Coweta County sees its share of spring and early summer storms, and hail can damage a roof without leaving anything obvious from the street. If a storm rolled through Newnan and you heard hail on the house, it is worth taking a closer look before small damage turns into a leak.
Signs you can check from the ground
- Dents or dings on gutters, downspouts, mailboxes and metal roof vents.
- Granules from shingles collecting at the bottom of downspouts or in the gutters.
- Dented or cracked window screens, siding or fence caps on the side the storm came from.
- Shredded leaves and small branches across the yard.
If you see these signs on soft metals around the house, the roof was hit by the same hail. Please do not climb onto the roof yourself. Wet or damaged shingles are slippery and a fall is not worth the risk.
What hail does to asphalt shingles
Hail can knock granules loose, bruise the mat under the surface, crack shingles or break the seal between shingle courses. Bruised areas may not leak right away, but they tend to wear faster and can lead to leaks over the next few seasons. That is why a close, hands-on inspection matters.
Document everything
Take date-stamped photos of damaged gutters, vents, screens and siding, and note the date and time of the storm. Local news reports or weather service storm summaries for the Newnan area can help confirm when hail fell.
Get a written inspection
A roofing inspection should cover the roof surface, ridge, flashing, vents, pipe boots and gutters, with photos of anything that looks damaged. A written summary with photos is helpful whether you decide to repair, replace or talk with your insurance company. Your insurance adjuster makes the coverage decision, so share the photos and ask questions about your own policy.
Watch out for storm chasers
After a big storm, out-of-town crews often knock on doors across Newnan, Sharpsburg and Senoia. Take your time. Ask for a local address and phone number, get everything in writing and never sign anything on the spot or sign over your claim.
Questions about your roof? See our roofing services or call (470) 488-9764 to schedule a free roof inspection. Ask about our first responder and military discount.