Roofing FAQs

Most single-family roof replacements take 1 to 3 days, depending on size, complexity, and weather. We schedule around the forecast and protect your property with proper tarping if anything carries over to a second day.

Yes and we make it easy. We document storm damage with photos and Xactimate estimates, communicate directly with your adjuster, and stay involved through approval and completion. You don't have to chase anyone.

All major systems: architectural asphalt shingles (most popular), standing-seam metal, slate and tile for premium homes, flat/TPO membrane for low-slope sections, and solar-integrated roofing. We help you pick based on budget, style, and how long you plan to be in the home.

Asphalt shingle replacements start around $8,500 for an average home; metal and tile run higher. The honest answer is it depends on your home's size, pitch, accessibility, and material we give a free, no-pressure estimate with line-item pricing.

We handle emergency tarping, leak stabilization, and same-day structural assessments. Storm response is one of our specialties; we've processed over 1,000 insurance claims.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors in Louisiana, with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask us for our license number and certificate of insurance any time.

TPO, EPDM, PVC single-ply; modified bitumen; built-up roofing; and standing-seam metal. We help you choose based on building use, substrate, drainage, and budget.

Yes we routinely schedule night and weekend work for retail, restaurants, medical, and warehouse properties. We coordinate around your operating hours and keep job sites contained.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Almost always, yes. Insurance carriers routinely underwrite repairs that don't reflect actual code-compliant restoration costs. We document the gap with Xactimate estimates, file supplements, and pursue full and fair settlement.

No call us first. We can be on-site to document damage before you file, which protects you from "pre-existing damage" disputes and helps you make the right call about whether to file at all.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

In most cases yes insurance generally covers reasonable emergency mitigation (tarping, board-up, leak stabilization) as part of your loss claim. Save receipts and let us document the work; we handle the paperwork.

Call us anyway. We'll triage by phone and dispatch as soon as it's safe.

Emergency tarping is typically billed flat-rate by tarp size, plus crew time. We give an estimate by phone before dispatch so there are no surprises.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Call us first. We document the damage and help you decide whether to file at all sometimes the right call is not filing. If you do file, our pre-filing documentation strengthens your position significantly.

Yes State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, USAA, Citizens, Allied Trust, and every carrier active in Louisiana. We know each carrier's estimating systems and adjustment patterns.

Denied claims are often reversible with proper documentation and engineering reports. We've overturned dozens of initial denials with supplemental documentation; if reversal isn't possible, we help you understand your options.

Our claim assistance is bundled with the restoration work we don't charge separately. If the claim doesn't result in restoration work, we don't charge for the assessment.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

A properly-installed architectural shingle system typically lasts 25–30 years in our climate, with manufacturer warranties up to 50 years. Sun exposure and storm history shorten that on west-facing slopes.

Average single-family roofs run $8,500–$18,000 depending on size, complexity, pitch, and material grade. We give a free line-item estimate after we walk your roof.

Almost always yes in Louisiana your insurance carrier likely offers a Class 4 discount that pays back the upgrade in 3–7 years, and the shingles resist hail damage that would otherwise trigger a claim.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Scheduling, accountability, and warranty. With one contractor, the trades coordinate cleanly, the schedule doesn't slip, and when something fails later, you know exactly who to call.

For exterior-driven interior damage (water intrusion, ceiling repair, drywall) we coordinate with licensed interior trades. We don't self-perform interior finish work but we manage it as part of the larger restoration.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

40–70 years for a properly installed system, with finish warranties typically 30–50 years. Standing-seam systems routinely outlive their original buildings.

About 2–3× the cost of architectural asphalt up front. But the system typically lasts 2× as long, so lifetime cost-per-year is comparable or better.

Not when properly installed over solid decking with underlayment. A modern metal roof is comparable in sound to a shingle roof the "old barn" sound is from open framing, not the metal itself.

No metal roofs do not attract lightning. If struck, metal actually disperses the strike safely and is less likely to ignite than asphalt or wood.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

TPO/EPDM: 20–30 years. Modified bitumen: 20–25 years. Built-up: 25–30 years. Lifespan depends heavily on drainage and ponding proper drainage doubles real-world service life.

Depends on building use, traffic, drainage, and budget. We walk through trade-offs during the estimate and recommend based on what fits your situation not what we happen to install most.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Twice a year minimum spring and fall. Properties with oak coverage may need quarterly cleaning. Gutter guards reduce frequency but don't eliminate it.

5-inch K-style is standard for most homes; 6-inch K-style is recommended for roofs over 1,500 sq ft, steep pitches, or properties with frequent heavy rainfall (most of Greater New Orleans qualifies).

