Your Roofing Questions, Answered Honestly

Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden storm damage—hail, wind, fallen trees. What they don't cover is gradual wear and tear, aging, or damage from lack of maintenance.

Here's the test: Did something specific happen (a storm, hail event, tree impact)? Then it's probably covered. Has your roof just been slowly deteriorating for 25 years? That's on you, not insurance.

The tricky part is insurance companies love to blur these lines. They'll call legitimate hail damage "normal wear" to avoid paying. That's where we come in—we document everything properly so they can't wiggle out of what they actually owe you.

Bottom line: Call us for a free inspection. We'll tell you honestly if it's insurance-worthy or not. We're not going to waste your time filing a claim that won't go anywhere.

This happens all the time, and it's exactly why we sit with your adjuster during the inspection.

Insurance companies initially underpay by 20-30% on average. They "miss" things like flashing, ice/water shield, ridge vents, and starter shingles. They call legitimate damage "cosmetic." They depreciate older roofs down to nothing even when the damage is fresh.

Here's what we do:

1. Document everything upfront with drone photography and detailed reports
2. Sit with the adjuster during their inspection so nothing gets overlooked
3. File supplements for items they initially excluded
4. Escalate when needed if they're playing games

You're not fighting alone. We've done this hundreds of times and we know exactly how to make insurance companies pay what they actually owe.

Your deductible is either a flat dollar amount (like $1,000 or $2,500) or a percentage of your home's replacement cost (typically 1-2%).

Percentage deductibles surprise people. If your home's replacement cost is $300,000 and you have a 2% deductible, that's $6,000 out of pocket. On a $400,000 home? That's $8,000.

Do you have to pay it upfront? Not with us.

We offer financing specifically designed to cover deductibles. Insurance pays their portion. Financing covers your deductible. Your roof gets done without draining your savings.

Most folks pay $189-$240/month depending on the deductible amount. Meanwhile, if you upgrade to Class 4 shingles, you're saving $200-$400/year on insurance, which covers a big chunk of that monthly payment.

Pro tip: Call your insurance agent and ask exactly what your deductible is before you have damage. Don't wait until after a storm to find out you owe $7,000.

Nope. And you should run from any contractor who offers to.

"Waiving deductibles" is insurance fraud. It's illegal. Contractors who do it are either scamming you, scamming your insurance company, or both. Usually they're inflating other parts of the claim to cover the deductible while telling insurance you paid it.

When that gets caught (and it does), your insurance can drop you, deny future claims, or even sue for fraud. Not worth it.

What we do instead: We offer financing to cover your deductible so you're not writing a big check. Legal, transparent, and protects your insurance relationship.

If a contractor offers to waive your deductible, that's your sign to hang up and call someone else.

Most Missouri insurance policies require you to report damage "promptly" or "as soon as possible" after a storm. Some specify 1 year, others say 2 years, but don't bet on the longer timeline.

Here's the reality: The sooner you file, the better.

Storm damage gets worse over time. What starts as minor hail dings becomes leaks. Leaks become water damage. Water damage becomes mold and rot. Insurance companies can (and will) deny claims if they think you waited too long and let damage get worse through neglect.

Our recommendation: If you suspect storm damage, call us for a free inspection within 1-2 weeks of the storm. We'll document everything fresh, file promptly, and give insurance zero excuse to deny based on timing.

Plus, adjusters are slammed right after big storms. The earlier you get in the queue, the faster your claim moves.

In Southwest Missouri, typical residential roof replacements run $12,000-$28,000 depending on:

• Size of your home (square footage of roof)
• Pitch/steepness (steeper = more labor)
• Material choice (standard shingles vs. Class 4 impact-resistant)
• Complexity (multiple valleys, skylights, chimneys add cost)
• Ventilation upgrades (if your attic ventilation is inadequate)

Rough estimates:

• Small ranch home (1,500 sq ft): $12,000-$16,000
• Average two-story (2,000-2,500 sq ft): $16,000-$22,000
• Larger home or complex roof (3,000+ sq ft): $22,000-$28,000+

Adding Class 4 impact-resistant shingles adds about $1,500-$2,500 to the total, but saves you 15-25% on insurance annually, so it pays for itself in 5-7 years.

Important: Beware of estimates that are way lower than others. Cheap bids usually mean cheap materials, unlicensed crews, or corners cut that'll cost you thousands down the road.

We provide detailed written estimates that break down exactly what you're getting. No surprises.

