Discovering a roof leak is stressful — but it’s also useful information. A leak means water is getting past the roofing system somewhere, and the faster you identify the true entry point, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.

Common leak sources we see in Metro Atlanta

• Pipe boots: rubber seals dry out and split over time.
• Flashing failures: chimneys, sidewalls, skylights, and dormers rely on proper metal details.
• Valleys: concentrated water flow + debris = accelerated wear.
• Nail pops: fasteners backing out create direct water entry points.
• Wind damage: lifted or creased shingles may not leak immediately.

What to do today

1. Protect interior areas with buckets/towels.
2. Document with photos/video (especially if the leak followed a storm).
3. Avoid walking a wet roof.
4. Schedule an inspection to trace the entry point and confirm if repairs are isolated or widespread.

Storm damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. Hail can bruise shingles and wind can crease tabs without causing immediate leaks — but those issues shorten roof life and often qualify for coverage when documented properly.

What you can safely check (from the ground)

• Dented gutters/downspouts or soft metal vents
• Granules collecting at downspouts
• Shingles in the yard after a wind event
• Neighbors replacing roofs after the same storm date
• Ceiling stains that appear days/weeks after a storm

A denial isn’t always the end. Many roof claims are denied because damage was missed, documentation was thin, or the carrier classified storm impact as “wear and tear.” The solution is usually better evidence and a clearer scope — not conflict.

Common denial reasons

• Damage labeled “wear and tear” instead of storm impact
• Steep or high slopes not inspected thoroughly
• Collateral damage (gutters/metals) not documented
• Late reporting after the storm date

Smart next steps

1. Request the adjuster report and photos.
2. Get a second opinion inspection with clear documentation.
3. Compare findings to the denial reason.
4. If storm damage exists, request a re-inspection.

Missing shingles aren’t always an “immediate leak,” but they are an immediate risk. Once underlayment is exposed, the next rain can drive water into decking seams and attic insulation — and UV exposure can degrade the underlayment faster than most homeowners expect.

Why this is time-sensitive

• Exposed nails can allow direct water entry
• Wind uplift can spread to surrounding shingles
• Underlayment breaks down quickly under sun and storms

Manufacturer timelines are marketing. Real roof lifespan in Georgia depends on heat, ventilation, installation quality, storm exposure, and how quickly small issues are corrected.

Typical lifespans (real-world)

• 3-tab shingles: ~15–20 years
• Architectural shingles: ~20–30 years
• Impact-resistant shingles: ~25–35 years (depending on storms)
• Metal roofing: ~40–50+ years when properly installed

Repairs fix isolated problems. Replacements fix system-level issues. The best choice depends on damage scope, roof age, repair history, and whether a storm event created widespread impacts.

Repair makes sense when

• Damage is isolated and accessible
• Roof is younger and otherwise healthy
• Materials can be matched reasonably

Replacement is smarter when

• Multiple leaks or repeat repairs
• Widespread hail bruising or wind creasing
• Brittle/curling shingles and heavy granule loss

Hail storms move fast. The biggest advantage homeowners can create is documentation and timing — safely capturing collateral evidence and scheduling a professional inspection before the trail goes cold.

Immediate steps

1. Safety first — check people and pets before property.
2. Take photos of dents to gutters, vents, screens, and downspouts.
3. Note the storm date/time and approximate hail size (if known).
4. Schedule a roof inspection to document slope-by-slope impacts.

Roofing is high-stakes: expensive work, safety risks, and insurance paperwork. A great contractor provides documentation, communication, and code-compliant installation — without pressure.

What to verify

• Local presence and established reputation
• Proof of general liability and workers’ comp
• Written scope of work (not just a price)
• Clear communication and realistic timelines

Red flags

• “We’ll waive your deductible” claims
• High-pressure “sign today” tactics
• No documentation or unclear payment terms

A roof claim is mostly about documentation and scope accuracy. When storm damage is real and properly documented, the process is usually straightforward: inspection → claim filed → adjuster visit → scope → supplements (if needed) → install → final invoice.

