Guttering & Roofing: A Project Plan that Fits Your Needs
In Columbia during storm season, the weather can vary greatly from large hail to strong winds to a combination of both. Each new season brings the potential for severe and even damaging storms, which means you should be aware of the Columbia, MO guttering & roofing options. CoMo Premium Exteriors is one of the leading roofers in the area, and not only can we perform a full roof inspection, but we can schedule everything from basic repairs to full roofing replacement.
The Importance of Columbia, MO Guttering & Roofing
From the searing summer sun to the frigid winds of winter, Columbia, MO gutters & roofs take a considerable beating. Between those two extremes, we also see incredible amounts of rain during the spring and fall.
No matter what season it is, having gutters and a roof that is in good shape and can actively protect your home is essential. Your home is one of your largest and most significant investments, and allowing the elements to infiltrate that investment can cause a considerable loss in value.
Your roofing and guttering are designed to work as a system that moves water off of and away from your home to ensure it does not infiltrate and create interior water damage. Proper guttering also serves to help keep the water from pooling around the base and foundation of your home. If water accumulates near your foundation for lengths of time it can result in leakage, cracks, and settling.
Get Guttering & Roofing That Fits Your Needs
One of the most frustrating experiences as a homeowner is dealing with pushy or high-pressure contractors. No matter the complexity of your roofing or guttering project, we won’t pressure you or use “buy now” schemes. We work hard to explain the process and justify why we are your best choice, but we never you deceptive practices. If you work with us and your project changes scope because of new additions you want to make or because we encounter unexpected issues such as rot or termites, we will make sure that you are kept fully informed of the issue and expenses. You won’t be pushed into additional costs or unwanted services that are not necessary to complete the job correctly.
Transparency Is Important To Our Roofing Family
Being fully transparent is one of the primary goals of our company, and this extends from initial inspections and estimations to the project execution and the finalization and acceptance of completed service. If you are working with insurance to complete a roof replacement, you can be assured that we will communicate with your insurance company regarding necessary services to ensure we install your roof per the manufacturer’s specifications and local code.
We Can Help Make Sure Your Insurer Covers What’s Needed
Sometimes your insurance company can miss exterior items that were damaged by a storm, leaving you to find them later and correct them at your own expense. When we work with your insurer to complete a covered storm loss, we will do a thorough inspection of your home to find all the relevant damage. Insurance adjusters aren’t roofers, and occasionally they may not cover something that is essential to getting your roof done correctly. Cases like this might cause other roofers to simply bill you at the end, but we’ll make sure you know of any speed bumps in the process so that we can handle them together. CoMo Exteriors is ready to be your Columbia, MO guttering & roofing partner.
Why is Owens Corning a Great Asphalt Roofing Shingle?
Let’s discuss the Owens Corning brand of roofing materials. As one of the most popular brands of shingles in Missouri, Owens Corning makes solid and reliable asphalt shingles that don’t require you to break the budget. Through this article, we will explore why these shingles are the best choice for roofing in Missouri.
Background on the Owens Corning Company
The history of Owens Corning goes all the way back to the 1800s when a lab experiment turned into what we know today as insulation. Best known for their iconic use of the “Pink Panther”, Owens Corning is a brand that manufacturers insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites that are found in products throughout the world.
For roofing, Owens Corning produces a wide range of asphalt shingles under product lines called Duration, Oakridge, Berkshire, Woodcrest, Woodmoor, and Supreme. These different product lines offer various looks, price points, and impact resistance. Here in Missouri, most homeowners prefer the Owens Corning Duration brand of shingles for their durability, reputation, and affordability. This is one of our favorites because it outperforms many other shingle brands, and comes in a plethora of color options. They include:
Driftwood
Brownwood
Summer Harvest
Onyx Black
Harbor Blue
Shasta White
Desert Tan
. . . and several more.
