Why Decatur roofs need a closer look
Decatur has grown fast, and many of the newer subdivisions went up with builder-grade shingles that carry no impact rating. Those roofs are reaching their first replacement, often early because of hail. Older homes near the square have flashing and decking that have been patched for decades, and acreage properties around town have metal shops and barns with their own wear points.
What we check
- Shingles: hail hits, granule loss, creased or missing tabs, exposed nails, pipe boots and ventilation.
- Metal: seams, clips and fasteners on standing seam; screws, washers, laps and ridge cap on R-panel and PBR.
- Flat roofs: seams, drains, ponding and parapet walls.
- Tile and slate: broken or slipped pieces and flashing.
- Gutters and soft metals: dents on gutters, vents and flashing are a useful hail record.
How long it takes, and whether you need to be home
A residential roof inspection usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size, pitch and number of stories. You don't need to be home. The exception is a leak: if water is getting in, we need inside access to check the attic and ceilings, so we'll set a time when someone can let us in.
Your report
Every inspection comes with a free digital photo report, so you see what we see. We also give you a written summary with our recommendation: leave it, repair it, or plan for replacement. If there's no storm damage, we tell you so.
After a storm
NOAA recorded 2-inch hail at Decatur on March 26, 2017, and 3-inch hail at Boyd, about seven miles south, on April 8, 2024. After a storm near you, an on-roof inspection is the reliable way to know. We document the damage with photos and measurements for your claim. We don't adjust or negotiate claims; you work the claim with your insurance company.
Buying a home in Decatur
We do pre-purchase roof inspections, so you know what you're buying before you close. You get the same written and photo report.
Roof certifications
When we finish a roof, we fill out a roof certification for it. That's useful paperwork to keep for insurance, refinancing or a future sale, because it shows when the roof went on and who installed it.
Who will be on your roof
Our own crew, from a family roofing business that goes back 75 years. Owner Blake Snow has 30 years on roofs. We're certified with Johns Manville, GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning and Atlas. Snow Roofing & Exteriors is A+ rated on the BBB. 5.0 stars on Google at all three offices: Bridgeport (86 reviews), Decatur (13 reviews) and Rhome (3 reviews).
How fast we respond
We offer same-day response in almost every case, and we answer leak and storm calls 24/7. If water is coming in, we tarp first.
Our inspection checklist
| Area | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Roof surface | Hail hits, granule loss, creased or missing shingles, cracked tile or slate, metal dents and finish damage |
| Edges, ridges and valleys | Wind lift, loose ridge cap, worn valleys |
| Flashing and penetrations | Wall and chimney flashing, pipe boots, vents, skylights |
| Fasteners (metal) | Backed-out screws, worn washers, clip movement on standing seam |
| Soft metals and gutters | Dents that record hail size and direction |
| Flat sections | Seams, drains, ponding and parapet walls |
| Attic (when there's a leak) | Staining, daylight, damp decking and ventilation |
When to book an inspection
- After hail or a high-wind storm near you, even if nothing looks wrong from the ground
- Before you buy or sell a home
- When a ceiling stain shows up
- Once a year as routine upkeep, and every year or two on metal shop and barn roofs
Sometimes the answer is that your roof is fine. When there's no damage, we tell you so, and the report says it in writing.
Drone inspections and thermal scans
Along with walking the roof, we fly drone inspections to photograph slopes and areas that are hard to reach safely. We also run drone thermal (infrared) scans, which show temperature differences across the roof and help us find where water has gotten in under the surface, before it shows up as a ceiling stain. On large commercial and flat roofs, a thermal scan helps pinpoint wet areas so repairs go where they're needed.
Residential warranty: a workmanship warranty from 10 years up to lifetime, depending on the job, with manufacturer warranties up to lifetime. Manufacturer coverage depends on the product and brand, and on the project qualifying for that manufacturer's program. We put the exact warranty for your roof in writing.
Certified, with 30 years installing every major roofing brand, a family roofing business going back 75 years, and over $80 million in completed roofing projects. 5.0 stars on Google at all three of our offices.
Request a free inspection or call (817) 733-9228. Small repairs are welcome too.