Frequently Asked Roofing Questions

This is crucial. RCV covers the full cost to replace your roof with new materials of similar kind and quality. ACV only pays the depreciated value based on your roof's age. For example, an old roof might only get 20% of the replacement cost under an ACV policy. Check your policy's "declarations page" to know which you have.

In Missouri, severe weather is the top cause. The most frequent insurance claims are for wind and hail damage, followed by water damage, fire, and theft. High winds and hail can cause shingles to lift, crack, or lose granules, which often leads to leaks.

Always start from the ground for safety. After a storm, look for missing shingles, bent gutters, or debris in your yard. Inside, check the attic for sunlight through the roof boards, damp insulation, or water stains on ceilings. Do not climb onto the roof yourself.

1. Document everything with photos of damage inside and out.

2. Mitigate further damage by placing buckets under leaks and moving valuables.

3. Call a professional roofer for a free inspection.

4. Contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

A reputable local roofer will inspect shingles, flashing, gutters, and vents for hail marks, wind lifting, or other damage. They know what insurance adjusters look for and can determine if you have a valid claim. The inspection should be thorough, and they should explain their findings clearly to you.

The general process is: 1) Document damage, 2) File claim with insurer, 3) Meet with insurance adjuster (have your roofer present), 4) Review the adjuster's scope and estimate, 5) Complete repairs, and 6) Receive final payment from insurance.

While a single storm damage claim typically does not cause a significant rate increase, multiple claims over a few years can affect your premiums or policy renewal. It's always best to discuss the specifics with your insurance agent.

You have the right to choose your own contractor. It's advisable to select a licensed, insured, local contractor with storm damage experience. Be wary of out-of-state "storm chasers" who may not be around to honor warranties.

Most standard claims take 3 to 6 weeks from filing to approval. The timeline can vary based on weather, insurance company workload, and the complexity of the damage. A professional roofer can help manage the process and keep it moving efficiently.

In Missouri, severe weather is the top cause. The most frequent insurance claims are for wind and hail damage, followed by water damage, fire, and theft. High winds and hail can cause shingles to lift, crack, or lose granules, which often leads to leaks.

In most cases, yes. Tarping is considered a necessary "mitigation" expense to prevent further loss, which is a standard part of most homeowner policies. It is often included as part of the overall storm damage claim. Be sure to keep receipts and documentation from your roofing contractor for your claim.

An emergency exists if your roof has active water intrusion or damage that could allow water in before permanent repairs can be made. Key signs include: missing or torn shingles exposing the roof deck, visible water stains or drips on ceilings, or any sagging in the roofline. After a storm, even small holes can lead to major interior damage and mold.

A professionally installed, heavy-duty tarp is a temporary solution designed to last 30 to 90 days while you arrange permanent repairs. It must be monitored weekly, especially after bad weather. Sunlight (UV rays) degrades tarps, and they are not a permanent fix.

Emergency tarping is about mitigation. It creates a temporary, water-resistant barrier to protect your home's interior from further damage. Most insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional loss, and proper tarping demonstrates this. Failing to tarp can lead to denied portions of a claim and thousands in preventable damage to drywall, insulation, and belongings.

It is strongly recommended to call a professional. Working on a damaged, potentially slippery roof is extremely dangerous. Professionals have the safety equipment, expertise, and heavy-duty materials to secure a tarp correctly so it won't blow away or funnel water under it. An improperly installed tarp can cause more damage and leaks.

Professionals don't just lay a tarp down. They use techniques to ensure it’s waterproof and wind-resistant. This includes using heavy-duty tarps that extend at least 4 feet beyond the damage on all sides, securing the edges by wrapping them around wooden boards (like 2x4s) and fastening them securely, and often placing boards or sandbags across the middle to prevent wind from getting underneath and tearing it.

For professional service, homeowners can typically expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 on average, depending on the extent of damage, roof complexity, and time of service. Many roofing companies can include this cost in your overall insurance claim for storm damage.

Take immediate action to minimize interior damage: place buckets or containers under active leaks, move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from wet areas, and if safe, poke a small hole in the center of a sagging ceiling bulge to relieve water pressure and prevent a larger collapse.

The tarp buys you time for the next steps: 1) Schedule a detailed roof inspection with a trusted contractor. 2) File your insurance claim (if applicable) and coordinate the adjuster's visit. 3) Review estimates and scope of work for the permanent repair or replacement. Your roofer should guide you through this entire process.

