause any immediate damage, but a large number of missing granules could lead to serious problems down the road.
Why Granules on Your Shingle Roof Are Important?
Asphalt shingles are made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and then covered with mineral granules. The granules protect the asphalt from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can deteriorate the asphalt. The granules also add color to your roof.
As the granules wear away over time, your roof will lose its protective barrier against the sun’s rays. In addition, the granules help keep your gutters clear by providing a barrier between the shingles and the clogged gutters.
If you notice that your shingles are losing their granules, it’s important to consider them replaced as soon as possible. A few missing granules probably won’t cause any immediate damage, but a large number of missing granules could lead to serious problems down the road, such as cracks, asphalt shingles tear, and other problems.
Roof Washing
That brings another point, washing your roof won’t remove shingle granules? The answer is yes! If a roof washing is not conducted correctly, chances are you’re speeding up the process of removing shingle granules.
How to Clean Shingle Granules from Gutters?
Fortunately, gutter cleaning of shingle granules to preserve your gutters is a relatively easy task but will need some persistence. Especially depending on the time length, your gutters have been gathering them. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you, which we highly recommend.
Doing it yourself (Not Recommended)
If you decide to do it yourself, the first thing you’ll need to do is remove any debris from your gutters. This includes leaves, twigs, and other organic materials. Once the gutters are clear, you can use a hose to flush out any remaining granules.
Hiring professional gutter cleaners
If you hire a professional to clean your gutters, they will likely use a pressure washer (or just some pressure from a regular hose depending on how tick the roof granules are) to remove the granules since they are very sticky and sometimes hard on the bottom of a gutter segment. This method is more effective but can also be more expensive.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to regularly clean your gutters to prevent the problems we’ve discussed. If you have any questions, contact our team of professionals for to schedule a gutter cleaning.
Consequences of Not Cleaning Shingle Granules from Gutters
Not regularly cleaning shingles granules from your gutters can lead to a few problems:
First, the granules can mix up with other debris and clog your gutters, which can cause water to back up or overflow and cause damage to your roof, siding or even the interior of your home.
Built-up roof granules will prevent water flow, which is the main job of a seamless gutter system, and by just delaying that water, it can also cause overflows on heavy rain days.
In addition, the granules can act as a barrier between the shingles and the gutters, preventing water from draining properly. This can eventually lead to leaks in the gutters, as the water will be around longer than it would if there weren’t granules built.
Finally, the granules can attract insects and other pests, which can cause further damage to your home and a bad environment in your surroundings.
Why is there sand in my gutters?
The truth is that sand won’t move up to the interior of a gutter system. If you have noticed sand in your gutters, that’s only the granules on your shingles that are likely beginning to break down. This is a normal part of the aging process, and it’s nothing to be concerned about, except with a professional gutter cleaning.
However, if you notice many granules in your gutters, as said before, it could be a sign that your shingles are deteriorating faster than normal. In this case, it’s important to have a professional evaluation as soon as possible.
Can gutter guards prevent shingle granules?
If you install Gutter guards, they can surely prevent a few shingle granules from entering your gutters, but they won’t eliminate the problem depending on the gutter guards being used. Even with gutter guards, you’ll still need to regularly clean your gutter system to remove any granules that have been collected, but quality gutter guards will certainly do the job just right and protect your gutters for a long time.
Should you walk on the roof to clean gutters?
Walking on your roof is generally not a good idea, significantly if it’s sloped. Walking on your roof can damage the shingles and make them more likely to break or come loose. In addition, it can be dangerous to walk on a slippery or uneven surface.
If you need to clean your gutters, it’s best to hire a professional to do it for you. They have the experience and the necessary equipment to safely and effectively clean your gutters.
Conclusion
Cleaning shingle sediment from gutters is important because it can prevent several problems, including clogged gutters, leaks, and pest infestations.
So why take the risk? Cleaning gutters regularly will help keep them functioning properly and prevent potential problems. Plus, it’s a relatively easy task. Just be sure to follow the tips above to do it safely and effectively.
We hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