Yes, and this is a huge part of how we help families protect their homes without destroying their retirement savings.

Here's how it works:

Scenario 1: Insurance Claim with Deductible

• Insurance approves $18,000 for your roof
• Your deductible is $6,000
• You finance the $6,000 over 36-60 months ($125-$175/month)
• Insurance pays their portion, financing covers yours
• Your roof gets done, your savings stay intact

Scenario 2: Insurance Pays Most, You Want Upgrades

• Insurance covers $16,000 for standard replacement
• You want Class 4 shingles and better ventilation ($4,000 more)
• You finance that $4,000 gap
• You get a better roof, insurance savings kick in, monthly payment is manageable

Scenario 3: No Insurance Claim (Proactive Replacement)

• Total project cost: $20,000
• You finance the full amount over 60-120 months
• Monthly payment: $189-$350 depending on term
• Your retirement savings stay untouched

We work with multiple lenders to find the best rates and terms for your situation. Most approvals happen in minutes. Good credit, bad credit, somewhere in between—we'll find an option.

Bottom line: About 40% of our customers use financing. It's not a last resort—it's smart financial planning.

Yes. That's literally why we built our financing model the way we did.

Let's be real: if you're 55-65 years old and you've got $40,000 in savings, writing a $20,000 check for a roof cuts your cushion in half. That's terrifying, especially when you're approaching or already in retirement.

Here's the smarter path:

Instead of $20,000 upfront, you pay $210/month for 10 years (or $280/month for 7 years, or $350/month for 5 years—you choose the term that fits your budget).

Meanwhile, if you upgrade to Class 4 shingles, you're saving $250-$400/year on insurance. That covers $20-$35 of your monthly payment right there.

You get a roof that'll last 30+ years. You keep your savings for emergencies, medical expenses, or actually enjoying retirement. And you sleep at night knowing your home is protected.

Real talk: Even customers who have the cash often choose financing because keeping liquidity matters more than avoiding a small interest charge.

We're not here to judge how you pay. We're here to make sure you can afford to protect your home without sacrificing your financial security.

We work with multiple financing partners specifically because not everyone has perfect credit.

Some of our lenders specialize in less-than-perfect credit situations. Interest rates might be higher, but options exist. We've helped customers with credit scores in the 500s-600s get approved.

Here's what helps:

• Steady income (even if it's Social Security or pension)
• Significant home equity (you own a valuable asset)
• Lower loan amounts (financing $5,000 is easier than $20,000)

If traditional financing doesn't work: We can sometimes structure payment plans directly, especially for smaller amounts. Talk to us. We'll figure something out.

The worst thing you can do is not ask because you assume you won't qualify. Let us explore options before you write it off.

Class 4 shingles are impact-resistant shingles that pass the UL 2218 test—meaning they can withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking. Basically, they laugh at Missouri hail.

Are they worth it? Let's do the math:

Upfront cost: $1,500-$2,500 more than standard shingles

Insurance savings: 15-25% discount on dwelling coverage (typically $250-$400/year for most homes in our area)

Payback period: 5-7 years

Then what? You keep saving $250-$400 every single year for the next 20-25 years.

Total lifetime savings:

• Insurance premiums: $6,000-$12,000
• Avoided hail damage repairs: $2,000-$5,000 (because your roof reduces damage by 70-80%)
• Extended roof life: 5-10 extra years = $12,000-$18,000 in delayed replacement

Grand total benefit: $20,000-$32,000 over the life of the roof.

For $2,000 more upfront? Yeah, they're worth it.

Plus: If you're financing, that $2,000 upgrade costs about $35-$45/month, but you're saving $20-$35/month on insurance from day one. The upgrade basically pays for itself while you're paying for it.

Not every contractor offers Class 4 shingles because they cost more and require proper installation. But we specialize in them because the value is undeniable.

Standard asphalt shingles: 20-25 years in Missouri's climate (hail, wind, heat cycles are brutal on roofs)

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles: 25-35 years (they're engineered to handle punishment)

What affects lifespan:

• Ventilation (poor attic ventilation kills roofs early)
• Installation quality (corners cut = early failure)
• Maintenance (keeping gutters clean, trimming overhanging branches)
• Weather exposure (roofs on south/west sides age faster from UV)

Manufacturer warranties run 30-50 years, but that's prorated. The real-world lifespan is what matters.

Bottom line: A properly installed Class 4 roof with good ventilation should last you 30+ years. That means if you're 55 when we install it, you're 85+ before you need to think about replacement again. One roof for the rest of your homeownership.

