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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5 Risks of Ignoring a Leaking Roof

Nov 2, 2020

There are many household problems that can be put off until later, but fixing a leaking roof is not one of them. In fact, it should always be prioritized no matter what the season. Here’s why.

1. Moisture Damage

The attic, ceiling, and roofing support structures are mostly made of wood, which happens to be vulnerable to damage caused by moisture. While these components are treated for resistance to high humidity levels, they can be damaged by water coming from a leaking roof. This can result in rot that can later compromise the roof’s structure. Further issues like water stains, blistering paint, and swollen plaster can also happen if the moisture makes its way toward other parts of the house.

2. Mold
Mold thrives in warm and humid places, away from direct sunlight. A leaking roof meets all three conditions, making it the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold causes more than just its tell-tale odor and hard-to-remove stains. Its spores can trigger like allergies and respiratory problems including rhinitis, asthma, and nasal congestion. If it spreads throughout the attic, it may necessitate a premature roof replacement.

3. Electrical Hazard
Water from a roof leak may find its way into electrical wiring, power outlets, or appliances, which can lead to shorted wiring. If you notice water dripping into these parts of your home, don’t touch the appliance or try to unplug it. Instead, turn it off from the panel, and call a local electrician as soon as possible.

4. Slipping Hazard
Water from a leaking roof can form puddles on the floor where you least expect it, making it a slipping hazard for anyone in your home. If you have carpeting that isn’t adhered to the floor, water can make its way under the carpets and make them slippery.

5. Damage to Attic Insulation
Most types of attic insulation form clumps when in direct contact with water. When this happens, the insulation layer forms holes that would defeat its purpose. Poor insulation can facilitate thermal transfer and allow heat to easily pass between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This results in higher indoor heating and cooling requirements, meaning higher energy bills.

Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors are one of the leading roofing companies serving communities in Jacksonville. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636.

What to Do When Your New Roof Begins Leaking

Jan 13, 2020

We understand how disheartening it is to find that the new roof you spent a significant amount on is already leaking. However, you don’t have to worry so much because your roofers will likely be more than happy to help with this problem. Just make sure you call them as soon as you discover the issue.

Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

It’s best to stay calm in this kind of situation. Getting all worked up and mad at your roofer won’t get your roof fixed faster. Try to examine how the problem has affected your interior. Gather as much information as you can about the leak and its location. While this doesn’t mean going up to the roof, you can assess the damage by observing the underside of the roof deck or inside your attic.

Set a Realistic Timeframe

A reputable contractor will accomplish the roof repair promptly, usually within a week. Keep in mind that most roofers are professionals who will want to stand behind their work and repair your roof. Give your roofer a realistic time frame like a week to fix the problem. However, if it’s expected to rain in the next few days, then it’s fine to ask them to come sooner.

What if Your Roofer Disappears?

This can only happen if you’ve hired an unreliable contractor, one that’s not from your area. If this does happen, remember to stay calm, and you can still hire another pro to take care of your roof. Most roof leaks aren’t leaking from the roof itself. The common causes of roof leaks are issues with the flashing or the piece of metal around roof penetrations.

Before hiring a roofer, make sure to do your research, and read reviews. You may also ask for recommendations from your neighbors, family, and friends.

At Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors, we are committed to doing the job right the first time. With over 30 years of experience, we offer only the best services. We specialize in home exterior waterproofing, roofing, and exterior renovations. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.