FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As you consider a new roof for your home, we know you have questions and concerns. We understand how important it is to find the best contractors for a job, as well as what materials meet your needs and budget. Watch our video answers below, then read on for detailed answers to every common question we get.
What should I look for in a roofer?
It’s hard to find a reliable roofing company if you don’t know what to look for. These are the top 6 things you should look for when researching your roofing contractor.
What can I expect from my inspection?
A roof inspection is the first step in your roof replacement and should be thorough and detailed. Follow along to learn what you can expect from a roof inspection with Alamo.
Should my roofing company be insured?
Absolutely! Watch to find out more about the importance of your roofing company being insured, licensed, and bonded and how these things keep you, the company, and workers safe.
Do I need a workmanship warranty?
Do you value peace of mind and a reliable roofing company that will stand behind their work? If your answer is yes, you need a workmanship warranty.
Will I have to pay for bad wood to be replaced?
You never want to install a brand new roof over bad wood. Alamo includes the cost of new wood up to 100 sq ft as part of our roof replacement and roof installation processes. Watch to learn more!
What will determine the price of my roof?
There are a number of factors that will play into the cost of a roof replacement. We’ll walk you through all of them so you understand exactly what you’re getting!
Should I just relayer my roof?
Nope. This might seem like a good way to save money, but follow along while we discuss the ways that cutting corners upfront will lead to problems down the road.
How will I pay for my roof?
Roof replacements are expensive – there’s not getting around that. Fortunately, Alamo offers affordable financing options that can help you get the new roof of your dreams.
About Alamo Roofing
What is Alamo Roofing Contractors?
Alamo Roofing Contractors is a GAF Master Elite certified roofing contractor based at 6064 Lute Rd in Portage, Indiana. Founded in 2017, we serve Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois with residential and commercial roofing, siding, gutters, and exterior services.
Are you licensed in Indiana and Illinois?
Yes — we hold an Indiana roofing contractor license and an unlimited Illinois roofing license through the Illinois IDFPR. We can legally pull permits and perform roofing work throughout both states. You can verify our credentials at in.gov/idoi (Indiana) and idfpr.illinois.gov (Illinois).
What areas do you serve?
We serve Lake County IN, Porter County IN, LaPorte County IN, Newton County IN, Jasper County IN, Cook County IL, Will County IL, and DuPage County IL. This includes 60+ cities and towns across Northwest Indiana and the Chicago south and western suburbs.
What are your hours?
Monday–Friday 9AM–5PM, Saturday 9AM–3PM. We offer 24/7 emergency storm response — call (219) 248-2194 any time for emergencies.
GAF Certification & Warranty
What is a GAF Master Elite contractor and why does it matter?
GAF Master Elite is the highest certification level offered by North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. Fewer than 3% of U.S. roofing contractors qualify. To earn it, a contractor must be properly licensed, carry adequate insurance, maintain a verified reputation, and complete ongoing GAF training. Only Master Elite contractors can offer the GAF Golden Pledge warranty — the strongest warranty available in roofing.
What is the GAF Golden Pledge warranty?
The GAF Golden Pledge covers both GAF materials (50 years, non-prorated) AND installation workmanship (25 years) on qualifying projects. Crucially, it is backed directly by GAF — not just by us. If Alamo Roofing were ever to go out of business, GAF still honors your warranty. It also includes a 40-point GAF factory inspection after installation to verify quality before the warranty is issued.
What warranty does Alamo offer?
On qualifying GAF installations, we offer the GAF Golden Pledge warranty — 50-year non-prorated material warranty plus 25-year workmanship warranty, backed by GAF directly. We also offer the GAF Silver Pledge (10-year workmanship) and System Plus (material only) on other project types. We’ll explain every option at your free estimate.
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
Yes. The GAF Golden Pledge warranty can be transferred once to a new homeowner within 20 years of installation. This is a genuine selling advantage — buyers are getting a home with a manufacturer-backed roof warranty rather than starting from scratch.
Pricing & Financing
How much does roof replacement cost in Northwest Indiana?
Roof replacement in Lake County and Porter County typically ranges from $9,500–$18,000 for asphalt shingles on a standard home. Metal roofing runs $18,000–$32,000. Pricing depends on home size, roof pitch, material choice, number of existing layers to remove, and any decking damage found during tear-off. We give free, itemized written estimates so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
How much does roof replacement cost in northern Illinois?
In Cook County, Will County, and DuPage County, roof replacement typically ranges from $10,500–$24,000 for asphalt shingles depending on home size. Northern Illinois homes tend to be larger, pushing costs slightly higher than comparable Indiana projects.
Do you offer financing?
