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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What to Consider When Comparing Roofing Warranties

Feb 15, 2021

Whether you’re working on a new roof construction or a roof replacement, one of the most important factors you should look into is the presence and quality of the warranty or warranties that accompany your new roofing system. Manufacturing warranties protect you from manufacturing defects that can lead to unexpected or premature roof failure. Workmanship warranties are your protection against roof failure or damage caused by installation errors.

These are the features that you should look for if you want a strong and reliable roofing warranty:

Reputable Brand of Products

Reputable manufacturers back their products with reliable warranties that are often comprehensive. These warranties also typically have long coverage, and it’s easier to file against them if problems arise with your roofing system. It’s a good idea to purchase roofing products from known manufacturers.

Licensed and Certified Contractor

It’s also advisable to choose roofing companies that have a long history of excellence over new or inexperienced contractors. The best contractors are licensed to operate in your area, and they are certified by the manufacturers of the products they carry so you can be sure they know what they’re doing. Reputable contractors also often back their workmanship with a separate warranty.

Length of Warranty

The leading roofing material brands include warranties with their products that will cover you for many years to come. Some of their warranties are special, so they’re good for a longer period of time, have more coverage, and might even be transferable should you choose to sell your home.

Warranty Coverage

Learn about the kind of coverage your warranty offers. What are the conditions, the inclusions, and the exclusions? Will your coverage include the labor, or should you get a separate warranty for that? Lastly, find out what things can void your warranty so you know what to avoid. Knowing what you can expect from your warranty can save you from a lot of issues.

Limitations

A lifetime warranty is actually a lifetime “limited” warranty. It might last for as long as the roofing materials are expected to last. Many warranties will cover only a portion of the expected lifespan of the product.

Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors can discuss your roofing warranty with you. We are trusted roofers and home exterior experts. Call us today at (904) 262-6636, or contact us here.

The Ways Roof Inspections Can Help You Save Money

Oct 21, 2019

Maintaining the roofing system of your home is part and parcel of being a homeowner. You have to keep up with it if you want the roof to remain in good shape and perform longer than it’s expected. Roof inspections are part of this maintenance routine, and, according to roofers, having your roof inspected every now and then can even help you save a significant amount in the long run.

Homeowners Insurance

If you have homeowners insurance, it’s basically a must that you conduct preventive maintenance on your roof every now and then. This is because failing to do so may allow your insurance provider to chalk up the damage to the homeowner’s negligence and can refuse to compensate you for the repair costs. With that in mind, make sure to have your roof inspected and repaired if needed. Apart from that, investing in a good roof and regular inspections can possibly help you lower your insurance premiums as well.

Structural Damage

Apart from your shingles, the entirety of the roofing system is vulnerable to water infiltration due to leaks. These parts include the sheathing and the wooden attic structure. Once the wood rots, it can’t be repaired and will require a costly replacement. To avoid this, make sure to have the roof inspected every now and then, and get repairs done if necessary.

Mold Contamination

If your roof starts leaking, you’re leaving your home vulnerable to mold growth. This can be troublesome for you and your household members in the long run as they can cause respiratory problems, especially if you have any children or elderly family members. Mold growth can be costly to remediate so consider preventing it before it even starts by having your roof inspected and repairing any possible sources of leaks.

Turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors for your home improvement needs. We are your number one provider of commercial roofing and roof replacement services. Give us a call at (904) 404-7221, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.