If you go outside and look up at your roof, what do you see? A perfect roof with no signs of wear and tear, or one with worn spots that looks aged and terrible?
If your roof is shedding granules faster than a Husky in the North Texas Summer, there’s probably an underlying reason you haven’t considered – the airflow in your attic.
But first, check out this video. Then, let’s dive into how shingles are made.
Manufacturing Shingles: From Raw Materials to Roof Ready(Step-by-Step)
Asphalt roofing shingles are made through a continuous, high-speed process that brings the individual components together in a single factory, before they’re wrapped up and shipped out to distributors to be sold.
- Step 1: Mat Preparation and Asphalt BathThe process begins with a large roll of fiberglass “mat” being fed into the production line. It passes through a saturator, where it is completely immersed in hot, stinky, liquid asphalt, ensuring the mat is fully soaked for waterproofing.
- Step 2: Asphalt Coating and Granule ApplicationAfter saturation, another layer of thicker, stabilized asphalt is applied to both the top and bottom of the mat. While this coating is still hot and adhesive, a dense layer of mineral granules is poured onto the top surface and pressed firmly into place by massive, heavy rollers.
- Step 3: Cooling, Cutting, and ShapingThe continuous sheet of shingle material then travels through a long cooling section to allow the asphalt to set and harden. Once cooled, high-speed machines cut the sheet into the final roof shingles, creating the distinct shapes for different styles.
- Step 4: Sealant Application and PackagingJust before the final cut, the thermal sealant strip is applied. The finished shingles are then stacked, bundled, and wrapped for shipment, ready for installation.
Got it? So, if the granules are literally cemented to the fiberglass like your favorite highway, how on earth do they come off?
The Unseen Threat Unveiled: How Bad Attic Ventilation Damages Shingles
The Critical Role of Attic Ventilation
A well-designed ventilation system creates continuous airflow through the attic, drawing cool, dry air in through lower vents (like soffits) and pushing hot, moist air out through upper vents (like ridges). This process regulates temperature and humidity, preventing the attic from becoming a hostile environment for your roof shingles.
Issue 1: Superheated Attic Air – The Thermal Assault
Without adequate airflow, an attic can become an oven. Trapped solar heat can cause attic temperatures to soar. Research shows that attic temperatures up to 150°F, caused by insufficient ventilation, can bake the shingles from below. This intense, prolonged heat softens the asphalt, weakening the bond that holds the protective granules in place and allowing them to wash away easily during the next rainstorm.
Issue 2: Trapped Moisture – The Humid Hazard
Poor ventilation also traps moisture from daily activities like showering and cooking. This humid air rises and condenses on the underside of the cooler roof deck, leading to wood rot, insulation damage, and mold growth. This persistent moisture can also compromise the shingle’s integrity from below.
Synergistic Damage: Heat and Moisture Accelerating Granule Loss
When extreme heat and trapped moisture combine, the damage accelerates. The heat makes the asphalt pliable and weak, while the moisture further degrades its composition. This one-two punch creates the perfect conditions for widespread granule loss, leaving your roof vulnerable.
So, if you’re dealing with granule loss, or you’re worried about your attic ventilation, reach out today. We can help fix the issues you’re facing before they become catastrophic. By the way, proper ventilation also prevents snow and ice issues in the winter.
As a bonus, here’s Jamie showing you another roof in rough shape. Check out the video below.