Owens Corning shingles even offer special defense against offensive substances like algae. They do this with a shingle composed of an outer layer of ceramic, copper, and a mineral core. More importantly, Duration shingles have their patented SureNail technology built into each shingle. SureNail is a simple concept, but it makes a huge difference in the shingle performance and the speed of its installation. SureNail is a unique fabric strip that is integrated into the shingle and is the line where the roofing nails are installed. This unique fabric strip offers several advantages:
It creates a much stronger grip on the shingle making it more difficult to blow off in the wind, as compared to other shingles.
These unique features, combined with a reputable company standing behind them, makes Owens Corning Duration shingles a great choice for any home.
Asphalt for Roofing Purposes
We can confidently state that there are many benefits to using Duration asphalt shingles. Here are just a few perks:
They can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, even amid the harsh Missouri weather.
The price is quite cost-effective compared with more expensive approaches like metal roofing.
Asphalt shingles score high on energy efficiency, impact rating, angle versatility, and ability to withstand heavy wind (if you buy the right kind).
There are even asphalt shingles on the market that can imitate a wood or stone look.
If you want to dive further into this topic, check out this post we did on asphalt roof shingles.
CoMo Premium Exteriors: Best Roofers in Central Missouri
Once you’ve selected the material you like for your next roof project, then all you need is a good installation crew. Roofing can be dangerous and difficult, so never do this task alone. Along with the Owens Corning asphalt shingles, we also install other materials such as:
Good roofers can cover any of those jobs for you. When we say we’re good, we mean we’re The Best Roofers in Columbia, according to Expertise.com. If you’d like to see further testimony of our roofing prowess, just listen to all the positive feedback we receive.
On Google Reviews, we have over 200 reviews for a nearly perfect rating of 4.8/5.0 stars. That’s proof that you can rely on us for serious outdoor renovation work.
Contact us today if you want to learn more about roof replacements and the Owens Corning brand.
What You Need to Know Regarding Roofing Contracts and Payment
Navigating roofing contracts and payments as a homeowner can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no legal experience as a first-time homeowner. To add to the stress, there are contractors out there who may be looking to scam you, but if you educate yourself and find a trusted contractor the process will be hassle-free. So, here’s what you need to know about roofing contracts and payments.
What Should be in a Roofing Contract?
First off, as with any professional business, your contractor should have a written, legal contract that outlines what work will be performed, the conditions, and the cost of that work. Some companies will use two kinds of contracts, one for insurance-related jobs and one for jobs that are not covered by insurance. With roofing jobs, there may be rotted decking that can’t be seen until the roof is removed. Since rotted decking needs replaced before the installation of your shingles your contract should also include an estimated cost for this replacement so you are not caught off guard.
Work Beyond Insurance Allowance
If you incur damage to your home from a storm there is a possibility that the insurance will only cover a portion of your roof, siding, or guttering and you will want to replace that material in its entirety so that it is uniform in age and appearance. Maybe you’ve been planning to replace your roof, siding, or gutters and considered upgrading to a higher quality product than what is currently on your home and covered by insurance. If either of these two scenarios describes your situation, your contractor should guide you through the process and provide an estimate outlining the costs beyond what insurance has covered.
Paying for your Roofing Repairs or Replacements
It is important to look for any irregularities in how your contractor requests payment. Typical contractors will ask for 50% of the total cost upfront and the rest at the competition of the job. The first 50% acts as a down payment which will allow them to cover material costs before the job has begun. It is also common on large jobs for contractors to ask for 1/3 of the payment upfront, 1/3 at the start of the job, and the final 1/3 upon the job’s completion. It’s important to look for a contractor that uses one of these payment terms because it allows the homeowner to make sure the work is completed to the terms of the contract and there aren’t any problems with the work before paying in full. It is a red flag if a company asks for 100% of the contract value upfront because they could take your money and never complete the job, leaving you with little recourse for repayment.
