Hurricane and Storm Damage Roof Inspection in Savannah, GA

Savannah sits on the Georgia coast, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Even when a hurricane does not make landfall nearby, a passing tropical storm or the outer bands of a larger system can bring hours of high wind and heavy rain, and summer thunderstorms bring their own gusts. After a storm, call (912) 513-1486 and we will connect you with an independent local commercial roofing contractor who can inspect your roof and document what they find. We are a referral service, not a roofing company, an insurance company or a public adjuster.

A note on insurance

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurer. Coverage, deductibles (including any separate wind or named-storm deductible), deadlines and what counts as damage vary by policy. A roofing contractor can inspect the roof, take photos and measurements, and describe the damage they see. Talk with your insurance agent or carrier about whether and how to file a claim. Be cautious of anyone who promises a free roof, offers to cover your deductible, or pressures you to sign a contract on the spot.

Signs your commercial roof took storm damage

• Edges and corners. Lifted or missing edge metal, loose coping, and peeled membrane at corners, where wind uplift is strongest.
• Single-ply membranes. Billowing, pulled fasteners, torn seams, and punctures from flying debris or fallen limbs.
• Built-up and modified bitumen. Displaced gravel, blistering and torn cap sheet.
• Metal roofs. Lifted panels, missing ridge caps or trim, and loosened fasteners.
• Rooftop equipment. Shifted HVAC units, lost access panels, damaged exhaust fans, vents and skylights.
• Drainage. Drains and scuppers blocked by debris, which can overload a roof with water.
• Inside the building. New stains on ceiling tiles, drips, or water at walls and windows.
• Around the property. Downed limbs, damaged signs, gutters and fences are clues the wind was strong enough to damage a roof.

What a storm damage inspection includes

1. Ground and perimeter check. Gutters, downspouts, walls, windows and site equipment.
2. Rooftop walk. The roofer checks the membrane or panels, seams, flashings, edge metal, drains and rooftop units, marking and photographing damage.
3. Attachment checks. On some roofs, the roofer checks whether the membrane or insulation has come loose from the deck, which is not always visible.
4. Moisture check. Core cuts or an infrared scan show whether wind-driven rain soaked the insulation.
5. Interior check. Ceiling and deck underside where accessible.
6. Written findings. Photos, roof measurements, and the roofer's recommendation: no action, repair, coating, or replacement.

What it costs

Some contractors offer a basic storm inspection at no charge; others charge, especially for detailed reports, core cuts or infrared scans. Rough national-guide ranges:

Before the storm: a short checklist

• Clear drains, scuppers and gutters so heavy rain can leave the roof.
• Secure or remove loose rooftop items: spare panels, old equipment, signs and debris.
• Check edge metal, coping and rooftop unit panels for anything already loose.
• Photograph the roof and interior ceilings in good condition so you have a before record.
• Know where your roof drawings, warranty and insurance documents are.

Act soon after a storm

Wind damage on a flat roof is not always obvious from the ground. A small tear or a lifted seam can let water soak the insulation, and in Savannah's heat and humidity wet insulation and decking can lead to mold and rust. Wet insulation turns a repairable roof into a replacement. Many insurance policies also have time limits for reporting damage, so check your policy and talk with your agent. Getting an inspection within days or weeks of a major storm gives you the clearest picture.

How long it takes

Most inspections take one to a few hours on site, depending on roof size. A written report often follows within a few days. After a widespread storm, local roofers get very busy, so call early.

Storm chasers and door knockers

After a big storm, out-of-town crews often arrive along the coast. Some are legitimate; some are not. Protect yourself:

• Ask for the contractor's Georgia license and verify it with the Secretary of State's license lookup.
• Ask for a local reference and how long they plan to stay in the area for warranty work.
• Do not sign anything that assigns your insurance benefits or authorizes the contractor to act for you without reading it carefully and, if needed, talking with your agent or attorney.
• Be wary of large upfront payments.
• Make sure the contractor will pull any required city or county permit.

Hiring checklist for Savannah commercial roofing

• Georgia contractor license. Georgia requires a state contractor license for many commercial construction jobs, and what applies depends on the type and size of the work. Ask for the license number and verify it with the Georgia Secretary of State's online license lookup before you sign.
• Permits. The City of Savannah, Chatham County and the surrounding cities usually require a permit for commercial reroofing. Ask the contractor to confirm what applies and to pull any permit in their own name.
• Historic district review. If the building is in downtown Savannah's National Historic Landmark District or another local historic district, roof changes visible from the street may need review. Check with the City of Savannah's historic preservation staff before materials are ordered.
• Insurance. Ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, sent directly from the insurance agent.
• Wind rating. Ask what wind uplift rating the roof system carries and how the attachment plan handles the corners and edges, where coastal wind pulls hardest.
• Written scope. The proposal should name the system, thickness, insulation, attachment method, flashing details, tear-off or recover, warranty terms and cleanup.

Storm just passed? Call (912) 513-1486 to schedule an inspection with a local roofer.

Frequently asked questions

Areas we serve

We connect callers across Savannah, Pooler, Garden City, Richmond Hill and all of Chatham County, Georgia, including:

• Savannah
• Pooler
• Garden City
• Port Wentworth
• Richmond Hill
• Bloomingdale
• Thunderbolt
• Tybee Island
• Wilmington Island
• Isle of Hope
• Skidaway Island
• Georgetown
• Rincon
• Chatham County
• Bryan County

Local pages: Pooler, Richmond Hill, Garden City.

Related services

• Commercial Roof Replacement
• TPO & Single-Ply Roofing
• Commercial Metal Roofing
• Roof Coatings & Restoration
• Commercial Roof Repair