Granules in Gutter Miami – Get an Expert Roof Inspection Before Minor Damage Becomes a Major Expense

It depends on the cause. Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage like hurricane winds tearing off granules or hail impact. Normal wear and aging are not covered. Miami homeowners face this issue frequently after tropical storms. Your policy will not pay for granule loss from sun deterioration or poor maintenance. Document damage immediately after a storm with photos. Insurance adjusters look for proof of acute event damage versus gradual wear. If your roof is older, expect pushback from insurers claiming pre-existing condition. Get a professional assessment before filing to strengthen your claim.

Ask for proof and verify credentials. Honest roofers provide references, license numbers, and detailed written estimates. They inspect your roof thoroughly before quoting. Watch for scare tactics like claims your roof will collapse immediately or exaggerated damage reports. In Miami, some contractors inflate hurricane damage to push unnecessary replacements. Request a second opinion if quoted full replacement on a roof under 10 years old. Check reviews and confirm insurance coverage. A trustworthy roofer explains the problem clearly, shows you photos, and offers repair options when viable. Pressure to sign same-day is a red flag.

You cannot fix granule loss on existing shingles. Once granules wear off, the shingle is compromised. The ceramic coating does not reattach. For minor damage on a few shingles, replace those individual shingles to prevent leaks. This works if your roof is relatively new and damage is isolated. For widespread granule loss, replacement is the only solution. Miami's climate makes patch jobs temporary at best. Attempting DIY fixes with sealants or coatings will fail and void manufacturer warranties. Professional roofers assess whether spot replacement or full tear-off is needed based on your roof's overall condition and age.

Most Florida insurers will not cover roofs over 15 years old without a recent inspection proving good condition. Some carriers drop coverage at 10 years for claims or require pricey wind mitigation inspections. Miami homeowners face stricter rules because of hurricane risk. If your roof is 20 years old, expect claim denials for wind or water damage regardless of cause. Insurers assume old roofs failed from wear, not covered events. New policies often exclude roofs over a certain age entirely. Check your policy and consider replacement before hitting the age cutoff to maintain coverage.

Granule loss appears as dark, discolored patches on your shingles where the protective coating has worn away. You will see the black asphalt underlayment exposed instead of the textured, colored surface. Check your gutters and downspouts for heavy accumulations of sand-like particles after rain. Miami roofs often show uneven loss where sun exposure is most intense, like south-facing slopes. Shingles may look shiny or smooth instead of rough. Advanced loss creates bald spots visible from the ground. You might also find piles of granules around your home's perimeter after storms.

Gutter damage is covered if caused by a sudden, insurable event like hurricane winds, falling trees, or flying debris during a storm. Normal wear, rust, or sagging from neglect are not covered. In Miami, storm damage to gutters is common after tropical weather. Your policy typically covers repair or replacement if damaged during the same event that harmed your roof. Document everything with photos immediately. Insurance will not pay for gutter issues unrelated to a specific incident. Maintenance problems like clogs causing overflow damage fall on you. Always tie gutter claims to documented storm events.