When the sky turns green over Polk County, this is the work that follows
Polk County logs more hail than any other county in Iowa, and straight-line winds can do as much damage as a tornado. We document what the storm did, help you through the claim, and repair or replace the roof to code.
Storm damage comes in three kinds, and each one leaves different marks.
Hail
Round bruises where the granules are knocked off and the mat beneath is softened or cracked, usually on every slope that faced the storm. Gutters, vents and siding take dents at the same time.
Straight-line wind
Shingles creased or torn at the nail line, broken seal strips, ridge caps gone, and sometimes whole sections peeled back on the windward side. The 2020 derecho did this across central Iowa in an afternoon.
Falling limbs
Punctures, cracked rafters and crushed gutters. Silver maples and old oaks on the east and north sides of town drop limbs in most big storms.
Rain that follows
The second round of damage: water into insulation, drywall and framing through openings the storm made. That's why the tarp goes on first.
From storm to finished roof
- Free inspectionWe walk the roof, mark the damage, and photograph it slope by slope with the date.
- Your decisionIf it's more than cosmetic, we tell you so. If it's light, we tell you that too, because a claim with no payout can still follow you.
- The claimYou file with your insurer. We send you the photos and measurements and meet the adjuster on the roof if you'd like.
- The scopeWe review the adjuster's estimate against what we found and what code requires, and help you request a supplement if something was missed.
- The workRepairs or a full replacement, the permit, and the final photos for your insurer's records.
Our full hail damage guide goes deeper into what to look for from the ground, and the claims guide explains deductibles and depreciation.
Storm repair prices
| Work | Typical range | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-damaged shingles replaced on one slope | $450 – $1,400 | Number of shingles, pitch |
| Ridge caps replaced after wind | $350 – $900 | Length of ridge |
| Hail-damaged roof replaced, typical home | $11,000 – $19,000 | Usually through a claim, less your deductible |
| Gutters and downspouts replaced after hail | $9 – $20 per foot | Size and style |
| Storm inspection and photo report | $0 | Always free |
Ranges are typical for Des Moines-area homes in 2026 and are here to help you plan. Your real price comes after the free inspection, written down, before any work starts.
On the roof
Questions about storm & hail damage
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
Around an inch, quarter-size, is where asphalt shingles usually start to bruise, but wind speed, the age of the shingles and the angle of the storm all matter. Smaller hail on an old, brittle roof can still do harm.
Will filing a claim raise my rates?
It can, depending on your insurer and your claim history. That's one reason we tell you honestly when damage is too light to be worth filing.
My neighbors are getting new roofs. Should I?
Maybe. Hail paths are narrow and roofs differ in age and shingle type. A free inspection tells you what happened to yours.
How long do I have to file?
It depends on your policy. Many require prompt notice and set an outer limit for claims, so check your declarations page and don't sit on it.
What if my roof was already old?
Insurers pay for storm damage, not wear, and an older roof may be paid at actual cash value. We document both the storm damage and the age honestly so there's no argument later.
Do you repair siding and gutters too?
Yes. Hail rarely stops at the shingles, and having one company handle the whole exterior keeps the claim simple.