3-tab shingles: Flat, single-layer, basic. They work, but they're the economy option. Lifespan: 15-20 years. Curb appeal: meh.

Architectural shingles: Multi-layered, dimensional, better looking. Lifespan: 25-30 years (or 30-35 for Class 4). Curb appeal: significantly better.

Cost difference: About $1,000-$1,500 for an average home.

Our recommendation: Architectural all day. The longer lifespan and better appearance justify the small upfront difference. You're replacing your roof once every 25-30 years—spend the extra $1,200 to get something that looks good and lasts longer.

3-tab shingles are basically outdated. Most manufacturers are phasing them out. Almost nobody installs them anymore unless budget is absolutely critical.

Maybe. It depends on the condition of your existing decking.

When decking needs replacement:

• Water damage from old leaks (soft, rotted, or moldy spots)
• Sagging or structural weakness
• Excessive warping or cupping
• Old decking that doesn't meet current code (1x6 boards instead of plywood/OSB)

Good news: Most roofs being replaced due to storm damage have perfectly fine decking. We only replace what actually needs replacing.

How we handle it: We can't know for sure until we remove the old shingles. Once we're into the tear-off, if we find damaged decking, we'll document it with photos, show you exactly what needs replacing, and give you the cost before we do the work.

Insurance note: If decking damage is storm-related (water intrusion from hail/wind damage), it's usually covered by insurance. We'll document it and add it to your claim.

We're not going to tell you your decking is bad when it's fine just to pad the bill. But we're also not going to cover up problems that'll cause issues later.

Most residential roofs: 1-3 days depending on size and complexity

Timeline breakdown:

• Day 1: Tear-off old roof, inspect decking, install underlayment and new shingles (most roofs finish in one day)
• Day 2: Complete shingles, install ridge vents, flashing, cleanup (if needed for larger/complex roofs)
• Day 3: Final details, cleanup, inspection (only for very large or complex roofs)

What affects timeline:

• Size of home (3,000 sq ft takes longer than 1,500 sq ft)
• Weather (we won't install in rain or high winds)
• Complexity (multiple valleys, dormers, skylights slow things down)
• Decking repairs (unexpected rotten decking adds time)

Important: Once we start, your roof is never left exposed overnight. If weather delays us, we tarp everything securely.

Most of our customers are shocked how fast we work. You'll wake up with an old roof and go to bed with a new one.

Step 1: Free Inspection (Day 1)

• We come out, inspect your roof
• Document any damage
• Review your insurance policy if it's a claim
• Give you a honest assessment

Step 2: Proposal & Financing Options (Day 2-3)

• We provide a detailed written estimate
• Show you Good-Better-Best material options
• Present financing plans with exact monthly costs
• You choose what works for your budget
• No pressure, no rush

Step 3: Insurance Claim (If Applicable) (Week 1-2)

• We file your claim and coordinate with your adjuster
• We sit with the adjuster during their inspection
• We file supplements for anything they miss
• You get maximum claim payout

Step 4: Scheduling (Week 2-4)

• Once you're approved (insurance or financing), we schedule installation
• Usually 1-3 weeks out depending on season
• We give you exact dates

Step 5: Installation (1-3 Days)

• Crew arrives early, protects your property
• Tear-off, inspection, installation happens fast
• We clean up every nail (magnetic roller, guaranteed)
• Final walkthrough with you

Step 6: Warranty & Follow-Up (Week 4+)

• You get all warranty paperwork
• We register your roof with manufacturer
• We check in 30 days later to make sure everything's perfect
• You keep our number for life

Average timeline from first call to finished roof: 3-6 weeks for insurance claims, 2-4 weeks for non-insurance jobs.

Yes and yes. We treat your property like it's our own (because Tyler's wife would kill him if crews trashed someone's landscaping).

What we do to protect your property:

• Tarps over flower beds, bushes, and landscaping
• Plywood walkways to protect grass in high-traffic areas
• Gutter guards to catch debris
• Magnetic rollers to catch every nail

Cleanup process:

• Magnetic roller passes (we go over your entire property, driveway, yard)
• Hand-pick any visible debris
• Haul away all old materials same-day
• Final walkthrough with you to confirm everything's clean

Guarantee: If you find a nail in your yard after we leave, call us. We'll come back immediately and re-sweep. We've had customers with small kids and dogs—we take cleanup seriously because we know what's at stake.

