Seasonal Roof Maintenance for Atlanta Homes

Atlanta weather cycles do different things to your roof at different times of year. What looks fine in January might be a problem by July. Here's a seasonal maintenance checklist.

Spring — Check for storm damage

March through May is tornado and hail season in Georgia. After every major storm, do a visual check from the ground. Look for missing shingles, dented gutters, or branches on the roof. If anything looks off, call for an inspection. Most roofers do free storm damage checks in the spring because that's when claims are highest.

Summer — Ventilation and heat

Georgia summers cook roofs. Attic temperatures can hit 150 degrees. That heat radiates down through your shingles, accelerating aging and drying out sealants. Check your attic ventilation. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and attic fans need to be clear and working. A properly ventilated attic can extend your roof's life by years.

Fall — Clean gutters and check flashing

Leaves pile up in gutters, trapping water against your roof line. Water that sits against the fascia will rot it. Clean gutters in October after the leaves fall, and again in November. While you're up there, check the flashing around chimneys and vents. Loose flashing is the #1 cause of leaks that aren't storm-related.

Winter — Ice and freeze-thaw

Atlanta doesn't get much snow, but we get ice storms. Water freezes in small gaps in your roof, expands, and creates bigger gaps. It thaws, water gets in, and the cycle repeats. After a freeze, check for new water stains on your ceiling. Catch it early and it's a small repair. Wait until spring and it's a big one.