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Fix a roof that has missing granules

We'll confirm the extent of granule loss, seal small bare spots or replace damaged shingles, then tell you when to call a roofer.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
30–90 min
What you'll need
  • Roof cement (for sealing bare spots)
  • Replacement shingles (if replacing)
  • Putty knife or trowel
  • Ladder (sturdy, properly positioned)
  • Roofing nails (if replacing)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm granule loss, assess extent, then seal or replace—or call a roofer when needed.

  • Confirm granules are missing—look for bare spots on shingles or granules in gutters.
  • Check the extent: a few bare spots are often repairable; widespread loss may mean the roof is near end of life.
  • Good: Localized loss, safe access. Proceed to Assess extent first.
  • Bad: Widespread loss or unsafe access—call a roofer.

Assess extent first

Goal: Determine whether the damage is localized or widespread.

  • Count shingles with bare spots. Check for curling or cracking alongside granule loss.
  • A few isolated areas: seal or replace. Widespread loss or roof 20+ years old: call a roofer.
  • Good: Localized damage. Proceed to Seal path or Replace path.
  • Bad: Widespread—call a roofer.

Seal path

Goal: Seal small bare spots to protect the asphalt from UV and moisture.

  • For small exposed areas (coin-sized or smaller), clean the spot and apply roof cement with a putty knife.
  • Spread it thin to cover the bare asphalt. This slows further degradation.
  • Good: Bare spot is covered and sealed. Check after rain.
  • Bad: Spot is large or shingle is curling—replace instead.

Replace path

Goal: Replace shingles with large bare patches or curling.

  • Lift the shingles above the damaged one, remove the nails, slide out the bad shingle, and install a matching replacement.
  • Nail through the overlap. Seal nail heads with roof cement.
  • Good: New shingle is flush and sealed.
  • Bad: Cannot match or roof is steep—call a roofer.

When to get help

Call a roofer if:

  • Granule loss is widespread across the roof.
  • The roof is near end of life (20+ years for asphalt shingles).
  • You cannot safely access the roof.
  • You have sealed and replaced and the problem continues.

Roof work is hazardous. Do not risk a fall.

Verification

  • Bare spots are sealed or replaced shingles are flush.
  • Nail heads are sealed with roof cement where shingles were replaced.
  • Gutters are clear of granule buildup.
  • No new bare spots at the repair after the next rain.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm granule loss Check for bare spots on shingles and granules in gutters.
  2. Assess extent Determine if loss is localized or widespread.
  3. Seal or replace Seal small bare spots with roof cement; replace shingles with large bare patches.
  4. Call a roofer Widespread loss, old roof, or unsafe access—call a roofer.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Extent of granule loss (localized or widespread)
  • Whether shingles are curling or cracking
  • Roof age and overall condition
  • Steps already tried

Are granules missing from shingles?

Look for bare spots where asphalt shows through, or granules in gutters. Some granules in gutters after install is normal; ongoing loss in older roofs is a concern.

Inspect shingles from the ground or a ladder. Check gutters for accumulated granules. Bare spots or granules in gutters: proceed to assess extent. No visible loss: roof may be fine—monitor annually.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Monitor annually

If no granule loss is visible, the roof may be in good shape. Inspect annually for bare spots, curling, or granules in gutters. See fix-roof-leaks if you notice leaks.

Done

Is the granule loss localized or widespread?

A few bare spots are repairable. Widespread loss may mean the roof is near end of life.

Count shingles with bare spots. Localized (a few shingles): proceed to repair. Widespread (many shingles or roof 20+ years old): call a roofer—roof may need replacement.

Localized Widespread

You can change your answer later.

Can you safely access the roof?

Low-pitch and single-story are safer. Steep or high roofs require a roofer.

Check roof pitch and height. Safe access: seal small bare spots with roof cement or replace shingles with large bare patches. Steep or high: call a roofer.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Small bare spots or large patches?

Small spots: seal with roof cement. Large patches or curling: replace the shingle.

Small bare spots (coin-sized): clean and apply roof cement. Large bare patches or curling: replace the shingle—lift row above, remove nails, slide in replacement, nail and seal. Check gutters for debris.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Repair complete

Sealed or replaced. Check after the next rain. Inspect annually for new granule loss. If loss continues, call a roofer.

Done

Call a roofer

Call a roofer if: granule loss is widespread, the roof is near end of life, you cannot safely access the roof, or the problem continues after repairs. Roof work is hazardous—do not risk a fall.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why do roof shingles lose granules?
Granules protect the asphalt from UV and weather. Normal aging causes gradual loss. Premature loss can come from hail, foot traffic, or defective shingles. Granules in gutters after install are normal; ongoing loss in older roofs is a concern.
Can I fix missing granules myself?
Yes, for small bare spots—seal with roof cement to protect the asphalt. For larger areas or curling shingles, replace the affected shingles. Do not go on a steep or wet roof—call a roofer.
When should I call a roofer for missing granules?
Call a roofer if granule loss is widespread across the roof, the roof is near end of life (20+ years for asphalt shingles), you cannot safely access the roof, or you see other damage like curling or cracking.

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