shingle granule loss – Andrews Roofing

In Southeast Virginia and the Hampton Roads region, roofs can take a serious beating.

Between strong coastal winds, heavy rain, tropical storm systems, and intense summer heat and humidity, it’s common for homeowners to discover roof damage and wonder if it’s just normal aging—or something that should be covered by insurance.

It’s a common homeowner question that we encounter: “Should I file an insurance claim for this?” Knowing the difference between everyday wear and tear and storm-related roof damage can help you avoid unnecessary claims, out-of-pocket expenses, and frustration with your insurance provider. Here’s how you can tell the difference—and what to do next.

Normal Roof Wear and Tear: What Insurance Typically Does Not Cover

Roofing materials naturally age over time, especially in the coastal climate of Southeast Virginia. Insurance companies generally do not cover damage caused by gradual, natural deterioration or lack of maintenance. Common examples of normal wear and tear include:

Aging or brittle shingles that are near the end of their lifespan
Granule loss on asphalt shingles, typically from age and long-term sun exposure
Faded or discolored roofing materials
Minor cracking or curling that are age-related/typical
Small leaks caused by age—not a specific weather event

If your roof is 20–30 years old and showing these signs, it’s usually considered a maintenance or replacement issue rather than an insurable loss. In these cases, planning a roof replacement before major leaks develop is often the smartest move.

When Roof Damage May Be Covered by Insurance

Insurance typically applies when roof damage is caused by a sudden, identifiable event, such as severe weather. In Hampton Roads, this often means wind, hail, or tropical systems.

Roof damage that may warrant an insurance claim includes:

Missing, torn, or lifted shingles after high winds
Hail damage, including bruised or cracked shingles
Impact damage from fallen tree limbs or debris
Leaks that appear shortly after a storm
Damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes

If roof issues show up immediately after a major storm—or you notice similar damage throughout your neighborhood—it’s a good sign that the damage may be insurable.

Step One: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before filing a roof damage insurance claim, it’s important to schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed roofing contractor that is local to the Hampton Roads region and knows our local weather as well as the local insurance providers. A trained roofer can determine whether the damage is storm-related or simply age-related. The inspection should:

Identify visible and hidden storm damage you may not be able to see from the ground
Document findings with photos and written notes which can be submitted to your claims agent
Provide a detailed repair or replacement estimate to give a “second opinion” to the insurance adjustor’s estimate
Help you decide whether filing a claim makes financial sense at all

Step Two: Complete the Insurance Claim Process

If your roofing contractor determines the damage is likely covered, here’s how the process typically works:

File a Claim with Your Insurance Company. You’ll contact your insurer and provide details about the storm or event that caused the damage. This is where the information from the roof inspection will come in especially handy.
Meet with the Insurance Adjuster. An adjuster inspects your roof and evaluates the damage. Your contractor can often be present to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Review the Insurance Estimate. The insurance company provides an estimate outlining approved repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. You may want to have your contractor review the estimate to ensure nothing was overlooked or underquoted.
Complete Roof Repairs or Replacement. Once approved, your contractor completes the work according to the claim’s scope, providing any necessary documentation for your insurance company.

Step Three: Keep It Local

Having an experienced Hampton Roads roofing contractor involved helps ensure the insurance estimate reflects the full extent of the damage as well as the cost of local labor — not just what’s immediately visible or generic.

While not every roofing issue requires an insurance claim, ignoring any type of roof damage – storm-related or otherwise, can lead to much larger problems, including interior water damage and mold. If you’re unsure whether your roof damage is normal wear or something insurance should cover, Andrews Roofing is here to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today for a professional inspection, clear documentation, and support throughout the insurance claims process —without pressure or guesswork.

The holiday season is synonymous with festive lights and decorations both inside and outside the house. But as beautiful as they are to look at, many of these decorations are placed along rooflines or even on top of roofs – which can become hazardous for both the decorator and the roof itself. Each winter we see preventable roof damage caused by improper decorating methods. But the good news is that with a few helpful tips and smart methods your home can still be the neighborhood holiday showcase without compromising its most important protective system.

Common Types of Holiday Roof Damage

Let’s start with the common problems we see around this time of the year. Many homeowners don’t realize that typical decorating practices can cause long-term damage or reduce the lifespan of materials.

