How to Spot Roof Storm Damage After an Atlanta Hail Storm

Living in Georgia means dealing with unpredictable weather. From severe thunderstorms to surprising hail events, the Atlanta area sees its fair share of extreme conditions. Your roof is your first line of defense.

Look for These 4 Signs of Storm Damage

1. Bruised or Dented Shingles (Hail Damage)

Hail does not always leave gaping holes in your roof. Often, it leaves bruises or dents on asphalt shingles that knock off protective granules, exposing the asphalt to UV rays and eventually causing leaks.

2. Missing or Lifted Shingles (Wind Damage)

High winds can catch the edges of older shingles, snapping them off or lifting them. Even if a shingle is not completely missing, a broken seal means water can be driven underneath during the next rainstorm.

3. Granules in Your Gutters

A large accumulation of shingle granules at the bottom of your downspouts after a storm is a clear sign your roof took a beating.

4. Dents in Soft Metals

Look at your gutters, downspouts, mailboxes, or garage doors. If these soft metals have hail dents, your roof almost certainly has damage too.

A Safe Post Storm Checklist You Can Do From the Ground

You do not need a ladder to gather useful information after a storm. Wait until the weather has fully cleared, then walk the property and look for the following.

1. Walk all four sides of the house. Damage often shows up on the side that faced the storm, so do not stop after checking the front.
2. Scan the roof with binoculars or a phone camera zoom. Look for missing shingles, shingles that look creased or out of line, and dark spots where granules may be gone.
3. Check the yard and driveway for shingle pieces, ridge caps, or flashing that may have blown off.
4. Look closely at gutters, downspouts, window screens, siding, and AC unit fins for dents, splatter marks, or tears.
5. Note any trees or large limbs that hit the house or are hanging over the roof.
6. Go inside and check the attic, if you can access it safely, as well as ceilings and upper walls for fresh stains or moisture.

Take photos of everything you find, along with a note of the storm date. That record is useful whether or not you end up filing an insurance claim.

What to Do Right Away if You Find Damage

• If water is coming in, protect the interior first. Move belongings, set out buckets, and put down towels or plastic.
• Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Leave tarping and roof access to a professional crew with proper safety equipment.
• Keep any debris that came off the roof, such as shingle pieces or bent flashing.
• Review your homeowners policy and talk to your insurer or agent about how and when to report damage. Policies vary, so check your own coverage.

What a Professional Inspection Should Include

A thorough storm inspection goes beyond a quick look from the driveway. Here is what you should expect from a qualified inspector:

• A close look at every roof slope, not just the most visible one.
• Checks of shingles for hail bruising, granule loss, cracks, and broken seals from wind.
• Inspection of flashing, pipe boots, vents, skylights, and other penetrations.
• A look at soft metals on the roof, such as vent caps and drip edge, which can show hail impacts clearly.
• Photos of the damage and a written report you can keep and share with your insurer.

How to Avoid Storm Chasers

After a major storm, it is common for out of area contractors to go door to door. Some are legitimate, but homeowners should be careful. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign on the spot, asks for large payments before work begins, or cannot give you a local address and phone number. Ask for proof of certifications, read every document before you sign, and take time to choose a contractor you trust.

Seal Top Roof Management is based in Dacula, GA, and has been serving the area since 2018. Our HAAG certified inspector documents roof condition with photos and written reports, and we can meet your adjuster at the property. Call (404) 216-0634 or email service@sealtoproofing.com.

Why You Should Not Wait to Call a Professional

Storm damage is insidious. A bruised shingle may not leak for months, then cause severe interior water damage and mold. Contact Seal Top Roofing for a free storm damage inspection across a 100-mile radius around Atlanta.