Local roofing companies continue to see delays after Helene

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are seeing rain for the first time in more than a month, adding more concern for those who are still dealing with structural damage after Hurricane Helene. 

Local roofing companies are challenged with keeping the demand of roofing needs. 

For the last month, people have been just worried about what’s in front of them on the ground with debris. But after the last couple of days, the battle is leaks on their roofs.  

Roofing companies say the urgency for repairs is growing with more weather coming in the future and only having limited resources to fix it. 

Tarp is becoming the new style for hundreds of people’s roofs.  

Augusta resident, Susan Wyatt, says the heavy rain was the first real test for her roof after Helene. It’s a test that failed. 

“We had the mop this morning and everything. Put a bucket, still can drip and drip, and it all changed the color of the ceiling again,” said Wyatt. 

Wyatt says she’s not alone. 

“Everybody’s trying to find the roofers and getting their houses redone. And one friend up there has got very bad damage in the back of their house,” said Wyatt. 

Contractors say their workload was already overwhelming after the storm, but now it’s on another level. 

“Now, homeowners are dealing with water pouring into their houses, you know. So, it’s a lot more demanding as far as it’s got to be done,” said Daniel Williams, general manager of Best Choice Roofing in Augusta. 

Roofing companies like Brighter Side Roofing and Best Choice Roofing say they went from 15-20 jobs a month to now facing hundreds.  

But they’re saying the biggest challenge is not having enough manpower to fulfill in-person estimates, slowing up the scheduling process. 

Samuel Leverette, owner of Brighter Side Roofing, said: “A roofing company, we can come out and provide you with estimates. But a lot of times, our estimate may not coincide with what the insurance company is even going to do. So, we, come in, get in touch with your insurance company, go ahead and see exactly what they’re going to cover and not cover, and see what the price, what the cost is going to be.” 

Meanwhile, Wyatt and her neighbors are hopeful things pick up down the line, so they have one less thing to worry about post-storm. 

“I know the Lord will take care of it,” she said. 

The roofing companies we spoke with say the average wait time for roof replacement is six to eight weeks and tarping can be done over a couple of days. 

They’re asking for patience and to streamline the process by going through your insurance company first to find out what and how much they will cover with an adjustor’s summary report.  

They say roof replacement costs can range anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000. 

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