Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing

Get answers to the most common roofing questions from homeowners in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Southeast Louisiana. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us or call 504-418-1329 — we’re happy to help.

How do I know if my roof needs repair or replacement?

If damage is limited to a small area (a few missing shingles, a single leak point, isolated flashing damage), repair is usually sufficient. Replacement makes more sense when your roof is 20+ years old, has widespread damage, shows sagging or soft spots, or when repair costs would exceed 30-40% of replacement cost. We provide honest assessments during our free inspections — we’ll never recommend replacement if a repair will solve the problem.

How much does a new roof cost in Baton Rouge?

The cost of a new roof in Baton Rouge depends on roof size, material choice, complexity (number of slopes, valleys, penetrations), and whether the old roof needs tear-off. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home, architectural shingle roofs generally range from $8,000 to $15,000, while metal roofs range from $15,000 to $30,000. We provide free, detailed estimates with no obligation so you know exactly what to expect.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof damage in Louisiana?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover roof damage caused by sudden events like storms, hail, fallen trees, and fire. Normal wear and tear is typically not covered. Louisiana has specific rules for named-storm deductibles — your deductible for hurricane or tropical storm damage may be 2-5% of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, on a $250,000 home with a 2% deductible, you’d pay $5,000 out of pocket. We help document damage for your insurer and can meet with your adjuster on-site.

What is a FORTIFIED roof and is it worth it in Louisiana?

A FORTIFIED roof meets construction standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and is engineered to resist wind speeds up to 130 mph. In Louisiana, FORTIFIED roofs are absolutely worth it. Under Regulation 136, effective January 2027, insurers must offer discounts of 16-49% on the hurricane portion of your premium for FORTIFIED roofs. The state also offers grants up to $10,000 through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program and tax deductions up to $5,000. Over a 30-year mortgage, insurance savings alone can total $30,000 to $75,000.

How long does a roof replacement take?

Most residential roof replacements are completed in 1-3 days, depending on the size of the roof, weather conditions, and the complexity of the job. Larger or more complex roofs (multiple stories, steep pitches, many penetrations) may take 3-5 days. We’ll give you a timeline estimate before work begins and keep you updated throughout the process.

What roofing materials are best for Louisiana weather?

For Southeast Louisiana, we most often recommend architectural asphalt shingles rated for 130 mph winds (the most cost-effective option with 25-30 year warranties), impact-resistant Class 4 shingles (qualify for insurance discounts and resist hail damage), or standing seam metal roofing (40-70 year lifespan, excellent wind resistance, and the best long-term value for hurricane-prone areas). The right choice depends on your budget, the age and style of your home, and your long-term plans.

Do you offer free roof inspections?

Yes. Every roof inspection we provide is free, with no obligation. We inspect your roof’s condition inside and out, document any damage or concerns with photos, and provide you with a written report and recommendation. Whether you need us or not, you’ll walk away knowing the true condition of your roof.

How do I file a roof damage insurance claim in Louisiana?

First, document the damage with photos and prevent further damage with temporary measures (tarps, etc.) — keep all receipts. Then contact your insurance company to file a claim. They must begin the adjustment process within 30 days. We recommend having a professional roof inspection before or alongside the adjuster’s visit so you have independent documentation. Summit Construction can provide a detailed damage report, meet with your adjuster, and help ensure your claim reflects the full scope of damage.

What areas do you serve?

We serve the greater Baton Rouge and New Orleans metro areas, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Denham Springs, Prairieville, Gonzales, Central, Walker, Hammond, and surrounding communities across East Baton Rouge, Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany parishes.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Summit Construction & Exteriors is fully licensed and insured in the state of Louisiana. We carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. We’re happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing upon request.

What warranty do you offer on your work?

We provide a workmanship warranty on every job we complete. For roof replacements, you also receive the manufacturer’s warranty on materials, which typically ranges from 25 years to lifetime depending on the product. We’ll explain all warranty coverage in detail before work begins.

How do I prepare my home for a roof replacement?

Before our crew arrives: move vehicles away from the house, remove or secure fragile items on walls and shelves (vibrations from roof work can shift them), take down satellite dishes or antennas if possible, clear the area around your home so our crew has access, and let your neighbors know about the work. We handle all of the actual roofing work, cleanup, and debris removal.

Can you work with my insurance adjuster?

Absolutely. We work with all major insurance carriers in Louisiana and regularly coordinate with adjusters on storm damage claims. We provide detailed damage documentation, material specifications, and can be present during the adjuster’s inspection to ensure nothing is missed. Our goal is to help you receive a fair settlement that covers the actual cost of proper repairs.

What should I do after a storm damages my roof?

First, stay safe — don’t climb on a damaged roof. Document visible damage with photos from the ground. If water is entering your home, place buckets to catch it and move valuables. Call us for a free storm damage inspection. Then contact your insurance company to file a claim. Time-stamp all photos and keep receipts for any emergency expenses — these are typically reimbursable.

Have More Questions?

Call Summit Construction at 504-418-1329 or send us a message. We provide free roof inspections and honest assessments for homeowners across Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, Mandeville, and Covington.