The Most Common Roofing Problems in Atlanta and How to Avoid Them

Whether from normal wear and tear or storm damage, roofing problems can have a surprisingly broad impact, from property damage to sky-high repair costs. It’s important to learn more about these potential issues so that you can guard against them. Here’s what you need to know to protect the longevity and strength of your roof in Atlanta. 

FAQ: Common Roofing Problems in Atlanta

What are the most common roofing problems for Atlanta homeowners? 

Atlanta homes frequently face issues like roof leaks, missing shingles, damaged flashing, chimney cricket deterioration, pooling water on flat surfaces, tree damage, cracked or blistered shingles, and moss or algae growth. These problems arise from the city’s heat, humidity, storms, and high winds. 

How can I prevent roof leaks after Atlanta storms? 

Schedule a professional roof inspection after any heavy rain or wind event, even if you already get annual maintenance. Roofers can catch new punctures, lifted shingles, or flashing damage before small leaks cause structural wood rot or insulation damage. 

Why is pooling water on flat roofs dangerous? 

Standing water on flat roof sections can break down roofing materials and lead to leaks. Installing crickets on flat surfaces, improving drainage, or adding scuppers and interior drains can help move water off your roof faster. 

Can trees really damage my roof in Atlanta? 

Yes. Overhanging limbs can scrape shingles, break off during storms, or fall onto your home. Trim branches in late winter or early spring, and consider removing trees planted within 10–20 feet of your house to reduce storm-related roof damage. 

What happens if my roof flashing is missing or damaged? 

Flashing seals vulnerable gaps around chimneys, skylights, vents, and roof intersections. If it loosens or disappears, rainwater can seep into your attic and walls. Regular inspections help ensure flashing remains secure and watertight. 

Is moss or algae on my roof a serious problem? 

Yes. Moss roots can lift shingles, and algae can trap moisture—both accelerating shingle deterioration. Increase sunlight exposure by trimming nearby trees, clean gutters regularly, and rinse early signs of growth with a gentle hose spray. Persistent growth may require professional cleaning. 

How often should Atlanta homeowners schedule roof inspections? 

At minimum, schedule an annual inspection. However, because Atlanta experiences frequent storms and high humidity, adding post-storm inspections is the best way to prevent small problems from turning into major damage. 

Leaks in Your Roof 

A leaking roof can cause significant damage to your home by leading to wood rot. The moisture can also destroy your attic insulation. As the joists and trusses in your attic absorb rainwater, the wood becomes soft and weaker. It will eventually rot and fail to support your roof, allowing the roof to sag and collapse. 

You can prevent water leaks with post-storm roof inspections. Even if you always schedule an annual inspection, following up with professional assessments after storms is crucial. Your roofer can spot new damage that resulted from recent rain or high winds. This gives you the opportunity to fix minor roof damage before it spreads or worsens. 

Damages to Your Chimney Cricket 

Unless you routinely access your roof, you may not know very much about your chimney. One important feature on your roof is the chimney cricket, which is a pointed mound that sits at the base of the chimney. Its purpose is to divert rainwater and debris away from the base of the chimney. This guards against damage that could otherwise cause the chimney to erode. 

The chimney cricket has a wood frame, which is completely concealed under a metal sheath. Often, the roofer will add shingles to match the chimney cricket’s outer appearance with the rest of the roof. Over time, the structure can deteriorate.  

Your roofer can examine the condition of the chimney cricket during each roof inspection. They will look for signs of damage from rainwater, winds, pests, and falling debris. If they find a problem, they can recommend repairs to ensure the cricket continues to function as intended. 

Blow-Offs Caused by Wind Damage 

A good roof maintenance tip is to walk around the exterior of your house after a storm or a period of high winds. Look for shingles on the ground around your home. You might also see spots on your roof that have missing shingles. A loose or missing shingle can cause significant exposure to rainwater and debris, so you’ll want to schedule repairs immediately. 

