The Importance of Having a Professional Roof Inspection In Atlanta After Summer Storms

If you live in the Atlanta area that is vulnerable to powerful summer storms, you likely already know the havoc that storms can wreak on your home’s first line of defense – the roof. From tropical storms and hurricanes on the coastlines to tornadoes in the Midwest and other strong thunderstorms all around the country, summer is the season that many homes sustain roof damage. Most homeowners will do a visual inspection of their roof, especially an aging one, after a storm. However, in many cases, it is best to have a proper inspection performed by a professional roofing contractor to ensure that there is no permanent damage.

If you notice any potential problems inside the home, like leaks or damage to ceilings and walls, it is also essential to have a professional check things out. A professional roofer will be able to assess the situation and inform you of any repairs or work that should be done before small issues become major expenses. The investment in your roof inspection will save you money in the long run if there are even minor damages to your roof, as those problems will only continue to get worse and affect the integrity of your roof.

Signs You Can Look For

If you have been through a bad storm, there are certain tell-tale signs that you may need a professional roof inspection. Some of those indicators include:

• Gutters that have fallen loose
• Shingles that have completely blown off of the roof
• Loose flashing around chimneys and corners, and damage to soffit
• Loose boards on any part of the roof
• Cracks in shingles or roofing materials
• Fallen trees and tree limbs

If you notice any of these issues, there is potential for damage to Atlanta roof that should be repaired as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to talk to neighbors to see if they sustained any damage to their roofs, as it is common for homes in the same neighborhood to sustain damage at the same time. In addition to getting to the bottom of any potential storm damage, a professional roof inspector will be able to provide you with all the information you need to submit a claim to your homeowners’ insurance. Sometimes claims are time-sensitive, so it is vital to get your roof inspection done as soon as possible after a turbulent storm.

Get These Things in Writing for Your Insurance Claim

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of sustaining damage to your roof in a storm, there are several things you will want to make sure your inspector details in writing for you. This will help to ensure that you get as much out of your insurance claim as you can. Some of these items include:

• A full estimate will all recommended repairs
• Results of an inspection of the attic
• Condition of your rain gutters
• Status of your ventilation system
• Condition of the home’s insulation
• Any damage to the flashing around chimneys, valleys, rakes, eaves, sidewalls, and dormers
• Condition of all chimneys
• Damage to shingles and roofing materials
• Any indication of trapped moisture or mold growth
• Roof leaks, no matter how small
• Ice dams (if you are getting the inspection as the result of a winter storm)

Keep in mind that your homeowners’ insurance policy may also help to pay for your roof inspection, regardless of whether any damage was found. So be sure to have the inspection records on hand, and inquire with your insurance company, even if the roofing company does not have to come back to perform repairs.

Remember That You Can’t See All Damage

Part of the reason it is essential to have your roof inspected after a strong summer storm in Atlanta is because you can’t always see damage to your roof when conducting a visual inspection. Experienced roofing contractors, on the other hand, can find hidden damage that may not be immediately apparent, but could potentially lead to more costly repairs down the road. If you pay for an inspection and no damage is found, at least you have invested in your own peace of mind, knowing that there are no issues that are going to cost you a fortune to repair at a later time.

Is a Brand New Roof Susceptible to Storm Damage?

If your roof has been installed recently, you may wonder if storm damage is something you should even be concerned about. The truth of the matter is that, while older roofs tend to be damaged more easily in a storm, you should be wary of storm damage even if you have a brand new roof. The damaging effects of rain, hail, and high wind can have a negative influence on a roof at any age. You will be glad to have an inspection performed and know the status of your roof after heavy summer storms.

What Should You Do if Your Roof Is Severely Damaged?

You can usually tell by looking at your roof if it has sustained heavy damages. If it is an older roof, chances are you will have leaks inside your home that will tell you there is something very wrong. A trusted professional roofing company will be able to give you a complete assessment and let you know if it is smarter to complete repairs, or if it would be better to replace the whole roof. Even if you haven’t been through a treacherous summer storm, it is usually a good idea to get your roof inspected at least once a year and keep up with maintenance and small repairs.

If you find that your roof is so severely damaged that you need to have it replaced, be sure to do your research on what type of roofing material you should choose. Metal roofs are emerging as one of the most popular choices for homeowners in Atlanta, as they offer a variety of textures styles, and colors, they are environmentally friendly. They will likely last for the duration of time you spend in your home. A typical metal roof is likely to last from 30 to 50 years, so chances are very slim that you will ever need to replace your roof again.