(Zenith Roofing — Serving Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton)

Roofs in North Georgia deal with a combination of heat, humidity, rapid temperature swings, heavy tree coverage, and frequent storms. Because of this, homes in Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton face roofing problems earlier and more often than homes in many other parts of the country.

Below is a practical, homeowner-focused breakdown of the issues we see most often, why they happen, and what they mean for your roof’s lifespan.

1. Granule Loss and Surface Wear

Granule loss is one of the earliest signs of shingle deterioration. In our climate, shingles shed granules faster because of:

• Intense summer heat

• Humidity

• Storm clusters

• Constant shade from tree coverage

• Temperature swings that cause thermal cracking

Once granules fall off, the asphalt underneath is exposed and the shingles degrade rapidly. Granule buildup in gutters is a major warning sign many homeowners overlook.

2. Cracked, Loose, or Failing Roof Flashing

Flashing protects the roof where shingles meet chimneys, walls, skylights, valleys, and dormers. When flashing is loose, rusted, or improperly sealed, leaks are almost guaranteed.

Flashing problems tend to show up:

• Behind chimneys

• In roof-to-wall transitions

• Around skylights

• In valleys

• Where siding and shingles meet

Flashing failure is one of the top causes of leaks in this region, especially during wind-driven rain.

3. Pipe Boot and Zipper Boot Failures

Pipe boots (and zipper boots installed near electrical lines) are some of the most common leak points on a roof. The rubber collars crack from UV exposure and temperature changes. Heavy rain then overwhelms the cracked area, sending water straight down the plumbing vent into the attic.

This problem tends to appear earlier on older roofs or roofs with poor ventilation.

4. Wind Damage You Can’t See From the Ground

North Georgia neighborhoods frequently experience sudden wind bursts and microbursts. Even when shingles aren’t visibly missing, wind can cause:

• Broken shingle seals

• Creased shingles

• Lifted edges

• Exposed nail lines

• Hidden moisture intrusion

A roof may appear “fine” from the yard but still have wind damage that shortens its lifespan or qualifies for insurance coverage.

5. Clogged Gutters and Water Backups

Homes with heavy tree coverage — especially in Roswell, East Cobb, and parts of Alpharetta — see constant gutter issues. Clogged gutters allow water to:

• Back up under shingles

• Saturate the fascia and soffit

• Rot decking

• Spill down walls and windows

• Freeze in winter and add unnecessary weight

This is one of the simplest problems to prevent but causes some of the most expensive repairs when ignored.

6. Algae, Mold, and Moss Growth

Black streaks, discoloration, or moss patches are extremely common in humid Georgia neighborhoods. These growths:

• Trap moisture

• Loosen granules

• Shorten shingle life

• Make shingles brittle over time

North-facing roof slopes and shaded areas typically show algae first.

7. Poor Attic Ventilation

Incorrect or insufficient ventilation is one of the biggest contributors to early roof failure.

Signs of poor ventilation include:

• Hot second-floor rooms

• Musty attic smells

• Excessive granule loss

• Curling shingles

• Damp or darkened roof decking

A poorly ventilated attic can easily take 5–10 years off a roof’s lifespan.

8. Aging Roofs Nearing the End of Their Life

Most asphalt roofs in North Georgia realistically last 15–20 years, not 25+.
Older roofs often show:

• Curling shingles

• Surface cracking

• Exposed fiberglass mat

• Multiple leak points

• Soft spots in decking

Once shingles begin to dry out and lose flexibility, the roof becomes increasingly vulnerable during storms.

9. Storm Damage from Hail and Heavy Rain

Hail doesn’t need to be large to cause damage. Even small hail can bruise shingles, knock off granules, and weaken the asphalt. Heavy rain exposes every flaw in flashing and roofing materials.

Typical signs of storm damage include:

• Circular impact marks

• Soft bruises

• Creased shingles

• Shingle displacement

• Water stains after storms

Insurance-qualifying damage often isn’t visible from the ground.

10. Installation Errors From Previous Contractors

Unfortunately, we see this issue constantly. Common installation problems include:

• Improper nailing

• Incorrect shingle alignment

• Missing underlayment

• Poor flashing work

• Wrong shingle type for roof pitch

• Shortcuts around penetrations

Bad installation can turn a 25-year roof into a 10-12-year roof.

Why These Problems Are So Common in Our Area

Homes in Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton experience the one thing shingles don’t like: constant environmental stress.

• Heat and humidity

• Cold snaps followed by warm days

• Storm bursts

• Wind tunnels between neighborhoods

• Tree-dense communities

• UV exposure amplified by Atlanta’s heat island

This combination accelerates roof wear more than in most other regions.

What You Should Do If You Suspect a Roof Problem

Roof problems rarely fix themselves — they grow quietly until there’s a leak.

If you notice:

• Water stains

• Granules in gutters

• Missing shingles

• Dark streaks

• Improper drainage

• Indoor humidity issues

It’s time to schedule an inspection.

Zenith Roofing provides free, detailed evaluations throughout Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton, complete with photos and honest recommendations.

If you'd like us to take a look, just reach out — we’re happy to help.