Roofing questions from Des Moines homeowners

No. File when there's real damage that's likely to exceed your deductible. A free inspection tells you whether the damage is there; we'll say so plainly when it isn't.

Hail bruises and fractured mats in a consistent pattern on each slope, wind-creased or missing shingles, and damage to soft metals that confirms hail size. We mark and photograph the same things.

Some policies carry a separate deductible for wind and hail, sometimes a percentage of the home's insured value rather than a flat amount. It's on your declarations page; check it before a storm.

No. The claim is between you and your insurer. A roofer can document damage, meet the adjuster and explain what the repair or code requires, which is what we do.

No, and be wary of anyone who offers. Hiding or waiving a deductible misrepresents the cost of the job to the insurer.

Architectural shingles usually give 20 to 25 years in Des Moines, standing seam metal 40 or more, and flat membranes 20 to 30, all assuming decent ventilation and no major hail.

Repair when the roof is younger and damage is localized. Replace when it's older, losing granules across the board, or damaged on most slopes. We'll show you photos and both prices.

Always. We remove every layer, inspect the deck and replace soft sheets.

Shingles that pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact test. They cost more and resist hail better, and some insurers discount premiums for them; ask yours.

Usually close. If the match will show, we'll tell you before we start.

Heat from the house melts snow on the roof; it refreezes at the cold eave. A few icicles are normal; heavy ice ridges mean an ice dam. See our ice dam guide.

Yes, with low-pressure steam that melts channels without damaging shingles. Chipping with hammers and axes damages roofs.

If you see frost on the nails in January, heavy ice dams, or a very hot attic in July, probably. We check ventilation on every inspection.

Iowa has no state roofing licence. Contractors earning $2,000 or more a year in Iowa must register with the Iowa Division of Labor. We're fully insured with general liability and workers' compensation, and we send certificates before work starts.

Yes. The City of Des Moines requires a permit for roof replacements, and so do the suburbs' building departments. It's included in our price.

Crews work Monday through Saturday. The phone is answered every day, and emergency tarps go on whenever it's safe.

Des Moines and the suburbs: West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Clive, Grimes, Norwalk, Indianola, Pleasant Hill, Altoona and Bondurant.