The core steps

1. Inspection: document damage slope-by-slope and collateral evidence.
2. File claim: report the loss date (storm event) and basics.
3. Adjuster meeting: contractor present helps clarify damage.
4. Scope & estimate: carrier issues initial scope.
5. Supplements: missed items (code/ventilation/flashing) are requested with proof.
6. Install & closeout: final invoice triggers depreciation release when applicable.

Drone inspections allow high-resolution roof documentation without walking steep or dangerous slopes. This improves safety, captures clearer evidence, and helps homeowners understand roof condition with confidence.

Where drones help most

• Steep or multi-story roofs
• Complex rooflines and hard-to-access slopes
• Post-storm documentation for claims
• Pre-purchase or annual condition checks

One of the most common denial reasons is “wear and tear.” Insurance covers sudden storm damage — not gradual aging. The difference is proven through damage patterns, collateral evidence, and slope-by-slope documentation.

What legitimate hail damage typically looks like

• Bruised shingles with fractured mats
• Granule loss exposing asphalt
• Consistent impact patterns across slopes
• Collateral dents to vents, flashing, gutters, and downspouts

What wear and tear typically looks like

• Uniform granule loss across the roof
• Brittle or cracking shingles due to age
• General fading without impact marks

Ventilation affects heat, moisture, and shingle performance. Poor ventilation can warp decking, accelerate shingle aging, and create condensation that looks like a “roof leak.”

Common symptoms of ventilation issues

• Hot upstairs rooms, musty attic odor
• Premature shingle curling or granule loss
• Moisture staining on decking (condensation)

Drip edge directs water away from fascia and decking edges. Missing or incorrect drip edge can lead to rot, staining, and gutter issues.

Why it matters

• Protects decking edges and fascia boards
• Helps gutters capture runoff properly
• Often required by code on replacement work

A roof replacement should include more than shingles. The goal is a complete, code-compliant roofing system that performs for decades.

What a quality replacement includes

• Tear-off to decking, decking evaluation
• Ice & water (as required), underlayment, flashing
• Ventilation plan (balanced intake/exhaust)
• New pipe boots and sealed penetrations
• Cleanup with magnets + final walkthrough

Dented gutters, downspouts, and vents can support storm impact on a roof. Collateral evidence helps clarify storm intensity and direction.

What to photograph

• Dents on gutter faces and downspouts
• Metal roof vents, flashing, and caps
• Window screens and soft trim dents

Skylight leaks are often flashing leaks—not glass failures. The fix should address the flashing system and underlayment transitions.

Common skylight leak causes

• Improper step flashing or missing ice & water shield
• Old sealants or incorrect repairs
• Condensation vs true leak confusion

Emergency tarping is a temporary measure to prevent further interior damage after wind or tree impacts. It should be installed safely and documented.

When tarping is appropriate

• Active water intrusion after storm impacts
• Missing sections from tree or debris damage
• Delays due to weather or material scheduling

Supplements are corrections or additions to the initial insurance scope when line items are missed. They’re common and should be documented with photos and requirements.

Examples of missed items

• Flashing and pipe boots
• Ventilation upgrades required by code
• Drip edge or underlayment requirements
• Decking replacement when damaged

A roof can look “fine” from the street while hiding aging, poor flashing, ventilation issues, or storm damage. A pre-purchase inspection protects buyers from surprise costs.

Key items to evaluate

• Roof age/condition and repair history
• Flashing at chimneys, walls, and skylights
• Ventilation balance and attic moisture signs
• Storm damage evidence and granule loss

Dark streaks are often algae (not dirt). The wrong cleaning method can damage shingles and void warranties, so approach carefully.

Safe approaches

• Avoid pressure washing shingles
• Use manufacturer-safe cleaning methods
• Consider algae-resistant shingles at replacement