Roof problems
Shingle granules in your gutters: what it means
A small amount of granules in the gutters is normal, especially in the first year after a new roof. A steady stream of granules from an older roof, or bare, dark patches on the shingles, means the shingles are losing their protective layer. Once the asphalt is exposed to sun, shingles crack and curl faster.
Updated September 14, 2026
What granules do
The ceramic-coated granules on asphalt shingles block sunlight, give the roof its color and add fire resistance. Without them, the asphalt underneath dries out and turns brittle.
When it’s normal and when it isn’t
- Normal: loose granules after a new roof is installed, and a light sprinkling after heavy rain
- Worth watching: granules piling up at the downspouts year after year
- A sign of wear: bald spots on shingles, or granules along with curling or cracking
- After hail: fresh dark spots where granules were knocked off
What to do
Photograph the gutters and the roof from the ground. If the roof is 15 years old or more and granules are piling up, it’s a good time to see a replacement price and plan the timing.
See a price range for your own roof
About 10 minutes, from aerial measurement. No salesperson.