Summer Storm Damage: What Home Inspectors Find After Heavy Georgia Rainfall

Description: Discover the hidden issues home inspectors commonly find after Georgia summer storms—from roof damage to foundation leaks. Learn what Atlanta homeowners should watch for.

Introduction:

Georgia summers are famous for their heat—and infamous for their storms. One minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s sheets of rain, booming thunder, and high winds tearing through neighborhoods from Marietta to Sandy Springs. As an experienced Atlanta home inspector, I can tell you firsthand: the damage these storms leave behind isn’t always obvious.

In this post, we’ll cover what home inspectors typically find in the wake of heavy summer rainfall in Georgia, and why routine storm damage inspections are crucial—especially in areas like Roswell, Decatur, and Kennesaw. If you’re concerned about what last night’s storm may have done to your roof, attic, or crawlspace, this one’s for you.

The Most Common Storm-Related Issues Found During Atlanta Home Inspections

1. Roof Damage (It’s Not Always Visible from the Ground)

• Missing or loose shingles from high winds

• Hail impacts causing bruising or granule loss

• Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents

• Clogged or bent gutters redirecting water to walls or fascia

Pro Tip: A roof can look fine from the street and still leak during the next rain. Inspectors check attic spaces for moisture stains, rot, or active drips.

2. Attic and Ceiling Leaks

• Water intrusion from small roof openings

• Damp insulation, which leads to mold growth

• Sagging ceilings from saturation

3. Siding and Exterior Wall Issues

• Water intrusion through damaged siding, windows, or missing caulk

• Paint bubbling due to moisture under the surface

• Signs of pest intrusion where siding is compromised

4. Crawl Space Flooding

• Standing water from poor grading or gutter overflow

• Wet floor joists and insulation

• Musty odors, indicating possible mold or mildew

Georgia home inspection tip: Many Atlanta homes are built on sloped lots or clay soil, which don't drain well. After storms, crawl spaces often act like basins.

5. Foundation Movement or Settling

• Hairline cracks that expand due to hydrostatic pressure

• Shifting slabs from erosion

• Interior symptoms: sticking doors, sloped floors, new drywall cracks

6. Electrical Hazards from Water Exposure

• Water entering panel boxes through exterior conduit

• Tripped breakers due to short circuits

• Outlets or switches that buzz or spark when used post-storm

7. HVAC & Ventilation Compromise

• Outdoor units damaged by debris

• Ductwork saturated in attic or crawl

• Mold forming on air handlers or returns

Georgia’s Climate and Building Considerations

Georgia’s building codes, such as those derived from the International Residential Code (IRC), require specific protections against moisture intrusion:

• R801.3: Roof drainage systems must direct water away from the structure.

• R408.6: Crawl spaces must have drainage when water accumulates.

• R703.1: Weather-resistant barriers are required behind siding.

Despite code, older homes in Atlanta often lack proper grading, flashing, or sealed envelopes. That makes regular storm inspections even more important.

A Real-World Example from a Marietta Inspection

Earlier this year, after a June thunderstorm, I inspected a home where the only visible issue was a small stain on the second-floor ceiling. The seller thought it was “old.” I got into the attic and found fresh insulation clumping from a leak around an old boot vent. Worse, the water had trickled down the wall into the crawlspace, where black mold was starting to form.

The buyer backed out. The seller ended up spending $12,000 on roof and crawl space repairs.

Storm damage may not be obvious—but it’s expensive when ignored.

FAQ: Storm Damage and Home Inspections in Georgia

Q: Should I schedule a home inspection after every storm? A: Not necessarily. But if you see ceiling stains, smell musty odors, or suspect roof damage, yes.

Q: Does insurance cover storm inspections? A: Typically, no. But some insurance companies reimburse repairs if damage is found and documented.

Q: Can I inspect my own roof or crawlspace? A: You can try—but we don’t recommend it. These areas are dangerous and easy to misjudge.

Q: Can storm damage delay a home sale? A: Absolutely. Even minor roof leaks or stains can trigger buyer fears and inspection objections.

Our Atlanta Storm Inspection Process

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we take storm damage seriously. Here’s what our storm-focused inspections include:

• Drone or ladder-based roof assessments

• Attic moisture and mold checks

• Crawl space and foundation inspections

• Interior leak detection

• HVAC and electrical system testing

We specialize in detailed inspections that don’t rush the process. Most of our inspections take two hours longer than the industry average because we believe in leaving no water trail behind.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Georgia Rain Catch You Off Guard

Storms in the South are no joke. And while a little rain on the roof might seem harmless, what’s going on under your shingles, behind your walls, and beneath your floorboards could be far more serious.

Don’t wait until visible damage shows up to act.

Call to Action: Schedule Your Atlanta Storm Damage Inspection Today

If your home in Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, or anywhere in the Atlanta metro has recently been through heavy rainfall, it’s time to get peace of mind.

Visit www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com to book your post-storm home inspection.