Your property will look exactly like it did before we arrived, just with a better roof on top.

Fair question. Storm chasers have burned a lot of people around here.

Here's the difference:

Storm Chasers:

• Out-of-state license plates
• Rented temporary office space
• Gone by fall
• Worthless warranties because they're 500 miles away

Big Chief Roofing:

• Physical headquarters in Branson you can visit (come say hi!)
• Tyler and family live here—kids go to local schools, shop at local stores
• Atlas Pro Contractor (manufacturers vet us before certification)
• BBB accreditation built over years, not months
• We pay off school lunch debt, give away roofs, invest 1% of revenue in local communities

Bottom line: Our reputation is our business. We're not going anywhere because this is home. When you call us in 2035 with a warranty question, we'll still be here answering phones.

Drive by our office. Look us up on Google. Ask your neighbors. We've probably done roofs on your street.

Storm chasers can't offer any of that. We can.

Yes. Fully licensed Missouri contractor, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation for all crew members.

Why this matters:

If we're NOT properly licensed/insured and:

• A worker gets hurt on your property → You could be liable for medical bills
• We damage your home → You have no recourse
• Work doesn't meet code → You're responsible for bringing it up to code later

Always ask contractors for:

1. Missouri contractor license number (verify on Missouri website)
2. Certificate of general liability insurance
3. Certificate of workers' compensation insurance
4. References from recent jobs

We'll happily provide all of this before we start. If a contractor hesitates or says "we're getting insurance next week," run.

Because we don't cut corners, use cheap materials, or skip steps that protect your home long-term.

When you see quotes that are 30-40% cheaper than ours, here's usually why:

They're using cheaper materials:

• Thinner shingles with shorter lifespans
• Minimal underlayment instead of quality ice/water shield
• Skipping proper ventilation
• Generic flashing instead of premium materials

They're cutting labor costs:

• Unlicensed or underpaid crews rushing through jobs
• No insurance/workers' comp (risk transfers to you)
• Inexperienced installers who don't follow manufacturer specs (voiding warranties)

They're inflating insurance claims:

• Lowball the cash customer to get the job
• Then overcharge insurance customers to make up difference
• This fraud catches up eventually

What you get with Big Chief:

• Atlas Pinnacle Pristine, Pinnacle Impact, and StormMaster Shake shingles (not economy brands)
• Proper underlayment, ice/water shield where needed
• Code-compliant ventilation
• Licensed, insured, experienced crews
• Installation that meets manufacturer specs (protecting your warranty)
• A company that'll be here in 20 years

Bottom line: We're not the cheapest. We're the best value. There's a difference.

If you want the absolute lowest price, we're probably not your company. If you want it done right once so you don't have to redo it in 10 years, call us.

You get two warranties:

1. Manufacturer Warranty (Materials)

• Atlas shingles: 30-50 years depending on product line
• Covers manufacturing defects
• We register your roof with Atlas at installation

2. Big Chief Workmanship Warranty

• Lifetime on labor and installation
• Covers any issues caused by improper installation
• Backed by our local company (we'll actually be here to honor it)

Important note: Manufacturer warranties are often prorated, meaning coverage decreases over time. We'll explain exactly what's covered and for how long before you sign anything.

What voids warranties:

• Using unlicensed contractors for repairs
• Improper attic ventilation (we make sure yours is correct)
• Failure to maintain (letting gutters overflow, not trimming trees)
• Walking on roof improperly or installing satellite dishes incorrectly

We'll give you all warranty paperwork at completion and keep copies on file. Call us in 15 years with a question—we'll still have your records.

Not much, but a few simple things extend your roof's life significantly:

Annual maintenance (DIY or hire us):

• Clean gutters twice a year (clogged gutters cause water backup and damage)
• Trim tree branches that overhang roof (prevents damage and excessive debris)
• Check for moss/algae growth (southern exposures especially)
• Inspect attic for signs of leaks or ventilation issues

After major storms:

• Walk around and look for visible damage
• Check attic for water stains
• Call us if you see anything concerning (free inspection)

What NOT to do:

• Don't pressure wash shingles (damages protective granules)
• Don't let satellite/internet installers walk on roof improperly
• Don't install anything that penetrates roof without consulting us first
• Don't ignore small issues hoping they'll go away (they won't)

We offer maintenance plans: For a small annual fee, we'll inspect your roof, clean gutters, and catch small issues before they become big problems. Ask us about it.

Think of your roof like your car—a little regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs later.