You're spot on about granules being pretty common after storms, but honestly, if you're starting to second-guess it, trust your gut. I remember helping out on a roof last summer after a nasty hailstorm—homeowner thought it was just minor stuff at first, but when we got up there, the shingles were way more worn than they looked from the ground. Granule loss can sneak up on you, especially if your roof's getting older or has been through a few rough seasons.
If you're seeing noticeable piles in gutters or downspouts, that's definitely a red flag. But even smaller amounts can add up over time. I'd say it's worth having someone take a quick look—better safe than sorry, right? Catching things early usually saves headaches (and money) down the road.
Good point about granules sneaking up on you—I've seen that happen too. Ever checked the shingles closely after a storm? Sometimes damage isn't obvious until you're right up there...might be worth a quick inspection if you're unsure.
"Sometimes damage isn't obvious until you're right up there...might be worth a quick inspection if you're unsure."
True story. Last year after that crazy windstorm, I thought I was in the clear because from the ground everything looked peachy. But then my neighbor casually mentioned he'd found shingles scattered around his yard—and he has metal roofing, lol. So, curiosity got the better of me and I dragged out the ladder and climbed up (not my favorite weekend activity, mind you).
Sure enough, once I got up there, it looked like someone had been playing frisbee with my shingles. Even worse, some were barely hanging on by a thread—one sneeze away from flying off completely. Ended up patching things temporarily myself but eventually had to call in pros because heights and I have a complicated relationship.
Moral of the story: even if your roof looks fine from below, it might secretly be plotting an escape. Always worth checking it out after a storm, preferably before your shingles decide to take up residence next door.
- Good advice overall, but climbing up yourself can be risky if you're not comfortable.
- Had a tenant once who insisted everything was fine after a storm...until the ceiling started dripping two weeks later.
- Moral of my story: trust but verify. A quick look by someone who knows roofs can save you headaches (and buckets) down the line.
"Had a tenant once who insisted everything was fine after a storm...until the ceiling started dripping two weeks later."
Seen that scenario more times than I'd like. Had a homeowner last year who thought their roof was solid after a heavy storm—no visible damage from the ground, so they skipped the inspection. Fast forward three months, and they're dealing with mold and water damage inside the attic. Sometimes the real issues aren't obvious until it's too late. A quick professional check can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
