A storm just rolled through Metro Atlanta, and your roof looks fine from the driveway. That is exactly when damage gets missed. Wind and hail can loosen, crack and bruise shingles in ways you cannot see from the ground, and small problems turn into leaks months later. Watch the one-minute video below to see the five warning signs any homeowner can check without a ladder, and what our inspectors do when they come out.
1-minute video · No ladder needed
5 storm damage warning signs you can check from the ground
You do not need to climb on the roof to know whether you should call for an inspection. Walk around the house after the storm and look for these:
Missing, lifted or creased shingles
High winds can peel shingles back or tear them off completely. Look for gaps, shingles that sit at an odd angle, or pieces of shingle in the yard.
Shingle granules near your downspouts
Granules look like coarse black sand. A pile at the bottom of a downspout after a storm often means hail has knocked them loose, which leaves the shingle underneath exposed to the sun.
Dents on gutters, metal vents and your A/C unit
If hail was big enough to dent metal, it was big enough to damage your shingles too.
Torn window screens or chipped siding
Check the side of the house that faced the storm. Damage there is a good clue about what the roof took.
Water spots on your ceilings or in the attic
A new stain, a musty smell or damp insulation means water is already getting in. Do not wait on this one.
Call right awayWant more detail on hail specifically? Our guide on how to spot hail damage on your roof walks through what hail hits look like up close.
What happens during our storm damage roof inspection
If you spot any of the signs above, a professional inspection is the next step. Here is what our inspectors do when they come out:
Check every slope up close
We walk the roof and look at each side, because wind and hail rarely hit every slope the same way.
Mark test squares
We chalk out sample areas and count the hail hits inside them, the same way insurance adjusters assess damage.
Look at everything attached to the roof
Vents, flashing, pipe boots, skylights, gutters and chimneys are all common places for storm damage and leaks.
Photograph everything
You get clear photos of what we found, for you and for your insurance adjuster.
Give you a straight answer
Some roofs need a small repair, some need nothing at all, and some need to be replaced. We tell you which, and why.
Active leak?
If the damage is active, such as a leak or an open area, we can tarp the roof to stop water getting in while the repair is planned.
Do not climb up there yourself
Wet shingles, loose granules and storm debris make roofs slippery and dangerous. Everything in the list above can be checked from the ground or from inside the house. Leave the roof itself to a crew with the right safety gear.
Is it time for a new roof?
Storm damage does not always mean a full replacement. If it does, we walk you through every step, from the inspection photos to choosing shingles to the final cleanup. Learn more about our storm damage repair and 24/7 emergency roof repair services, or see how we help with insurance claims.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a storm should I get my roof inspected?
As soon as you can, ideally within a few days. Damage gets harder to tie to a specific storm as time passes, and small openings can let water in with the next rain.
Can I see hail damage from the ground?
Sometimes. Dented gutters, vents and A/C units and granules at the downspouts are strong clues. Bruised or cracked shingles usually need to be checked up close.
How much does a storm damage roof inspection cost?
Our roof assessment is free. We inspect the roof, photograph what we find and tell you what it needs.
Get a free roof assessment
Spotted any of these warning signs? Call 404-474-4222 or schedule your free roof assessment online. Emergency Roofing Solutions serves homeowners across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
A live person answers 24/7