Frequently Asked Questions
Roofing FAQs — Straight Answers to the Questions We Hear Most
If your question is not covered here, call us. We are happy to talk through it — even if it turns out you do not need us.
General Questions
How much does a roof inspection cost?
Nothing. Roof inspections and storm damage assessments are completely free, and there is no obligation afterward. You get photos of what we found and an honest recommendation.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Primal Roofing & Restoration is fully insured, and we are certified partners with both James Hardie and Pella. We are happy to provide documentation before any work begins.
What warranty do you offer?
We back our work with a 15-year workmanship guarantee and a limited lifetime material warranty, plus a 30-day guarantee on completed projects. Your roof is protected by both the manufacturer and by us.
How long have you been in business?
Since 2006. We are a family-owned company led by owner Nathan Lovellette, and we have spent nearly two decades working on homes across the St. Louis and St. Charles region.
Do you work with insurance companies?
Yes, extensively. We document storm damage, photograph every affected area, coordinate directly with your adjuster, and complete the approved repairs. Proper documentation is the single biggest factor in whether a claim gets approved.
How quickly can you start my project?
Emergency and active-leak calls are prioritized immediately — we answer 24 hours a day. Scheduled projects typically begin within a few weeks, and full roof, siding, and gutter installations are completed within one month.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Defiance, St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and the surrounding Missouri communities, plus the Metro East in Illinois including Granite City, Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville, Collinsville, and Waterloo.
Do you offer financing?
Contact us to discuss payment options for your project. We will walk you through what is available and help you plan the work around your budget.
Roof Replacement
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential roof replacements are completed in one to two days. Larger or more complex homes may take longer, and we complete full roof, siding, and gutter projects within one month.
How much does a new roof cost in Missouri?
Cost depends on square footage, pitch, material, and the condition of the decking underneath. We provide a free, itemized written estimate after inspecting your roof — no obligation and no pressure.
Will my homeowners insurance pay for a new roof?
If your roof was damaged by hail, wind, or a storm, there is a good chance it is covered. We document the damage, file the supporting evidence, and coordinate directly with your adjuster.
What roofing materials do you install?
We install architectural asphalt shingles, impact-resistant shingles, and standing seam metal roofing. We will walk you through the tradeoffs in cost, lifespan, and storm resistance.
Roof Repair
How quickly can you repair my roof?
We answer the phone 24 hours a day and prioritize active leaks. In most cases we can inspect within 24 to 48 hours, and emergency tarping is available immediately.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
If damage is localized and your roof still has years of service left, repair is the right call. We give you an honest assessment based on what your home actually needs — not on what is more profitable for us.
Do you repair roofs you did not install?
Yes. We repair roofs regardless of who installed them, and our 15-year workmanship guarantee applies to the work we perform.
Can a roof be repaired in winter?
Yes. We work year-round. Cold weather changes how certain sealants and shingles are handled, and our crews adjust their methods accordingly.
Emergency Roofing
Are you really available 24/7?
Yes. Our hours are Monday through Sunday, 24 hours. Storm damage does not keep a schedule, so neither do we.
What should I do while I wait for you to arrive?
Move valuables away from the leak, place buckets under active drips, and if water is near light fixtures or outlets, shut off power to that area. Do not climb onto a damaged roof yourself.
Does insurance cover emergency tarping?
Most homeowners policies cover reasonable emergency mitigation costs because it prevents further loss. We document the work so it can be submitted with your claim.
How fast can you get here?
Response times depend on storm volume and your location within our service area, but emergency calls are always prioritized ahead of scheduled work.
Insurance Claims
Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?
Storm and hail damage claims are typically classified as acts of nature rather than fault-based claims, which are treated differently than at-fault claims. Your carrier or agent can confirm how your specific policy handles this.
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?
Most policies have a filing deadline measured from the date of the storm, and it varies by carrier. Do not wait — damage that sits unaddressed can be attributed to neglect rather than the storm.
What if my claim was already denied?
A denial is not always final. If the original inspection missed damage, a properly documented re-inspection can support a re-opened claim. We are happy to take a look.
Do you charge for a storm damage inspection?
No. Storm damage inspections and the documentation that goes with them are free.
Siding Replacement
What siding materials do you install?
We install James Hardie fiber cement, vinyl, and engineered wood siding. As a certified Hardie partner we can walk you through which material fits your home, climate exposure, and budget.
How long does siding replacement take?
Most homes are completed within one to two weeks depending on size and complexity. Full roof, siding, and gutter projects are completed within one month.
Can siding be replaced in cold weather?
Yes. Fiber cement and vinyl both have cold-weather installation requirements, and our crews follow the manufacturer specifications for temperature and fastening.
Will new siding lower my energy bills?
It can. Much of the gain comes from the house wrap and moisture barrier installed behind the siding, which reduces air infiltration through the wall assembly.
Siding Repair
Can you match my existing siding?
In most cases yes. We identify the profile and color and source the closest available match. If a product has been discontinued, we will discuss the best options before starting.
Is siding damage covered by insurance?
Hail and wind damage to siding is frequently covered. We document siding damage alongside roof damage, since a single storm often affects both.
How do I know if it is repair or replacement?
As a rule of thumb, if damage is localized to a few panels the repair is straightforward. If moisture has gotten behind multiple walls, replacement is usually the sounder investment. We will show you photos and explain which applies.
How long do siding repairs take?
Most targeted siding repairs are completed in a single day.
Gutter Replacement
What size gutters do I need?
Most homes are well served by 5-inch gutters, but steep or large roof areas often need 6-inch to keep up with heavy rainfall. We size the system based on your actual roof area and pitch.
How long does gutter installation take?
Most residential gutter replacements are completed in a single day.
Do you install gutter guards?
Yes. Gutter guards substantially reduce cleaning, and they are especially worth it on homes with heavy tree cover. Ask us during your estimate.
Should gutters be replaced with a new roof?
It is usually the smart sequence. The crew is already on site, the drip edge and gutter integration can be handled together, and you avoid paying for a second mobilization later.
Gutter Repair
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Twice a year is a good baseline — spring and fall. Homes with heavy tree cover often need more frequent attention, or gutter guards to reduce the burden.
Can a sagging gutter be fixed without replacing it?
Usually yes. Sagging is most often a bracket and slope issue, and re-hanging the run with proper spacing corrects it.
Why do my gutters overflow even when they are clean?
That typically means the gutters are undersized for your roof area, or the downspouts cannot move water fast enough. We will measure and tell you which it is.
Do you repair gutters damaged by storms?
Yes, and hail or wind damage to gutters is often part of a larger insurance claim. We document it along with any roof and siding damage.
Still have a question?
Call us at (636) 849-8600 — we answer 24 hours a day — or send us a message.
Get Your Free Roof Inspection Today
No cost, no obligation, and a straight answer about what your home actually needs. We answer the phone 24 hours a day.
Call or text us
(636) 849-8600
Serving Defiance, MO and communities across eastern Missouri & the Illinois Metro East.