Usually yes they reduce maintenance dramatically and extend gutter life. Premium reverse-curve systems work better than budget mesh for oak-leaf areas.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Fiber-cement (James Hardie) for premium homes handles humidity, hurricanes, and termites without rotting or warping. Engineered wood for mid-range. Vinyl for budget.

Yes partial replacement makes sense for damaged sections. Matching older siding to new can be difficult; we sometimes recommend full-wall replacement for visual consistency.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Properly-installed natural slate routinely lasts 100–150 years. The slate outlives the flashing, fasteners, and most other building components which is why slate roofs are restored rather than replaced.

Premium investment typically $25–$50 per square foot installed, depending on slate origin and complexity. Best for owners planning to be in the home long-term or restoring historic property.

Slate weighs 6–10 pounds per square foot significantly more than asphalt. We evaluate structure during the estimate and let you know whether reinforcement is needed.

Yes restoration is a specialty. For pre-1960 homes with original slate, we identify which slates need replacement, source matching material, and preserve the original installation wherever possible.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Clay is the traditional, premium choice richer color, slightly longer service life, higher cost. Concrete delivers most of the benefits at lower cost with more color and profile options.

Excellent when properly installed with hurricane straps and full-mortar ridge details. We use systems rated for 150+ mph wind events.

Tile weighs 6–11 pounds per square foot. Most homes built for tile already accommodate it; transitioning from asphalt to tile typically requires structural evaluation.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Free for damage assessments tied to insurance claims. $150–$350 for standalone pre-purchase, annual maintenance, or pre-storm inspections credited toward any subsequent work.

Exterior walk (when safe), drone photography of inaccessible areas, attic inspection, interior ceiling/wall check for water staining, moisture readings, and a written report with photos and recommendations.

Annually at minimum; more often if your roof is older than 15 years or after every named storm. The cost of an inspection is far less than the cost of an undetected leak.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Always free, always no-pressure. We come out, walk your roof when it's safe, document what we find, and give you a line-item estimate. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

Most roof failures start invisible a lifted shingle, a cracked seal, a clogged gutter. Catching them in year 5 costs hundreds; catching them in year 10 after they've let water in for years costs thousands.

Most single-family plans run $250–$450 per year and include the inspection, basic debris clearing, sealant refresh, and minor repairs. Larger or complex roofs are priced individually.

Significantly a maintained asphalt roof typically gets 25–30 years; an unmaintained one often fails at 18–22. Maintenance also strengthens insurance claims if a storm later damages the roof.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Always free, always no-pressure. We come out, walk your roof when it's safe, document what we find, and give you a line-item estimate. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

Significantly. Inadequate attic ventilation cooks shingles from below typical asphalt life shortens from 25 years to 17. It also keeps moist air trapped, which leads to mold and structural damage.

Check for: extremely hot attic on summer days, ice dams in winter (rare here), early-failing shingles on south slopes, or visible mold/moisture in the attic. Any of these signals undersized ventilation.

Sometimes for homes with poor passive ventilation that can't be retrofit easily. For homes with good ridge/soffit systems, additional powered ventilation usually isn't cost-effective.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Almost always flashing or mortar sometimes both. The flashing fails first, water gets in, and the constant moisture accelerates mortar deterioration. We identify exactly which during the inspection.

Properly-installed galvanized flashing lasts 15–25 years; copper lasts 50+. Most leaks come from flashing that's past its life rather than installation failure.

Yes with vapor-permeable sealants designed for masonry. Avoid sealants that trap moisture inside the brick; those cause more damage than they prevent.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Properly-installed Velux skylights with full flashing kits and our installation warranty typically go 25+ years without leaks. Leaks come from cheap units, missing flashing, or DIY installs.

Most installed skylights run $1,800–$3,500 per unit including the flashing kit and proper integration. Solar-powered vented units are higher; fixed deck-mount are lower.

Usually not skylights from major manufacturers are well-recognized and don't typically raise premiums. We can document specs for your carrier if needed.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Typically 8–12 years with the 30% federal tax credit. Payback shortens with battery backup (which avoids generator costs during hurricane outages).

Most asphalt and metal roofs handle solar without reinforcement. We evaluate structure, roof age, and orientation during the estimate sometimes recommend re-roof before solar to avoid panel-removal labor later.

Modern panels are tested to 140+ mph wind ratings. Battery systems keep critical loads running during grid outages typical configurations cover refrigerator, AC, and lighting for 24–48 hours.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

When your existing flat roof has remaining service life but visible aging chalking, minor cracking, faded color. Coating restores 10–15 years at far less than replacement cost. Failed seams or active leaks need repair first, not just coating.

No coatings install over existing membrane after cleaning and seam sealing. That's the whole appeal: dramatic life extension without the cost and disruption of tear-off.