Temporary repairs are not sufficient if damage is widespread. A full replacement is often the safer, long-term choice when there is extensive hail or wind damage across large areas, multiple leaks, compromised or rotting roof decking, or if the roof was already near the end of its lifespan before the storm. A professional inspection will determine the best path.

Ice dams form due to a cycle of melting and refreezing. Heat escaping from your home (often from poor attic insulation or ventilation) warms the roof deck, melting the snow above. This water runs down and refreezes at the colder roof eaves, creating a dam that traps water behind it.

The trapped water has nowhere to go, so it can seep under shingles, underlayment, and flashing. This leads to leaks in your attic, water damage to ceilings and walls, and mold growth. The heavy ice also puts immense strain on gutters, which can pull them from the house.

No, it is very dangerous and can damage your roof. Climbing onto an icy roof risks serious injury. Chipping or hacking at ice can destroy shingles and gutters. Using rock salt or DIY chemicals can harm your roof, kill plants, and rust gutters.

Specialists use low-pressure hot water steam. This method gently melts channels through the ice without any physical contact that could damage roofing materials. It’s the safest, most effective way to relieve the pressure and stop leaks immediately.

Typically, yes. Most standard policies cover the resulting interior water damage (e.g., to ceilings and walls) caused by ice dams. However, coverage for the actual removal of the ice dam itself varies by policy. We can help review your documentation and work with your insurer.

1) Mitigate interior damage: Place buckets under leaks and move valuables.

2) Call a professional: For emergency ice dam removal to stop the source of the leak.

3) Document: Take photos/videos of the ice dam and interior damage for your insurance claim.

The key is keeping your roof deck cold and uniform in temperature. Improve attic insulation to minimize heat escape and ensure proper attic ventilation. Before winter, use a roof rake to safely remove snow after major storms.

From filing to approval, most standard claims take 3 to 6 weeks. The timeline depends on the insurance company's workload, the complexity of damage, and weather. A professional roofer can help manage the process efficiently.

This is crucial. RCV covers the full cost to replace your roof with new materials. ACV pays only the current, depreciated value of your old roof. An older roof might receive a fraction of the replacement cost under ACV. Check your policy's "declarations page."

In Missouri, you typically have up to two years from the date of a storm event to file a property damage claim. However, some policies require filing within one year or sooner. It's critical to check your specific policy and act promptly.

For most homes, the physical installation of a new asphalt shingle roof takes 1 to 3 days. The entire project, from initial inspection and permit acquisition to final cleanup, typically spans 2 to 3 weeks. The exact timeline depends on your roof's size, complexity, and the weather.

The process follows a key sequence: 1) Tear-off of old materials, 2) Inspection and Repair of the roof deck, 3) Installation of underlayment, flashing, and new shingles, and 4) Final Cleanup. Your contractor should walk you through each phase.

Several factors can extend the timeline: a larger or steeper roof, complex designs with multiple angles or dormers, choosing premium materials like metal or tile, inclement weather, and the discovery of hidden deck damage during tear-off.

Early summer (May-June) often offers the best conditions with warm temperatures for proper shingle adhesion and a lower chance of rain delays. Fall is also good but may have longer wait times. Winter installations are challenging due to cold and snow.

Yes, you can usually stay home. However, you should expect significant noise, especially on the first day during tear-off, which can be as loud as a lawn mower running overhead. It's a good idea to plan accordingly for work calls, pets, or young children.

Clear your driveway for equipment and dumpster access. Secure loose items in your yard and patio. Inside, remove or secure wall hangings and fragile items in rooms directly under the roof, as vibration can occur. Also, clear space in your attic if needed.

When old shingles are removed, contractors can fully inspect the wooden roof deck. It's common to find soft spots or rot that weren't visible before. Repairs for this hidden damage are typically an additional cost, so it's wise to budget a contingency (often 10-15%).

A reputable, professional roofing contractor will typically pull all required building permits for you. This is a key question to ask during your estimate. Permit approval can add several days to the overall project timeline.

A thorough cleanup is a standard part of the job. The crew should remove all old materials and debris, use magnet tools to pick up nails from your yard and driveway, and leave your property clean. Be sure to confirm this is included in your contract.

With proper installation and maintenance, material lifespan varies: Asphalt Shingles: 20-25 years, Architectural Shingles: Up to 30 years, Metal Roofing: 50+ years. Missouri's severe weather—with hail, humidity, and temperature swings—is a key factor in a roof's longevity.