How do you get a roof repaired in Buford, Georgia after a storm?
Short answer. After a storm, photograph any visible damage from the ground, protect the inside of the house if water is coming in, and have a roofer inspect the whole roof before you decide between a simple repair and an insurance claim. Hail damage is hard to see from the yard, and a few missing shingles can hide wider damage that changes the answer.
The first day after the storm
- Walk the yard and look for shingle pieces, granules piling at downspouts, dented gutters, damaged window screens and dings on cars or mailboxes.
- Check the attic and ceilings for new water.
- Take dated photos of everything, including hailstones beside a coin or ruler if you can.
- If water is coming in, get the opening covered by someone qualified, since your policy expects reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Repair or claim?
- A few shingles blown off in a wind event: often a small repair that may cost less than your deductible.
- Hail across the whole roof: bruised shingles lose granules and sealing strength over time, which makes it a claim question rather than a patch.
- A tree on the roof: structural repair plus a claim, with tree removal handled by a separate trade.
To see whether hail was reported near your Buford zip code, check the North Georgia Hail Map.
Watch for storm chasers
Big Gwinnett and Hall storms bring out-of-state crews. Ask for a local address, insurance certificates and local references, and never sign anything that promises to cover your deductible, which is illegal in Georgia. Georgia law also makes it an unfair practice for a contractor to take an assignment of your insurance proceeds within one year of a declared natural disaster. See how to choose a roofing contractor in Georgia and Georgia hail season.