Yes most coatings are bright white with Energy Star ratings, reflecting 80%+ of solar radiation. Typical buildings see 10–25% cooling cost reduction post-coating.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Damp-proofing resists water vapor; waterproofing resists hydrostatic pressure. For Louisiana foundations near water table, you need real waterproofing damp-proofing alone is not enough.

Liquid-applied: 10–20 years depending on UV exposure and traffic. Sheet membrane: 20–40 years buried. Crystalline: permanent (it's part of the concrete).

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

High-pressure washing absolutely damages asphalt and tile roofs. Soft-wash (low-pressure with appropriate solutions) is the only safe method that's what we use for every roof we clean.

Annually for full house wash; 2–4 times per year for high-mildew areas like Greater New Orleans. Quarterly gutter cleaning if you're under oak coverage.

Yes we use biodegradable, plant-safe solutions. We pre-water landscaping before work and rinse thoroughly after. We can use plant-specific protocols for sensitive gardens on request.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Always free, always no-pressure. We come out, walk your roof when it's safe, document what we find, and give you a line-item estimate. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

In Louisiana, almost always yes. Insurance discounts pay back the cost premium over 5–8 years; energy savings and storm protection are bonus benefits.

Standard replacement: $650–$1,200 per window. Impact-resistant: $1,100–$2,500 per window. Wood-clad and architectural sizes higher. Most homes see whole-house replacements in the $15,000–$35,000 range.

Many historic styles have modern impact-rated equivalents full divided-lite, simulated divided-lite, and clad-wood options. We help match aesthetic while gaining modern performance.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Yes fully licensed roofing contractors with general liability and workers' comp coverage. Ask for our license and insurance documents any time.

Before June 1 (start of hurricane season). Inspection slots fill up fast during May; we coordinate prep work between April and early June.

$800–$2,500 for typical single-family homes, depending on attic access and existing construction. Most homeowners see partial insurance discount that offsets the cost over a few years.

No prep guarantees survival of a direct Cat 4–5 strike. But hurricane straps, proper tie-downs, and roof maintenance dramatically reduce damage from typical hurricane wind events.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

You usually can't hail damage is mostly invisible from the ground. Look for circular dings on metal flashing, exposed nail heads, granule loss in gutters, or skylight damage. Call us for a free inspection if any of those are present.

Most carriers require filing within 1 year of the event in Louisiana. Don't wait hail damage accelerates roof aging and the claim window closes faster than people expect.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

Tropical-storm-force winds (39+ mph) can start lifting shingles; hurricane-force winds (74+ mph) cause significant damage. Even older roofs in good condition take damage at 60+ mph sustained winds.

Wind damage varies wildly across a single block micro-vortices, building shape, exposure, and roof age all matter. Adjacent homes routinely see very different damage levels from the same storm.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

If something goes wrong because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge.

In Louisiana: chimney flashing (#1), valley flashing, vent pipe boots, skylight flashing, and missing/lifted shingles. Less commonly: failed underlayment, ice-dam damage (rare here), or condensation issues from poor ventilation.

Usually because the actual entry point only allows water in under specific wind+rain conditions. Wind-driven rain from a particular direction is the common culprit. Static water testing often misses these.

$200–$1,500 for typical residential leak repair after diagnosis. Major flashing rebuilds or structural underlayment issues run higher. We give a written estimate after diagnosing the source.

Yes. We document the damage with photos and Xactimate-grade estimates, work directly with your adjuster, and stay in the loop through approval and completion. You don't have to manage the claim alone.

Ornamental aluminum and properly maintained wrought iron last the longest decades with minimal upkeep. Pressure-treated wood privacy fences typically run 15–20 years here when posts are set correctly in concrete; chain link routinely outlasts both on a per-dollar basis.

Most parishes require a permit for new fence construction, and corner lots and pool enclosures have extra rules (height limits, self-closing gates). We handle the permit research and pull what’s needed as part of every job.

A third of the post height, minimum two feet, in poured concrete deeper for gates and windy exposures. Shallow-set posts are the #1 reason fences lean after their first Louisiana storm, so we don’t cut that corner.

Often, yes. Leaning posts, rotted pickets, and sagging gates are all repairable if the bones are good. We’ll give you an honest read repair what’s worth saving, and a straight replacement quote when it isn’t.

Always free, always no-pressure. We come out, measure, talk through materials and styles, and give you a line-item quote. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

Structural framing almost always requires a permit in Orleans, Jefferson, and surrounding parishes especially when you are changing load paths or repairing storm damage. We include permit research and inspection scheduling in our quotes.

Yes most of our metro work is on raised cottages, pier homes, and slab-on-grade in flood zones. We lay out sills, joists, and shear for the foundation type you have, not a textbook flat lot.

We are a full-service exterior contractor. The same team that frames the repair can dry-in the roof and finish the envelope one schedule, one warranty contact.