Additionally, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent shingle blow-off on your roof. First, keep up with periodic roof inspections. Your roofer can secure loose shingles before they blow away.  

Secondly, choose your roofing materials based on their protective features. When you need a roof replacement, look for wind-resistant shingles. You’ll lower the risk of losing shingles if you choose materials designed to stand up stronger against high winds. 

Pooling Water on Your Roof’s Flat Surfaces 

While flat roofs are more common on commercial buildings, some residential homes do have roofs with flat surfaces. If you have a flat roof, look for problem areas where rainwater pools. Standing water can cause significant damage to your roofing materials if you don’t clear it away immediately. 

You can also take steps to prevent water from pooling on your roof’s flat surfaces. One option is to install crickets in these areas. Similar to chimney crickets, these features will divert rainwater and push it toward the drainage system.  

Another option is to install better roof drainage. Some options include interior drains, scuppers that are installed in the parapet walls, and siphonic drains. 

Tree Damage to Your Roof 

There’s no denying that having trees on your property can increase your enjoyment of the property. It can also give a little boost to the home’s property value. However, there’s a significant downside to trees growing too close to your house.  

Heavy winds or lightning strikes can cause tree limbs to fall and damage your roof. A strong storm can even uproot an older tree, letting it topple onto your home. 

If you have trees on your property, keep the branches trimmed. Trim overgrown tree branches in late winter or early spring, as this will give the cuts time to heal before the growing season.  

Consider removing trees that are less than 10 to 20 feet from your home as well. An arborist can remove the tree before it damages your roof. They can also plant a new tree at a safer distance if you choose. 

Missing Roof Flashing 

It’s hard to miss the roof flashing on your home as you look at your roof. The flashing is a thin, metal material, so it usually shines or reflects the sunlight during the day.  

Roofers use the material to cover gaps where the roof meets the chimney, vents, windows, and other obstructions on the roof. Flashing keeps debris and rainwater from entering through vulnerable crevices. 

A key roof maintenance benefit is the inspection of flashing by professionals. They can tell if any flashing is loose or damaged. Your roofers can recommend replacing flashing that’s missing as well. Replacing damaged or missing flashing is crucial when it comes to keeping moisture from damaging your home’s interior. 

Cracked or Blistered Roofing Materials 

High winds and rainwater cause extensive roof damage, but the summer sun is just as hazardous for Atlanta roofs. Dark shingles absorb heat and lead to roof damage through the blistering or cracking of the shingles. Even though the shingle isn’t loose or missing, the heat damage is enough to expose the underlying material to moisture and debris. 

You can prevent this type of damage by looking for heat-resistant shingles. Additionally, you might pick a lighter color when shopping for new roof shingles. Light-colored shingles, such as tan or light gray, will reflect more sunlight. 

It’s difficult to see heat damage with a ground-level inspection. You’ll need a professional roofer to inspect your roof more closely.  

Moss and Algae Buildup 

The presence of moss and algae on your roof might seem like a minor inconvenience, but these growths are more dangerous than you might think for your roof. Both types of growth block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to moisture buildup that damages the shingles. Moss also grows roots that can dig beneath the shingles and uproot them. 

What can you do about moss and algae growth? Make sure your roof gets more sunlight by trimming the surrounding trees. Gutter cleaning is another essential method for protecting against algae and moss growth.  

Removing the leaves and other debris from your gutters allows them to let water pass through the system. This removes standing water before it promotes growth.  

As soon as you see algae or moss on your roof, use a garden hose to lightly rinse the growth away. If the moss or algae persists, you may have to hire professionals to clean your roof. They will have the proper safety equipment and cleaning solutions to thoroughly remove the growth from your roof. 

Let the Pros Handle Your Roof Maintenance 

At Tom and Jerry’s Roofing, we use the highest-quality materials and state-of-the-art equipment to provide lasting repairs and roof replacements to homes across Atlanta. Our comprehensive roof inspections can uncover hidden roof damage to ensure your home stays protected in every season. Contact us to schedule service today!