1. Shingle Cracking, Lifting, or Granule Loss

Walking on asphalt shingles, especially in cold weather, can crack them or knock granules loose. This compromises water-shedding ability, which can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Even leaning ladders against gutters or shingles in the wrong way can loosen or misalign them.

2. Damaged Gutters

Homeowners often use gutters as anchor points for lights or heavy décor. Excess weight or pressure can bend, crack, or pull gutters away from the fascia, leading to drainage issues and potential water damage later.

3. Punctures From Nails, Screws, or Staples

This is one of the biggest culprits. People will often nail or staple decorations into shingles or the roof deck, but any penetration creates a pathway for water intrusion. Even small holes can lead to leaks and hidden moisture damage over time.

4. Roof Surface Damage from Heavy Decorations

Placing inflatable decorations, wooden cutouts, or other hefty items directly on the roof can dent metal panels, crack shingles, and create unsafe pressure points. They can also become dangerous flying debris if bad weather crops up.

5. Vent and Flashing Issues

Decorations tied around plumbing boots, chimneys, skylights, or other roof penetrations can damage flashing or loosen seals—two of the most common sources of leaks.

Tips for Decorating Your Roofline Safely

You can still create a festive, illuminated roofline without compromising your roof’s health. Here’s how:

Use Clip-On Light Hangers—Never Nails or Staples

Outdoor light clips are designed to attach to gutters or the drip edge without penetrating the roofing material. They’re inexpensive, widely available, and protect your shingles from unnecessary holes.

Choose Lightweight Decorations for the Roofline

If you want a dramatic display, focus on the eaves and gutters—not the roof surface. Hanging icicle lights, ridge-line lights (installed with non-invasive clips), or gable-mounted décor is safer than rooftop installations.

Avoid Walking on the Roof Whenever Possible

Cold shingles are brittle, and metal roofs can be extremely slippery. Use a ladder stabilizer attachment so your ladder rests on the side of the house rather than the gutters or shingles.

Keep Decorations Away from Roof Penetrations

Attaching your lights or decorations directly to chimneys or vents may seem like a secure option, but they can pull on flashing or disturb sealants especially when severe weather or strong winds blow through. Leave a clear perimeter around all roof penetrations to avoid damage and eventual leaks.

Avoid Roof-Top Inflatables or Heavy Décor

Inflatables may look lightweight, but they need tie-down points—and those tie-downs will typically necessitate some type of penetration and damage to the roof surface. They also can catch the wind, increasing the risk of tearing shingles or ripping gutters loose. Keep inflatables on the lawn where they’re safest.

Use UL-Listed or LED Lights

Older incandescent lights generate far more heat and may overload circuits or melt nearby materials. LED lights stay cool to the touch, use less power, and reduce the chance of electrical issues. Always look for UL-listed lights and extension cords, which means they’ve been tested for safety and meet national electrical standards. This goes for any electrical/light up decoration – not just string or icicle lights.

Check the Weather Before Decorating

While we don’t get many bitter cold days in Hampton Roads, they can happen. Decorating in freezing temperatures increases the chance of shingle cracking. Whenever possible, put up decorations on one of our typical mild, dry days.

Additional Safety Tips for Around the House

Beyond just your roof there are some things you should consider for the overall safety of your home and the people inside it!

Use the right ladder height so you’re not leaning heavily on gutters or climbing onto the roof unnecessarily.
Never overload electrical cords or outlets. Overheated wires can damage siding, gutters, or roofing materials.
Secure all extension cords so they don’t lift shingles, block water flow, cause tripping or become tangled in nearby objects.
Inspect your roof afterward. Once decorations come down, check for loose shingles, sagging gutters, or debris. Winter storms will take advantage of any weak spots, so be proactive in your home’s defense.

When to Call a Roofing Professional

If you notice lifted shingles, bent gutters, or signs of a leak after removing holiday decorations, it’s wise to schedule an inspection before the serious winter weather sets in. Early repair is far cheaper and safer than dealing with water damage or roof replacement.

Decorating for the holidays should be a fun, joyful time. Keep it that way with these smart tips that will help keep your home festive and protected all season long. If you have concerns about your roof’s condition or need help addressing winter-related damage, Andrews Roofing is here to help – contact us today!

Tag: shingle granule loss

How to Decorate for the Holidays Without Damaging Your Roof