In the case of most insurance contracts, an agreed-upon portion of the funds will typically be released to the homeowner within 1-2 weeks after the adjuster approves the claim. The homeowner will then use those funds to pay the contractor and any money not yet released by the insurance company is typically paid once the work is complete and the contractor or homeowner sends the final invoice to the insurance company. After the proof is submitted, funds will typically be received within 30 days. An experienced contractor should be aware of this timeline and allow homeowners 30 days to pay their bills. Please note there are different types of insurance policies and you should review your coverages with your insurance agent to understand your specific policy.
Financing Options
Financing options for roof replacements are common and many sources exist for today’s homeowners. Whether you are financing the entire amount or just need to finance the amount of your deductible, you can get financing through your primary banking institution or from home improvement lenders. Como Premium Exteriors can offer competitive financing options to almost every customer through our financing partners. The application process is simple and credit decisions are returned within 15 minutes. If financing is something you need, don’t be afraid to ask your contractor for the options they provide.
Want to Know More About Roofing Contracts and Payment?
If you’re still feeling intimidated by roofing contracts and payment, siding, or gutter repairs, call CoMo Premium Exteriors to help answer your questions. We have years of experience providing homeowners with accurate estimates and helping them to understand the process of working with insurance.
What to Expect From a Roof Inspection and Insurance Claim in Mid-Missouri
If you think your roof may have storm damage, do not start by guessing from the driveway. Start with a clear inspection from someone who knows what Mid-Missouri weather does to shingles, flashing, vents, and roof valleys. Hail, wind, fallen limbs, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can all leave damage behind that is easy to miss until water gets in.
At CoMo Premium Exteriors, we show you what we found, explain what needs attention, and help you understand the next step. Sometimes that means a repair. Sometimes it means a full replacement. Sometimes it means documenting the damage, keeping an eye on the roof, and waiting to file until the facts are clearer. You should get honest answers before you make a bigger decision.
If you want a no-pressure starting point, schedule a free roof inspection. From Columbia to Jefferson City and the surrounding Mid-Missouri communities, we see the same weather patterns every year, and we know where that damage usually shows up first.
A roof inspection gives you a clear starting point before you decide whether repair, replacement, or an insurance claim makes sense. A simple way to think about the process: inspect, document, review, decide, and then schedule the right repair or replacement.
Why the inspection comes first
A lot of homeowners ask the same question: should you file the claim first, or call a roofing company first? In most cases, starting with the inspection makes the process cleaner. It helps you understand whether you are dealing with cosmetic wear, minor repair issues, or storm-related damage that may justify a claim.
That inspection also gives you a baseline. We document what we see, explain the likely cause of the damage, and point out the areas that matter most. On a Mid-Missouri roof, that often includes ridge caps, exposed slopes, flashing transitions, pipe boots, and shingle tabs that have been creased or lifted by wind. If hail is involved, we look for consistent impact patterns, granule loss, and damage to related components around the roofline.
For homeowners who want more background first, our roof inspection page explains what a professional inspection is designed to catch and why it matters before the leak gets worse.
What happens during a roof inspection
A good inspection should feel organized, not vague. We start by asking what you have noticed. Maybe you saw shingles in the yard. Maybe you found a new ceiling stain after a storm. Maybe your neighbors are getting roofs approved and you want to know whether your home has the same kind of damage. That context matters.
From there, the inspection itself usually includes:
a review of the roof surface for hail hits, lifted tabs, exposed matting, missing shingles, flashing issues, and obvious impact zones
inspection of areas where leaks often begin, including penetrations, valleys, wall transitions, and ventilation points
photo documentation of relevant damage so you can see what we are seeing
a plain-language explanation of whether the roof looks repairable, borderline, or replacement-level damaged
That is where local experience matters. Mid-Missouri storms do not damage every roof the same way. Roof age, slope direction, tree cover, attic ventilation, and past repairs all affect what we find. Our job is not to force every inspection into the same outcome. It is to tell you what is actually there.
When storm damage may justify an insurance claim
Not every roof issue belongs in an insurance claim. Age, normal wear, installation mistakes, and old patchwork repairs are different from sudden storm-related damage. If hail or wind created fresh, documentable damage, a claim may make sense. If the roof is simply worn out, a claim may not be the right path.
This is where homeowners get frustrated, because the line is not always obvious from the ground. That is why we focus on documentation. We can show you the visible signs, explain what they usually mean, and help you understand whether the facts support moving forward.
We also keep the language honest. We are not your adjuster, and we do not promise claim outcomes. What we can do is inspect the roof, document what we find, share our professional opinion, and be available when the insurance company inspects the property so the damage we found is easy to review.
Once you decide to file, the process usually moves in stages. First, your carrier creates the claim and schedules its own inspection. Then an adjuster reviews the roof and related exterior damage. After that, you receive paperwork showing what was approved, what was excluded, and how the payment structure works.
This is also where many homeowners run into avoidable confusion. Terms like deductible, depreciation, ACV, and RCV can make the paperwork feel heavier than it needs to be. A roofing contractor should not pretend to be your insurance company, but we can help you read the estimate in practical terms. In other words, we can show you whether the scope lines up with the roof conditions we documented and whether there are items worth asking the carrier to review again.
When appropriate, we can attend the adjuster meeting, point out the documented damage, and provide photos or measurements tied to the roofing work itself. That keeps the conversation grounded in the actual condition of the roof, not guesswork.
How the inspection helps you decide between repair and replacement
Sometimes the inspection confirms a localized issue. A few shingles may have been lifted. Flashing around one transition may have failed. In cases like that, a targeted repair can be the right move. In other cases, the inspection shows repeated damage across multiple slopes, brittle shingles, widespread granule loss, or enough storm impact that another patch job would only delay the bigger cost.
That is where you need straight talk. You do not need a contractor who turns every inspection into a sales pitch. You need one who can explain whether a repair will truly buy you useful time or whether replacement is the more durable decision. Our roof repair vs. replacement guide breaks that down in more detail if you want to compare the two paths before making a call.
Because CoMo Premium Exteriors is triple-certified with GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, and James Hardie Elite Preferred status, we bring a higher installation standard to the work after the inspection too. That matters when you are not just trying to patch a problem, but solve it for the long haul.
Questions to ask after your inspection
Before you move ahead, ask a few direct questions:
What specific damage did you find, and can you show me photos?
Does this look repairable, or is replacement the more durable option?
What part of this appears storm-related versus normal wear?
If I file a claim, what roofing documentation should I keep?
If I do not file a claim, what risk am I taking by waiting?
A contractor should be able to answer those without hiding behind jargon. If the answer is not clear, the inspection did not do its job.
A better next step for Mid-Missouri homeowners
If you suspect roof damage after a storm, start with facts. A real inspection gives you those facts. It tells you whether you are dealing with repair-level damage, claim-level storm damage, or a roof that has simply reached the point where replacement is the better investment.
We have helped Mid-Missouri homeowners through this process for years by staying practical, documenting clearly, and keeping the conversation honest. If your roof has taken hail, wind, or storm-related damage, schedule your free inspection or contact our team. We will walk you through what we see and what your real options are.
Frequently asked questions about roof inspections and insurance claims
Should I call a roofer or the insurance company first?
In most cases, start with the roof inspection. That gives you a clearer picture of whether there is likely storm-related damage worth claiming, or whether the issue is better handled as a repair or maintenance item.
What does a roof inspection usually include?
A professional inspection typically includes a review of shingles, flashing, penetrations, roof slopes, visible storm impact, and photo documentation of the conditions found. You should also get a plain-language explanation of what the findings mean.
Can a roofing contractor negotiate my insurance claim?
No. A roofing contractor should not present themselves as your adjuster or legal representative. What we can do is document roof damage, explain the roofing scope, and share our professional findings during the inspection process.
What kind of roof damage is often associated with hail or wind?
Common examples include creased shingles, lifted tabs, missing shingles, exposed fiberglass matting, damaged ridge components, granule loss, and impact marks that appear across affected slopes after a storm event.
How do I know if I need repair or replacement after the inspection?
That depends on the extent of the damage, the age of the roof, how many slopes are affected, and whether the roof still has enough life left to justify another repair. A good inspection should explain that tradeoff clearly.
Do you offer free roof inspections in Mid-Missouri?
Yes. CoMo Premium Exteriors offers free roof inspections for homeowners across Columbia, Jefferson City, and surrounding Mid-Missouri communities who want a clear read on storm damage, repair needs, or replacement planning.
Mid Missouri Roofing Installation Process Explained
For homeowners, getting a new roof installed is an exciting time but the process can be stressful if you are not prepared. Here is the roofing installation process explained so that you can understand what to expect.Read More
A Missouri Homeowner’s Guide to Metal & Stone Coated Steel Roofing
Metal and stone coated steel roofing can be a great option for Midwestern homeowners. They are durable options and are available in more styles than many people realize. From an upscale, traditional shingle look to a rustic metal roof look, or even a weathered copper finish there are metal roof options to suit any homeowner’s taste.
What is Metal Roofing and Stone Coated Steel Roofing?
The metal roofs we recommend at CoMo Premium Exteriors are of high quality and comes from trustworthy Missouri manufacturers. Many times, homeowners see metal roofing materials at big box stores and think that product is similar to what we offer. The metal roofs we typically install are known as standing seam roof systems where screws and fasteners are hidden. The metal comes in large sheets that are custom manufactured to the length of your roof (from eave to peak) to minimize the number of seams. All the metal roofing we install and recommend at CoMo Premium exteriors also has matching metal ridge and rake and the metal typically uses Kynar paint, which provides a high-quality hardened finish.
Stone coated steel roofing is different than metal roofing in two major ways. The first is that instead of being large sheets it is individual shingles; the second difference is that each steel shingle is coated with asphalt. These metal and stone shingles give your home the classic look of an architectural, wood shake, or even slate shingle with the durability of steel.
High Quality Metal Roofing v. Hardware Store Metal Roofing
The metal roofing you would want installed on your home may not be the same as metal sheeting you see in your local hardware store. Many big box hardware stores carry a range of metal roofing options, however their lead times and employee knowledge regarding these products can vary greatly. That why it is very important to hire knowledgeable sales representatives like those at CoMo Premium Exteriors who can explain the differences between metal roofing options and provide good advice on what best suits your situation.
Different Aesthetics of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing may have a reputation for looking rustic, but metal roofing can actually look quite elevated and sometimes, doesn’t look like metal at all. There are several options for color and finish of metal roofing. Different metals, of course, have different looks but the metal can also be coated in different colors. Red, green, and shades of gray are all common metal roof colors. There are even metal and finish options that can give your roof a faux weathered look without damaging the integrity of your roof.
Another option to elevate your metal roof is accent metals. A different kind of metal can be used on the ridge and rakes to add contrast and make your home pop.
Durability of Metal and Stone Coated Steel Roofing
One great benefit to purchasing a metal roof is its lifespan, which can last twice as long as asphalt shingles. However, it is important to note that metal roofing can be dented from hail or falling branches during high winds. These dents many times are cosmetic and won’t affect the lifespan of your roof, but some dents can lead to cracks in the finish of the metal. A crack in the coating of your metal roof will expose the raw metal to the elements and lead to rust. Once a small piece of your roof has rusted, it is likely to spread which can lead to leaks.
Stone coated steel roofing does not have the same issues with denting. This shingle option is very durable and the granules are baked onto the shingle during the manufacturing process. While these shingles will lose some granules over time, that loss will occur much slower than with asphalt shingles. Should the roof be damaged by very large hail, additional granule loss can occur at a faster rate.
Price of Metal and Stone Coated Steel Roofing
Metal roofs can cost twice that of traditional asphalt shingled roofs, but that cost varies based on a number of factors and selections. In addition, it is important to consider the cost of insuring a metal roof. While some insurance companies will give you a homeowner’s premium discount for installing a metal roof, there could be issues you don’t want to deal with should a hail storm occur in your area. Most insurers will not cover costs to repair dents in metal roofs if they deem those dents to be merely “cosmetic”. In these instances, homeowners are left with a metal roof that has noticeable “dings” all over it, but unless the paint has come off or the storm damage exposed the roof, these cosmetic dings would not be covered.
Stone coated steel roofing is even more expensive than traditional metal roofing— it is up to 6 times as expensive as asphalt shingles. For many homeowners this cost difference is not worth the added benefits of stone coated steel roofing and they typically opt for traditional metal roofing or asphalt shingles.
Interested in Metal Roofing?
If you are interested in metal or stone coated steel roofing for your home or business reach out to our staff CoMo Premium Exteriors for a complementary inspection from one of our roofing experts. An inspection can tell you if metal or stone coated steel roofing is a good option for you. If you don’t think metal roofing is right for you, there are many other roofing materials that we can explore.
Deciding on Roofing Materials? A Look at Clay Tile & Slate Shingles
An option that can give your home a beautiful and unique look that isn’t often seen in the Midwest are clay tile or slate shingles. True clay tile and slate shingles are rare to see on modern homes in Missouri but were once very popular. In some cases, today, you may think you have seen a clay or slate shingled roof, but it may just be polymer composite shingles in the style of clay or slate.Read More
Everything Know Asphalt Roofing Shingles for Missouri Roof Replacement
Most roofs in the Midwest use asphalt shingles because they are able to endure the harsh winters and hot summers of the Midwest and have a cost-effective price point. Asphalt roofing shingles also come in several styles and colors so, whatever look you are hoping to achieve with your roof, asphalt shingles can likely accomplish it.Read More
Do you have a roof that’s looking dingy, faded and just plain worn? Have you updated other parts of your home and now the style of your roof doesn’t match? It’s probably time to consider your roofing aesthetics and remolding goals. Most homeowners can’t recall the color of their roof when put on the spot because, if it’s doing its job well, it tends to be out of sight out of mind. But the visual difference an updated roof can make is much bigger than you would think.Read More
You might find them at the end of your downspout after a heavy rainstorm, or in your gutters when you are cleaning out leaves. The concern we often hear when homeowners find roof granules goes something like this:
“Is it normal to see so many granules?”
And,
“At some point, will my roof be unprotected because all of the granules have worn off?”
As a locally-owned and operated roofing specialist, we’ve been helping homeowners answer questions like these for years. We know how important it is to have peace of mind and confidence in a good roof over your head. In this blog, we’ll look at what’s normal and help you know when it’s time for you to have an expert assess your roof.
Why does my roof have granules?
Roof shingles have tiny granules that are made from crushed stone and minerals. They’re meant to provide a layer of protection from the elements. Particularly from sun exposure, which can create extensive wear in hot Mid-Missouri summers. Together, millions of granules on your roof shingles are an army of protection from the elements.
What causes roof shingles to lose granules?
In the manufacturing process, there is always an excess of granules that are added to roof shingles. Roofing manufacturers even allow for a loss of granules as part of a roof’s everyday wear and tear. So, when you get a new roof, you should expect to see excess granules, and it’s natural for the loose granules to come off when roofing installers walk on your newly installed roof. You’ll also see excess granules in your downspouts in the following few weeks. After a few rainstorms, you will gradually see less, but it’s completely normal to see them periodically.
There are some things you can spot as you look up at your roof, but ultimately only a skilled roofing contractor can tell you from a close-up inspection. In the meantime, here are some quick things to consider:
Do your roof shingles look old and have bald spots in places?
Are other people in your neighborhood getting a new roof?
Now you can gain peace of mind for free.
If you are unsure if it’s time to get a new roof, one of our experienced roofing specialists can come and look. And the best part? It’s completely free, and if you don’t need a new roof, we will tell you. We just hope you’ll keep us in mind when the time is right.
