Old-Storm Damage

Homeowners in Atlanta should have their roofs inspected every couple of years to ensure performance and perform preventative maintenance. There are several items that can be uncovered in a roof inspection:

• Rotten wood developing due to flashing failures
• Buckled shingles due to water entry
• Cracking sealant allowing water entry
• Exposed metals rusting and creating future places for water entry
• Slipping or wind damaged shingles

However, most homeowners do not get their roofs inspected on a regular basis, so there are a couple catalysts that often prompt roof inspections more commonly:

• Real estate transactions. Buyers are often interested in roof inspections when the roof is old, or there is evidence of leaks in the interior. This is a good idea, but every roof should be inspected prior to purchasing a home! Home inspectors often do not get on the roof, so little to no inspection is done.  Additionally, newly built homes can often have glaring problems as well. If the roof is not inspected in time, you will be outside of the builder’s warranty period and will be on your own.
• Storm inspections. These inspections can come about if a strong storm comes through Atlanta and causes widespread hail and wind damage. Customers will call if they find a shingle, or a leak occurs during one of these storms.  This is a great idea.

Bird’s Eye Roofing Company does not solicit in neighborhoods offering free inspections.  These inspections are often performed by storm chasing companies.  The end of the inspection will likely end with pressure to file a roof insurance claim regardless of the actual findings in the inspection. Additionally, contracts are often used on the front end and that locks you in with the roofing company if the roof is approved. The roof will end up far more expensive on the backend, and will be tougher as insurance companies often fight the storm chasing companies due to excessive claims.  It is always best to turn down an inspection offered by a roofer who knocks on your door, and to call a legitimate company.