Owens Corning Terra Cotta Architectural Shingle Roof Replacement After Wind Damage in Buford, GA

When severe winds tore through Buford, Georgia, this homeowner discovered their architectural shingle roof had sustained significant damage that went beyond simple repairs. After filing a claim with State Farm and receiving approval for a full replacement, the homeowner partnered with RoofServ to restore their home’s weather protection and visual appeal. The project required not just a straightforward shingle replacement, but a comprehensive roofing solution that addressed ventilation deficiencies, moisture protection upgrades, and the challenges presented by the home’s complex roof geometry.

The scope of work extended across approximately 35 to 40 squares of roofing area, with multiple steep-slope sections, high roof elevations, and intersecting hip and ridge lines that demanded careful attention to both safety protocols and installation precision. RoofServ installed a complete Owens Corning architectural shingle system in Terra Cotta, upgraded the underlayment to synthetic felt, replaced damaged decking, and integrated new ridge ventilation to improve airflow and extend the life of the new roofing materials.

Project Details

• Roof size: 35-40 squares (approximately 3,645 sq. ft.)
• Roof type: Architectural shingle, steep-slope residential
• Material: Owens Corning Architectural Shingles, Terra Cotta color
• Underlayment: Synthetic felt
• Roof details: Multiple hips and ridges, high roof sections, steep-slope areas, one-layer tear-off
• Ventilation: Ridge vent installation
• Additional work: 3 sheets of decking replaced, pipe boot replacement, gutter guard detach and reset
• Insurer: State Farm
• Location: Buford, GA
• Warranty: RoofServ Premium Warranty coverage for labor-related issues

Problem: Wind Damage Across a Complex Roof Structure

The windstorm that moved through Buford left visible damage across the existing architectural shingle system. Shingles had been lifted, torn, and displaced in multiple areas, particularly along the ridges and steep-slope sections where wind forces were most concentrated. The homeowner noticed missing granules, exposed underlayment, and signs of water infiltration that suggested the damage was more than cosmetic. A State Farm adjuster confirmed that the extent of the damage warranted a full roof replacement rather than patchwork repairs.

Beyond the storm damage itself, the roof presented additional challenges. The home featured multiple high sections that required specialized equipment and safety measures. Steep pitches on several roof planes increased installation difficulty and extended the time needed for safe material handling. The roof’s design included numerous hips, valleys, and ridges that created multiple potential leak points requiring careful flashing integration. Additionally, the project required coordination with existing gutter guards that needed to be removed and reinstalled, along with protection measures for the homeowner’s landscaping, pool area, and outdoor furniture during the multi-day installation process.

The original roof also showed signs of inadequate ventilation, which can lead to premature shingle failure and increased cooling costs during Georgia’s hot summers. Addressing these underlying performance issues became a key priority alongside the insurance-covered wind damage repairs.

Solution: A Complete Roofing System with Enhanced Weather Resistance

The RoofServ crew began with a full tear-off of the existing architectural shingles, working systematically across the roof to expose the decking below. During this phase, the team identified three sheets of damaged decking that required replacement before new materials could be installed. This structural repair ensured a solid foundation for the new roofing system and eliminated any concerns about hidden damage that might compromise the longevity of the replacement.

With the deck repaired and prepped, the installation team applied synthetic felt underlayment across the entire roof surface. This upgrade from traditional felt paper provides superior tear resistance and better moisture protection, particularly important given the steep slopes and complex geometry of this Buford home. Ice and water barrier was integrated in vulnerable areas including valleys, eaves, and around penetrations to create multiple layers of defense against water intrusion.

The Owens Corning architectural shingles in Terra Cotta were then installed following manufacturer specifications for the steep-slope sections. The warm, earthy tone of the Terra Cotta color complemented the home’s exterior while providing the dimensional appearance that architectural shingles are known for. High-profile hip and ridge cap shingles were installed along all ridges and hips, creating clean lines and additional wind resistance at these critical junctions.

Ventilation upgrades played a major role in this project. New ridge vent components were integrated along the roof peaks to promote continuous airflow from soffit vents up through the ridge, helping to regulate attic temperatures and reduce moisture buildup. This improvement addresses one of the most common causes of premature roof failure in Georgia’s humid climate. The crew also replaced worn pipe jack flashing around plumbing vents and carefully detached and reset the existing gutter guards to maintain the home’s water management system. Throughout the installation, tarps and protective barriers safeguarded the pool area, landscaping, and outdoor living spaces from falling debris.

Result: A Storm-Resistant Roof Designed for Georgia Weather

The completed installation transformed both the performance and appearance of the Buford home. The new Owens Corning Terra Cotta shingles dramatically improved curb appeal with their rich color and dimensional texture, while the upgraded underlayment and ventilation systems provided enhanced protection against the wind, rain, and heat that define Georgia weather patterns. The homeowner gained not just a replacement for storm-damaged materials, but a comprehensively improved roofing system designed to outperform the original roof in every measure.

State Farm’s coverage of the wind damage claim removed the financial burden of this necessary roof replacement, while the RoofServ Premium Warranty provided additional peace of mind with labor coverage that extends beyond standard manufacturer warranties. The improved ventilation system will help the new shingles reach their full lifespan potential by reducing heat and moisture stress, and the careful attention to flashing details and moisture barriers ensures the roof will stand up to future storms. For this Buford homeowner, the project delivered both immediate visual impact and long-term confidence in their home’s most important weather barrier.