Problem
Granules in the gutter: hail, age, or both
Asphalt shingles shed granules as they age. A storm can knock many more off in an hour. Bald spots cook faster, the shingle dries, and cracks follow. Granules after a quiet month are different from a pile the morning after hail—but both belong in a written inspection.
Signs we look for
- Sand-like granules in gutters or at downspout splash blocks
- Bare or dark patches on south and west slopes
- Shingles that look smooth or shiny instead of textured
- Dented metal nearby after a known hail date
Why it happens
Sun and time release granules. Hail bruises the shingle and pops the surface. Kansas roofs show the storm version often. Older Chesterfield and Naperville roofs show the age version. Cleaning algae the wrong way strips granules that were still bonded.
What we do next
We compare the shingles, storm clues, and remaining life. The estimate is a repair if loss is in one area, a replacement if the roof is finished, or a written record if you are watching it. We do not treat a handful of granules as an automatic new roof.
What not to do
Do not assume every granule pile is hail, and do not ignore bald south sides because the house is still dry. Ask for an inspection if you also have a storm date or a buyer’s deadline.
Services that address this
Markets where we see this often
Related: All roof problems · Request an estimate.
People also ask
How much granule loss means I need a new roof?
- There is no single percentage. We look at bald area, cracking, leaks, and storm evidence together. The written findings explain which of those drove the recommendation.
Topic cluster
More on hail-storm roof replacement
Hail that bruises or cracks shingles across most of the roof usually means replacement, not three new shingles. Isolated hits on a sound roof can stay a repair. We inspect and write the estimate. Your insurance company decides what they pay. Full topic.
Next step
Request an inspection for this problem
Send the address, the storm date if you have it, and what you have noticed. We inspect, then give you a replacement or repair price. Your insurance company decides what they pay.