After the June 18 Storms: What Gwinnett Homeowners Should Check on Their Roof

Thursday afternoon across Gwinnett County

Thursday afternoon was a rough one across Gwinnett County.

On June 18, severe thunderstorm warnings covered Lawrenceville, Duluth, Peachtree Corners and other parts of the county. Gwinnett was also placed under a tornado watch, flood watch and wind advisory as the storm system moved through North Georgia. By shortly after 7 p.m., approximately 7,500 power outages were being reported in Gwinnett County.

Most homeowners knew the storm was serious while it was happening. The harder question comes afterward: Did it damage the roof?

Roof damage is not always obvious. A tree through the attic is easy to spot, but wind can also loosen shingles, damage flashing or create a small opening that does not start leaking until the next heavy rain.

Here is what Gwinnett homeowners should check after the June 18 storms—and when it makes sense to call a local roofing contractor.

Start with a walk around the house

You do not need to climb onto the roof to perform an initial inspection. In fact, unless you have the proper equipment and experience, staying on the ground is the safer choice.

Walk around the entire house and look at the roof from several angles. Check for:

• Shingles lying in the yard
• Bare sections where shingles are missing
• Shingles that appear lifted, folded or out of alignment
• Bent or detached gutters
• Loose downspouts
• Damaged roof vents
• Pieces of metal flashing on the ground
• Tree limbs resting against the roof
• Dents or impact marks on gutters and metal surfaces

Use your phone camera zoom or a pair of binoculars to get a closer look.

One loose-looking shingle does not automatically mean you need a new roof. But it may justify a closer inspection, especially if your roof is older or was already showing wear.

Check the attic before the next rain

The attic often reveals roof problems before they appear on the ceiling downstairs.

During daylight, turn off the attic lights and look for small points of sunlight coming through the roof decking. Also inspect the underside of the roof for:

• Wet or darkened wood
• Water trails
• Damp insulation
• Fresh stains around vents or chimneys
• Dripping nails
• A musty smell
• Sagging roof decking

Be careful where you step. Attic insulation can conceal the ceiling below, which is not designed to support your weight.

A dry attic does not guarantee the roof escaped damage. Wind-driven rain can enter only under certain conditions, and a loosened shingle may not leak until another storm arrives.

Wind damage does not always leave a missing shingle

Many homeowners assume a roof is fine as long as all the shingles are still attached.

Strong wind can damage a shingle without completely removing it. The edge may lift and then settle back down, leaving a crease or weakening the adhesive strip beneath it. From the driveway, the roof may look normal.

Other possible wind-related problems include:

• Broken seals between shingles
• Creased shingle tabs
• Exposed or loosened fasteners
• Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents
• Ridge-cap shingles shifting out of place
• Wind-driven rain entering beneath roofing materials

This is one reason a professional inspection can be useful after a severe storm, particularly for roofs with significant age or previous repairs.

Look carefully around trees

The June 18 storm brought down trees and power lines across metro Atlanta. Saturated ground contributed to some trees falling, and one large tree crashed through a roof in northwest Atlanta during the storm.

Even when a tree does not fall completely, branches can scrape or strike the roof. Look for broken branches hanging above the house and fresh debris concentrated in one area.

A branch impact can damage:

• Shingles
• Roof decking
• Gutters
• Fascia boards
• Skylights
• Plumbing vents
• Chimney caps

Do not attempt to remove a large branch that is resting on the roof or tangled near a power line. That may require both a local tree-service company and a roofing contractor.

Watch for delayed signs inside the house

Some roof leaks appear immediately. Others take days to become visible.

Over the next several weeks, keep an eye out for:

• Brown or yellow ceiling stains
• Bubbling paint
• Peeling drywall tape
• Damp areas near exterior walls
• Water around a fireplace or chimney
• Musty odors in upstairs rooms
• Unexpected moisture around ceiling fixtures

A stain does not always appear directly below the point where water entered. Water can travel along roof decking, rafters, pipes or electrical wiring before reaching the ceiling.

Do not ignore a small stain because it has stopped growing. The immediate rain may have ended, but the opening may still be there.

Does every roof need to be inspected?

No.

A newer roof with no nearby trees, no visible damage and no signs of water intrusion may not need an emergency inspection.

An inspection makes more sense when:

• You found shingles or roofing material in the yard.
• The roof is more than 10 to 15 years old.
• A branch struck or scraped the roof.
• Neighbors experienced visible roof damage.
• You see staining in the attic or ceiling.
• Shingles appear lifted or uneven.
• The gutters or flashing were damaged.
• The roof has leaked during previous storms.

A reputable roofer should be able to explain whether the problem calls for a simple repair, continued monitoring or a larger roofing project.

Document damage before making repairs

Take clear photographs and videos of anything that may have been damaged. Include wide shots showing the location and closer pictures showing the specific problem.

Photograph:

• Missing shingles
• Fallen limbs
• Interior water stains
• Damaged ceilings
• Wet insulation
• Gutters and flashing
• Personal property damaged by water

The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance recommends notifying the insurer promptly when a claim is necessary, keeping records of conversations and expenses, and photographing damage before temporary repairs are made. It also advises homeowners not to make permanent repairs before the insurer has had an opportunity to inspect the damage.

Temporary work may still be necessary to prevent additional damage. Save receipts for tarps, emergency repairs, water removal and other related expenses.

Be cautious with contractors who show up at the door

Major storms often bring an increase in door-to-door roofing offers.

Some companies are legitimate. Others move from neighborhood to neighborhood looking for homeowners who are worried and ready to sign something quickly.

The Georgia Attorney General Consumer Protection Division warns homeowners about storm chasers who demand large upfront payments, recommend unnecessary repairs or offer to cover the homeowner insurance deductible. The state recommends obtaining multiple written bids, checking references and putting warranties, payment terms and project dates in writing.

Be cautious when someone:

• Claims every roof in the neighborhood needs replacement
• Pressures you to sign immediately
• Wants full payment before starting
• Only accepts cash
• Will not provide proof of insurance
• Offers to handle everything without explaining the process
• Promises to pay or waive your insurance deductible
• Refuses to provide a detailed written estimate

A roof inspection should give you more information—not pressure you into an immediate decision.

Questions to ask a roofing contractor

Before hiring someone, ask:

• Are you insured?
• Do you regularly work in Gwinnett County?
• What specific damage did you find?
• Can you show me photographs of the damage?
• Can the roof be repaired, or are you recommending replacement?
• What materials will be used?
• Are cleanup and disposal included?
• Who is responsible for any required permit?
• What warranties apply to the materials and labor?
• What payment is required before work begins?

It is reasonable to ask a contractor to separate storm-related damage from ordinary aging or maintenance issues.

Repairing the damage before the next Gwinnett storm

The June 18 storms were not unusual for a North Georgia summer. Heavy rain, strong winds and afternoon thunderstorms will remain part of the weather pattern throughout the season.

That does not mean every homeowner needs to panic or replace a roof. It does mean visible damage, attic moisture and unexplained ceiling stains should not be ignored.

A small repair made now may prevent damaged insulation, drywall, flooring and personal belongings later.

Think your roof may have been damaged?

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