Yes. Additions, structural framing, many outdoor structures, and some concrete work require parish permits. We research setback, flood-zone, and wind-load requirements and pull what the jurisdiction needs you are not chasing paperwork at City Hall alone.

Always free, always no-pressure. We walk the site, talk through scope and parish permit requirements, and give you a line-item quote. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

Yes when done correctly. Soft wash uses low pressure and algae-killing surfactants. High-pressure washing strips granules and shortens shingle life; we will not use it on your roof.

Most black streaks are Gloeocapsa magma algae. It thrives in humidity, feeds on limestone filler in shingles, and spreads faster on north-facing and tree-shaded planes exactly what Greater New Orleans homes see.

Most metro New Orleans homes benefit every 2–3 years; heavily shaded properties under live oaks may need it every 18–24 months. We can put you on a maintenance reminder after the first clean.

We pre-wet plants, use controlled runoff, and rinse beds after the job. On sensitive gardens we adjust chemistry strength and use additional barriers tell us what is planted below the eaves.

Always free, always no-pressure. We inspect pitch, access, and algae coverage, then give a line-item quote before we schedule the wash.

Attached structures and many freestanding pavilions over a certain size require permits. Setbacks and flood-zone rules matter on slabs near grade. We confirm requirements for your parcel before we pour footings.

Aluminum and powder-coated steel need less upkeep in salt air. Cedar and pressure-treated wood look warmer but need periodic sealing. We recommend based on exposure, budget, and how much maintenance you want.

Often yes we flash into the wall or roof plane, match pitch where it makes sense, and keep drainage away from the fascia. If the existing structure cannot carry the load, we will tell you before we build.

We pull permits in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Plaquemines parishes when the job requires it. Ask for license and insurance documents any time.

Always free, always no-pressure. We walk the site, talk through scope and parish permit requirements, and give you a line-item quote. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

Roof cleaning is the outcome a clean, algae-free roof. Soft wash is the method we use on shingles and tile: low pressure plus professional chemistry. Clear Home offers both dedicated soft-wash service and full roof cleaning packages.

Often yes on suitable pitches we use extension applicators and, when needed, drone or ground-based assessment first. Fragile tile and steep slopes get extra planning so we do not crack tiles or compromise safety.

Yes. Algae and mildew hold moisture against the shingle surface and accelerate granule loss. Removing organic growth lets the roof dry properly especially important in Greater New Orleans humidity.

You will see improvement immediately after rinse. Algae treated with proper dwell time may lighten over 2–6 weeks as remaining organic matter washes away in rain we set expectations on site.

Roof cleaning is exterior maintenance performed by our roofing-experienced crews, not a random pressure-washing truck.

A simple bump-out might dry-in in a few weeks once permits are in hand. Second stories and flood-zone foundations take longer we give you a realistic schedule after plans and parish comments are clear.

Yes we build from stamped plans or coordinate with your designer. If you need help scoping before design, we can define a budget-grade footprint so you are not over-designing for your lot.

Many parcels require lowest-floor elevation and venting rules. We factor parish flood maps and finished-floor height into the foundation design before we frame walls.

Yes. Additions, structural framing, many outdoor structures, and some concrete work require parish permits. We research setback, flood-zone, and wind-load requirements and pull what the jurisdiction needs you are not chasing paperwork at City Hall alone.

Always free, always no-pressure. We walk the site, talk through scope and parish permit requirements, and give you a line-item quote. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

Many homeowners south of the lake and near open water benefit from impact-rated doors for insurance discounts and storm peace of mind. We help you match parish expectations and your budget rated versus non-rated is a conversation, not a hard sell.

Often yes we cut out damaged sill and jamb sections, flash the opening, and set a new pre-hung unit. If structural rot extends into the framing, we will quote framing repair before we hang a new door.

Most single entry replacements complete in a day once the unit is on site. Patio doors and structural reframing take longer. We confirm lead time when you pick the door model.

We pull permits in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Plaquemines parishes when the job requires it. Ask for license and insurance documents any time.

Always free, always no-pressure. We walk the site, talk through scope and parish permit requirements, and give you a line-item quote. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.

Most residential driveways use 4 inches of concrete over a compacted base; heavier vehicles and soft soils may need thicker sections and more reinforcement. We spec what your soil and use case need not a single thickness for every lot.

Many parishes require permits for driveway approaches and sidewalk work, especially when you are connecting to a public right-of-way. We confirm before we pour.

Passenger vehicles usually wait about a week; we will mark the date on the job and tell you what to avoid while it cures in heat and humidity.

We pull permits in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Plaquemines parishes when the job requires it. Ask for license and insurance documents any time.

Always free, always no-pressure. We walk the site, talk through scope and parish permit requirements, and give you a line-item quote. You decide whether to move forward no obligation either way.