Granule Loss and Heavy Rain: What Homeowners Should Know

Aug 25, 2025

Granule Loss and Heavy Rain: What Homeowners Should Know

Your roof is the shield of your home. It keeps out the sun, the wind, and the rain. But even the strongest shield can wear down over time. One of the clearest signs of roof wear is granule loss on asphalt shingles. Granules are the small, rough particles that cover each shingle. They may look simple, but they do important work. Granules protect the shingle’s asphalt layer from the sun, help water run off, and even add fire resistance. When they start to fall away, your roof becomes more open to damage. This is especially true when heavy rain is on the way.

Why Granules Matter in a Storm

Granules are like armor for your roof. Without them, the asphalt underneath is exposed. Rainwater can hit directly on the bare asphalt, which absorbs moisture instead of shedding it. Over time, this makes shingles weaker, more brittle, and more likely to crack.

During heavy rain, the problem gets worse. Rain can:

Wash away loose granules. Aging or storm-worn shingles may lose granules faster in downpours.
Expose bare spots. Areas with missing granules soak in more water, speeding up wear.
Cause leaks. Without granules, shingles don’t shed water as well, so it can pool or sneak under the roof.

If your roof is already showing signs of wear, one strong rainstorm can push it closer to failure.

How Rain Speeds Up Granule Loss

A little granule loss is normal, especially when a roof is brand new. But heavy rain puts extra stress on shingles. Here’s how:

Gutters fill up fast. After a storm, check your gutters. If you see piles of dark sand-like particles, those are roof granules. A few is fine. A lot means the shingles are breaking down.
Wind and water together. Rain is often paired with strong winds. Wind lifts at the edges of shingles, while rain pounds from above, knocking more granules loose.
Repeat cycles. One storm may not ruin a roof, but storm after storm strips more granules away. Once enough are gone, shingles lose their protective layer and age quickly.

Roof Age and Storm Risk

Granule loss becomes more serious as a roof gets older:

0–2 years: Light shedding is normal after install. Heavy rain won’t hurt much.
5–10 years: Most roofs still have good protection, but strong storms may leave more granules in gutters.
10–15 years: Granule loss speeds up. Storms can create bald spots and expose asphalt.
15–25 years: Roofs at this stage often show major wear. Heavy rain makes leaks far more likely.

If your roof is over 10 years old, it’s smart to be extra watchful during storm season.

The Importance of Roof Inspections

This is where roof inspections play a key role. Many homeowners don’t notice granule loss until water is already leaking inside. By then, repairs can be costly. A professional inspection before or after a storm can reveal:

Bald spots or shiny asphalt showing on shingles
Granules building up in gutters and downspouts
Soft spots or water stains in the attic
Storm damage that may not be visible from the ground

Regular inspections give peace of mind and let you catch problems before they grow.

When to Call Roofing Companies

If you see lots of granules in gutters after a rainstorm, or if your roof is over 10 years old, call local roofing companies for help. They can check if your roof is still safe or if repairs or replacement are needed. The right company will have experience in your area and know how local storms affect roofs. They’ll also be able to tell you whether the damage is from normal aging, or if it qualifies for insurance coverage due to storm impact. Stonebridge offers Free Roof Inspections to help you discover issues early before they become big problems.

Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm

Granule loss may seem small, but when heavy rain hits, it becomes a bigger threat. Missing granules mean less protection, higher chances of leaks, and a roof that ages faster than it should.

Don’t wait until water drips into your home. Keep an eye on your gutters, watch for bald spots on shingles, and schedule regular roof inspections. Trusted roofing companies can help you get ahead of problems before the next storm rolls in. Contact us for a free roof inspection now.

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Florida is famous for its beaches, palm trees, and year-round sunshine. That same sunshine is also one of the state’s most valuable natural resources. With more than 230 sunny days a year, we are uniquely positioned in Florida to take full advantage of residential solar roofing systems.

A solar roofing system isn’t just a good idea, it’s becoming one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. Thanks to lower equipment costs, better technology, and strong government support, more families are turning their rooftops into clean energy powerhouses.

Why Florida Is Ideal for Solar Energy

The Sunshine State lives up to its name. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Florida ranked among the top three states for total solar electricity generation in 2023, producing over 14,000 thousand megawatt-hours from utility-scale facilities alone EIA-Florida Profile. That figure doesn’t even include thousands of homes now generating their own electricity from solar panels.

With high solar potential, moderate year-round temperatures, and rising energy costs, Florida homeowners are reaping big benefits from rooftop solar.

How a Solar Roofing System Works

A solar roofing system includes photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity can be used immediately to power your home, stored in a battery system for later, or sent back into the grid through net metering. In Florida, utilities are required to credit homeowners for any excess energy they produce, helping offset future bills Florida PSC – Net Metering.

Over time, your system can produce enough power to significantly reduce, or even eliminate, your electricity bills.

Savings That Add Up Over Time

The financial return on a solar roofing system is one of the biggest motivators for homeowners. Electricity costs are rising across the U.S., and Florida is no exception. The average monthly electric bill in Florida during summer months is around $175–$250 according to EIA data EIA – Electricity Sales & Price. That’s over $2,000 a year.

Installing solar can lock in your energy costs and protect you from rate hikes for the next 25 years or more. Many systems pay for themselves in just 7 to 10 years. Beyond that, you’re enjoying almost free electricity.

Big Incentives Make It Even Easier

If you install a solar energy system on your home, you’re eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through the Residential Clean Energy Credit. This covers not just the panels, but installation and associated equipment costs Energy.gov – Federal Tax Credit.

Florida adds even more savings:

Sales Tax Exemption: Solar systems are 100% exempt from Florida’s state sales tax, immediately lowering the cost FL Dept. of Revenue – TIP 19A01-10.
Property Tax Exemption: Adding solar panels increases your home’s value—but Florida law ensures that increase is exempt from property tax calculations FL Statute 196.175.

Combined, these incentives can save you thousands right from the start.

A Boost in Home Value

Beyond monthly savings, solar roofing systems can increase your home’s resale value. A study from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Lab found that homes with solar sold for about $15,000 more than similar homes without solar LBNL – Selling the Sun.

Solar is seen as a modern, energy-efficient upgrade, similar to a kitchen remodel or new windows, but with built-in financial returns.

Built for the Future

As more utilities shift toward renewable energy, having your own solar system puts you ahead of the curve. It means less reliance on the grid, lower carbon emissions, and a step toward sustainability. Plus, newer systems are sleek, low-profile, and integrate with modern roofing materials, making them as stylish as they are efficient.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or just take control of your home’s energy use, a solar roofing system makes sense—especially in Florida. With smart policy, generous tax credits, and nearly year-round sunshine, the path to solar has never been more accessible.

At Stonebridge Roofing, Energy & Exteriors, we proudly offer the GAF Timberline Solar™ roofing system, the first nailable solar shingle designed to be part of your roof, not just installed on top of it.

Streamlined Design: Timberline Solar™ integrates directly with your roof deck for a sleek, low-profile finish that blends form and function.
Durable & American-Made: Engineered for strength, performance, and lasting beauty—built in the USA with industry-leading warranties.

As the future of energy moves toward clean, renewable sources, homeowners who make the switch today are not only investing in their own financial future, they’re helping build a better tomorrow.

Ready to explore solar for your Florida home? Contact our expert roofing contractors at Stonebridge today for a consultation!

(904) 262-6636