Yes — we offer 0% interest financing for 18 months on qualifying projects, and extended 7–10 year plans from 7.99% APR. Many homeowners use our 0% option to cover their insurance deductible with no interest cost. Ask about financing at your free estimate.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes — we offer discounts for military veterans, active duty service members, and first responders (police, fire, EMS). Mention your service when you call or schedule.
Storm Damage & Insurance
Does Alamo help with insurance claims?
Yes — at no charge to you. We inspect your roof with drones, document all damage with photographs, provide a written damage report formatted for insurance submission, coordinate with your adjuster during their inspection, and prepare supplemental claims if the initial payout is too low. We get paid when we do the roofing work — the claim assistance is free.
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage often isn’t visible from the ground. Signs include dents on gutters and AC units, dark spots on shingles, granules in gutters, and lifted or cracked shingles. The only reliable assessment requires getting close — which is why we use drone inspection. Call us for a free post-storm drone inspection after any significant hail event.
What should I do immediately after a storm damages my roof?
First, document everything with photos and video before touching anything. Second, call Alamo at (219) 248-2194 for a free drone inspection — do this before calling your insurance company so damage is fully documented. Third, file your claim promptly — most policies require notification within 24-72 hours. Fourth, request emergency tarping if there is active water entry.
What is the difference between ACV and RCV insurance?
RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays for a brand new roof at today’s prices with no deduction for age. ACV (Actual Cash Value) subtracts depreciation — a 12-year-old roof may only receive half the replacement cost. Check your Policy Declarations Page to confirm which you have. If you have ACV coverage, our 0% financing can cover the gap.
Can you waive my insurance deductible?
No — and any contractor who offers to do this is committing insurance fraud, which is illegal in both Indiana and Illinois. Your deductible is your contractual obligation under your policy. What we can do is help you finance your deductible at 0% for 18 months, making it very manageable.
The Roofing Process
How long does roof replacement take?
Most residential roofs in our area are completed in a single day. Larger homes (30+ squares), steep pitches, or multi-layer tear-offs may take 2 days. From signing to installation, the typical timeline is 2-4 weeks for scheduling and permitting.
Do you pull permits?
Yes — every project. We handle all permit applications and coordinate all inspections. You never have to contact the building department. Working without permits can void your insurance and create problems when you sell your home.
Do you offer free inspections?
Yes — free drone roof inspections for all homeowners throughout our service area. Pre-purchase, post-storm, annual maintenance, or just peace of mind. Call (219) 248-2194 to schedule.
What happens if you find damaged decking under my shingles?
We inspect all decking during tear-off and show you photos of any damaged areas before replacing anything. Damaged decking is priced at $85–$150 per 4×8 sheet. We only replace what genuinely needs replacement.
Materials
What shingles do you use?
We primarily install GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles — the best-selling shingle in America, rated for 130 mph wind resistance. We also install Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, GAF Timberline solar shingles, and standing seam and exposed fastener metal roofing.
Should I choose architectural or 3-tab shingles?
We recommend architectural shingles for virtually all Northwest Indiana and Illinois homes. Architectural shingles are thicker, rated for higher wind speeds, perform better in our freeze-thaw climate, and carry longer warranties. The cost difference is typically only $400-$800 on a full replacement.
What is the lifespan of a new roof in Indiana?
Asphalt architectural shingles typically last 20-25 years in our climate. Metal roofing lasts 50-70+ years. Our lake-effect snow and frequent freeze-thaw cycles mean local lifespans are slightly shorter than manufacturer ratings designed for milder climates.
Do you install metal roofing?
Yes — we install standing seam and exposed fastener metal roofing for residential and commercial properties. Metal roofing is an excellent long-term investment for homeowners planning to stay 20+ years.
Commercial Roofing & Other Services
What commercial roofing systems do you install?
We install TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, torch down, PVC, and commercial roof coatings. We also offer bi-annual commercial maintenance plans and commercial roof repair throughout our service area.
Do you install gutters?
Yes — seamless aluminum gutters custom-fabricated on-site. No mid-run seams means no mid-run leaks. We also install micro-mesh gutter guards, repair existing gutters, and replace downspouts.
Do you install siding?
Yes — James Hardie fiber cement siding (HardiePlank and HardiePanel), LP SmartSide engineered wood, and vinyl siding. Alamo is a James Hardie Preferred contractor.
More questions? Call us at (219) 248-2194 or schedule a free estimate.
Alamo Roofing Contractors | 6064 Lute Rd, Portage, IN 46368 | Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM | Sat 9AM-3PM | 24/7 Emergency
Hire a Team of Roofing Professionals You Can Trust
Give us a call today to see how we can help improve your home!