AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Dozens of families are waiting on new roofs before they can return to their homes in the Walton Way neighborhoods.

Others will wait even longer.

Destruction is severe in the Walton Way community — some homes will have to be bulldozed down and rebuilt.

Roofs covered in tarps are a common sight along Walton Way.

Unfortunately, it’s not going to change anytime soon due to roofers being booked weeks out.

A drive down Walton Way feels a lot like trying to navigate the road back to normal.

Joseph Coleman, owner of Black Dog Roofing, returned to Augusta as soon as he heard about the destruction in his old neighborhood.

“Feels a little helpless so not a lot we could do so got chainsaws and try to open up the roads to help people,” said Coleman.

The streets around Walton Way are an obstacle course, but now drivable enough for Coleman and his crews to help provide his hometown with a much-needed service.

“This is a complete roof replacement. About a week ago, there was a pine tree through the roof. We take everything off, assess the wood underneath, replace anything that needs to be replaced and then go back with new shingles,” said Coleman.

His roofing company is based out of Athens.

We do about two roofs a day, so we are about two weeks out,” he said.

He’s already booked to replace roofs on 35 other homes in the neighborhood.

“I know in a time like this, it can feel like you want to get a roofer really quickly, but we are talking a 30-to-40-year roof and this is what’s protecting your home,” said Coleman.

Which is why it’s worth the wait for a good roofing company.

“First reach out to the insurance company if you have damage. They’re going to send an adjuster out to look at your roof. They then can link you up with a roofing company or hop onto Google. Google reviews are the best way to verify a roofer,” said Coleman.

Unlike general contractors, there is no licensing requirement for roofers, but a roofing company should still have a business license, liability insurance and workers comp.

“Code upgrades are a big thing around here for instance you have to have drip edge as of January 1, 2014. It’s a metal piece that goes around all the rakes and eaves of the perimeter of the roof. That’s code requirement,” he said.

Try to stick with someone local.

They’re more likely to be familiar with the state’s building codes.

“There are so many reputable companies in Augusta so I think all of them are going to give really great roofs in this time,” said Coleman.

Shingle by shingle, roof by roof, helping rebuild Augusta.

A contract with a roofing company should detail the exact scope of the work- do not sign it unless it does that.

Also, keep in mind, that your roof should last 20-25 years so read through that warranty.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Cleanup continues in the CSRA after the storm left behind a path of destruction.

Tree companies from as far as Atlanta are helping with cleanup efforts.

But what does it cost you to pay for these cleanup crews?

To name a few, Stallions Tree Professionals says it can cost you anywhere from a couple thousand to $10,000 depending on the type of tree, how many and the equipment needed for removal.

Craigs Tree Service and Graniteville Tree Services also hover around the $4,000 to $7,000 range.

Homeowners are scrambling to overcome these unexpected expenses.

Teresa Waters is one of the many impacted and she says it has left a lasting impression on her home.

“You can see it kind of crushed, I mean, really not, not terrible, but it crushed that,” says Waters. “And there are holes in the roof.”

Waters says she’s fortunate outside help is bringing resources to Augusta to aid in cleaning up the mess.

“The first three, four, five days it felt like the world didn’t know what was going on here, and you just couldn’t get anything,” says Waters. “And the power was out. But then it’s like all these people have descended on Augusta to help us.”

Tree removal companies say the need is growing and it will be a while until the look of the Garden City is back under control.

“We’ll probably be here one crew until December, maybe longer, says Morgan Jones, Vice President of Don’s Tree Service. “There’s a lot of trees down.“

John King, The Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, says with all the outside help coming in it’s as important as ever to protect yourself from scammers.

“Deal with somebody locally, somebody you know, somebody that you knowtheir reputation, that they’re going to finish the job and they’re going to do exactly what you hire them to do,” says King.

Waters says she knows it’s just the beginning of clean-up, but she’s confident Augusta will stay strong.

“The people support each other, and because of that, we’re going to come back better than ever,” says Waters.

The Georgia Department of Insurance and Safety Fire is also urging people not to let contractors directly negotiate with insurance companies.

They say many people take advantage and leave nothing left for you to claim on your policy.

You can reach out to the office if you feel fraudulent activity is being done.

Here is the link you can use to report fraudulent insurance activity by contractors: https://oci.georgia.gov/

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 37-year-old man is wanted in connection to an aggravated assault, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say Gregory Leon Douse Jr. is wanted in an aggravated assault case that occurred on Oct. 3 on Wrightsboro Road in Augusta.

Douse has active warrants on file for this incident, officials say.

Douse should be considered armed and dangerous.

The sheriff’s office says he is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds.

If you have information on Douse, contact investigator Boshna Williams at 706-821-1456 or any on duty investigator at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.