Balding

The term “balding” is used to describe a defined area of granule loss on an asphalt shingle that is typically the result of a manufacturing problem.  Premature granule loss, or balding, can result from improper application of the shingle granules, impurities on the fiberglass mat, problems the asphalt mix, etc. The photograph below shows a more defined area of balding. Note the exposed and weathered fiberglass mat, and that the balding terminates at the bottom of the shingle.

Photograph below shows balding continuous across the shingle below the upper laminate, which were unaffected: