Roofing Questions, Honest Answers

How much does a new roof cost in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky?

Most asphalt shingle roof replacements in our area run between $8,000 and $20,000+. The biggest variables are:

• Roof size — measured in squares (1 square = 100 sq ft)
• Pitch — steep roofs cost more in labor and safety equipment
• Tear-off layers — removing 2 layers costs more than 1
• Shingle line — basic 3-tab vs. GAF Timberline HDZ vs. designer shingles
• Decking, ventilation, flashing repairs uncovered during tear-off

We provide free, written estimates so you know the number up front — no surprises.

Why are some quotes so much cheaper than others?

Cheap quotes usually skip something: lower-grade shingles, no ice and water shield, no synthetic underlayment, no ridge vent, missing starter strip, or no warranty. We've replaced too many "cheap" roofs that lasted 8 years instead of 30. Our quotes itemize everything so you can compare apples to apples.

Do you charge for estimates or inspections?

No. Roof inspections, storm damage assessments, and written estimates are 100% free. No obligation, no high-pressure sales.

How long does a roof replacement take?

Most residential asphalt shingle roofs are completed in 1 to 2 days. Larger or more complex roofs (steep pitches, multiple layers, dormers, slate, metal) can take 2 to 3 days.

What does the roof replacement process look like?

• Day 0: Free inspection, written estimate, color/shingle selection, contract.
• Day 1 morning: Materials delivered. Crew protects landscaping, drives, AC units.
• Day 1 daytime: Tear-off down to deck. Damaged decking replaced.
• Day 1 afternoon / Day 2: Ice and water shield, synthetic underlayment, drip edge, starter strip, shingles, ridge cap, ridge vent.
• Day 2 evening: Magnetic sweep for nails, full cleanup, final walkthrough with the homeowner.

Will you replace damaged decking if you find it?

Yes. We always check for soft spots, water damage, or rotted decking once the old roof is off. We replace what's bad and only charge for actual sheets used. We document everything with photos.

Does Great American Roofing handle insurance claims?

Yes — this is a big part of what we do. We:

• Inspect and document storm or hail damage with photos and a written report
• Meet your adjuster on-site and walk the roof together
• Translate the carrier's scope sheet into plain English for you
• File supplements when adjusters miss covered items (decking, ice and water shield, code upgrades, etc.)
• Coordinate the deductible and depreciation release

We work with all major carriers — State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Erie, Travelers, Nationwide, Farmers, USAA, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Cincinnati Insurance, and more.

Will my insurance pay for a new roof?

If your roof has covered storm or hail damage, most homeowner policies will pay to repair or replace it minus your deductible. A free inspection tells you whether you have damage worth filing on. We'll never tell you to file a claim if there's no real damage — that wastes everyone's time.

What's a supplement and why does it matter?

A supplement is an addendum to your insurance claim for items the original adjuster missed or underpaid — for example, decking, drip edge, ice and water shield, or code-required upgrades. Carriers expect supplements; we file them on your behalf.

What warranty do you offer?

As a GAF Certified Installer we offer GAF lifetime material warranties plus our own workmanship warranty. On qualifying full-system installations we can offer enhanced GAF System Plus and Golden Pledge warranties — including extended workmanship coverage backed by GAF directly.

What shingles do you install?

We install GAF exclusively. GAF Timberline HDZ is our standard architectural shingle — it carries a lifetime warranty, has the StainGuard Plus algae warranty, and uses LayerLock technology for the best wind warranty in the industry. We also install GAF designer lines (Camelot, Grand Sequoia) when homeowners want a premium look.

How long does a new roof last?

A properly installed GAF architectural shingle roof should last 25–30+ years in our climate when ventilation is correct. Cheap installs or poor ventilation can cut that in half.

Do you do emergency roof repairs?

Yes — 24/7 emergency tarping after storms, fallen trees, or sudden leaks. Call (513) 886-5730 anytime. We can usually be on site the same day in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

What should I do if I have a leak right now?

• Move furniture and electronics out of the leak path
• Catch water in a bucket; poke a small hole in a sagging ceiling to drain it (sounds wrong but prevents a collapse)
• Take photos of every wet area for your insurance claim
• Call us at (513) 886-5730 — we'll tarp the roof to stop further damage

Do not climb on the roof yourself, especially in rain.

How do I know if I have hail or storm damage?

Most hail damage isn't visible from the ground. Signs include: granules in gutters or downspout discharge, dings on gutters/downspouts/AC fins, soft bruises on shingles that feel like a fresh apple, exposed asphalt mat. We'll inspect for free and tell you straight whether it's worth a claim.

Why hire Great American Roofing instead of a national or storm-chasing roofer?

• Local and owner-operated since 1997 — Shane Iles answers the phone
• GAF Certified Installer with access to enhanced warranties
• We live here. If something goes wrong, we're 30 minutes away — not in another state
• Insurance experts — we know the local adjusters and what carriers expect
• Honest answers. If you don't need a new roof, we'll tell you

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Fully licensed in Kentucky and registered to work in Ohio, with current general liability and workers' comp insurance. Certificates available on request.

Do you require a deposit?

For insurance jobs, no deposit until the work is scheduled — your ACV check from the carrier acts as the down payment. For retail jobs, a small deposit is collected on contract signing; balance is due on completion. We never ask for full payment up front.

What areas do you serve?

Greater Cincinnati OH, all of Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. Specifically:

• Ohio: Cincinnati, Mason, West Chester, Hamilton, Loveland, Milford, Liberty Township, Fairfield, Sharonville, Blue Ash, Montgomery, Madeira, Anderson, Symmes, Indian Hill, Madisonville, Hyde Park, Oakley, Norwood (Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont counties)
• Northern Kentucky: Florence, Hebron, Union, Burlington, Walton, Independence, Erlanger, Edgewood, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Crescent Springs, Crestview Hills, Villa Hills, Park Hills, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Fort Thomas, Cold Spring, Alexandria, Verona, Dry Ridge, Williamstown (Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Grant counties)
• Southeast Indiana: Lawrenceburg, Aurora, Greendale, Bright, West Harrison (Dearborn, Ohio counties)

Don't see your town? Call us — we probably cover it.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We offer financing options including 0% intro APR plans for qualified buyers and longer-term low-payment plans. Apply online or we can get you pre-approved during your free estimate. See financing details.

Can financing cover my deductible on an insurance job?

Yes — many homeowners finance their deductible and pay it off over time. Talk to us during your inspection.