Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Will my roof leak if a shingle is missing?
It can. A missing shingle opens the underlayment to water, and wind-driven rain finds the gap fast. One missing shingle does not always mean an active leak — but it should be fixed quickly, before the next storm. If you can see a stain inside as well, the water is already in.
How do I know if my chimney flashing is leaking?
The signs: water stains on the ceiling near the fireplace, a musty smell after rain, or white mineral deposits on the brick. A leak that appears only during wind-driven rain often points to flashing; a leak after every rain may be a cracked crown, open mortar joints, or porous masonry. Chimney flashing is its own job — step flashing, counter-flashing and the cricket — and it gets its own dedicated page.
How much does a roof inspection cost in Georgia?
It varies. Some roofers include the inspection at no charge; home inspectors usually charge for one. We do not advertise a no-cost inspection — our free estimate includes a look at the leak and photos of what we find. If you need a full-roof inspection report, ask what is included when you call.
Can a roof leak be repaired, or does the whole roof need replacing?
Use the rule: repair when the roof is under roughly 15 years old, the damage is localised to one area and one source, the deck underneath is sound, and the leaks are isolated events. Replace when the roof is aging and the damage is widespread, the deck is damaged or soft, there have been two or more leaks after separate storms in a single year, or shingles are curling or losing granules across the whole roof. When in doubt, a photo-documented inspection gives the answer.
How quickly should I address a roof leak?
As soon as you see it. Active water coming in means call now — contain it, photo-document it, and get emergency tarping if the water is coming in fast. A stain with no active drip is urgent, not an emergency — book it within days, not weeks. Water left alone soaks decking and ceilings, and the repair grows with it.
What qualifications and licenses should a roofer have in Georgia?
Georgia does not require a statewide roofing licence — a roofer contracting directly with a homeowner is exempt from residential and general contractor licensure under O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(f). So there is no Georgia roofing licence to ask for, and any roofer who claims one is not telling the truth. The checks that matter: the local building permit for the job, the roofer's insurance, a written quote, and warranty terms in writing. Also check reviews across Google and the BBB, manufacturer certifications if claimed, and local reputation.
How much does roof repair cost in Georgia?
It depends on how many leak points there are, the roof pitch and access, the material and colour match, whether the decking underneath is sound, and whether it is storm damage or age wear. No honest price exists without seeing the roof — which is why we quote on site, in writing, after the inspection. The full list of cost factors is in our Georgia roofing cost guide.
