Ames, IA · Roof Inspection

Roof Inspection Services in Ames, Iowa

Know your roof's real condition before it becomes an emergency. 23 local roofers listed.

Short answer: A professional roof inspection in Ames costs $150–$400 for a standard home, and many roofers do it free when you are getting a repair quote; after a hail day or 50+ mph wind, book one before you file a claim. In Ames: 40% of homes built before 1980. Ask any roofer for a license number and a certificate of insurance.

Get a free quote See Ames in numbers
  • 40%of homes built before 1980
  • 1991median year homes were built
  • 27hail days (1 inch+), 2014–2026
  • 42.9%of homes are owner-occupied

How much life is left in my Ames roof?

Typical lifespans are published ranges for each material; for a Ames house, real life also depends on installation, attic ventilation and the weather Ames gets.

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Roof inspections are especially time-sensitive in Ames: with around 5 significant hail events per year, the 30-day window after a storm matters — adjusters and contractors both rely on prompt documentation before weather erodes visible damage evidence. Inspections cost $150 to $400 for a standard home, and many Ames-area contractors offer free assessments when you are actively considering repair or replacement.

Ames in numbers

Public records for Ames and its county, not estimates. Each figure shows its source.

  • #22of 209Ames ranks #22 of the 209 cities we cover for freeze-thaw days.
  • #168of 209Ames ranks #168 of the 209 cities we cover for yearly rainfall (low end).

Hail reports per year in the county

Hail events per year in the county, 2017 to 2025 9 2017 30 2018 8 2019 15 2020 1 2021 3 2022 36 2023 9 2024 15 2025
Hail events per year in the county, 2017 to 2025
20179
201830
20198
202015
20211
20223
202336
20249
202515

126 recorded events across 9 years represented in the data, about 14.0 per represented full year. 2023 had the most events among represented full years: 36.

Source: NOAA hail events, county level · data as of 2017–2025

When storms hit Ames

Hail reports by month in the county, all years combined 0 Jan 0 Feb 22 Mar 33 Apr 52 May 15 Jun 17 Jul 5 Aug 8 Sep 1 Oct 0 Nov 0 Dec
Hail reports by month in the county, all years combined
Jan0
Feb0
Mar22
Apr33
May52
Jun15
Jul17
Aug5
Sep8
Oct1
Nov0
Dec0

Most hail reports come in May; the season runs March to September. Book inspections and repairs before that window, not after.

Source: NOAA Storm Events · data as of 2014–June 2026

Roofing trade around Ames

  • 3 roofing companies with payroll in the county.
  • A roofer's median pay here is $48,660 a year (Iowa).
Source: Census CBP · data as of 2023 Source: BLS OEWS, roofers · data as of May 2025

Ames storm record: Story County

What the National Weather Service logged in Story County in 2014–2026. County level, because storm reports are filed by county, not by city limits.

  • 1864Founded
  • 942 ft (287 m)Elevation
  • Oakes AmesNamed after

Where hail of 1 inch or more was reported in Story County

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  • 891 to 1.74 in
  • 251.75 to 2.74 in, golf ball to tennis ball
  • 12.75 in and up, baseball

Largest plotted stone: 2.75 in. Bigger dots are bigger stones.

115 reports of 1 inch or larger have coordinates. Each dot is a reported location, not a storm path.

Sources: NOAA, Census county outline

Biggest hail days

DateLargest hailReports that dayWhere it was reported
April 12, 2014 2.75 in, about the size of a baseball 17 Roland
May 7, 2023 2.5 in, about the size of a tennis ball 15 Ames
July 11, 2020 2.5 in, about the size of a tennis ball 14 Roland
“Emergency manager relayed a report of tennis ball sized hail at the intersection of 620th ave and 120th st in Story County.”
National Weather Service report, July 11, 2020
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database · data as of 2014–2026

Last big hail on record

May 7, 2023

Hail of 1.75 inches (golf ball) or larger fell on 8 days in 2014–2026. Our records end where NOAA's do, so a newer storm may not be listed yet.

Strongest tornado

EF2 · May 21, 2024

It stayed on the ground for 23.29 miles and was up to 1000 yards wide. This tornado moved into Story County from Polk County. The tornado was quite wide at this point nearing 1000 yards wide at times. Additional EF2 damage occurred 620th Avenue where numerous outbuildings were destroyed.

Strongest thunderstorm gust

100 mph · August 10, 2020

A trained spotter reported large tree branches down, street signs blown down in town, and part of a roof blown off a home.

Storm data: NOAA Storm Events (public domain). City facts: Wikidata (CC0).

What it costs in Ames

Asphalt-shingle re-roof, 2,000 sq ft home, adjusted for Ames labor and material prices. Your quote depends on roof size, pitch and scope.

That typical price is about 3.7% of the median Ames home value ($263,800).

Source: Census ACS (Ames city) · data as of 2019–2023

Full Ames cost guide by material →

What Ames's climate means for roof inspection

  • Schedule a Ames inspection within 30 days of any major hail — adjusters and contractors both rely on prompt documentation before damage weathers away.
  • Annual inspections in Ames target the freeze-thaw weak points — sealant, valleys, and flashing — where leaks begin before they show inside.

Roofers in Ames, IA

23 listed, first 20 shown. Roofers we verified against a public registry come first.

This list covers roofing companies generally. Confirm roof inspection experience, materials, insurance and current availability with each company. A Verified badge refers to the registry check, not a confirmed specialty.

Roof Inspection in Ames: questions

How do I find a roof inspection company in Ames?
PickARoofer lists roofing companies serving Ames, IA. This is a general roofing directory; confirm roof inspection experience and availability with each company. A Verified badge describes a separate registry check, not a confirmed service specialty or insurance check. Confirm scope, insurance and availability directly. Requests go to one contractor at a time, with up to three attempts; a response or start date is not guaranteed. Free for homeowners.
Should I repair or fully re-roof in Ames?
Ask a roofer to document the damage and compare a written repair scope with a replacement estimate. Roof condition, remaining life, materials and the extent of damage affect the decision. Confirm any inspection fee before booking.
How big does hail get near Ames?
The largest hail NOAA logged near Ames measured 2.75 inches, about the size of a baseball. Hail of an inch or more fell on 27 days in the same record. The biggest day was April 12, 2014, with 17 reports. The National Weather Service calls hail of 1 inch or larger severe; the bigger the stone, the more likely it is to crack a shingle.
How long does an Iowa insurer have to answer a roof claim?
Iowa sets time limits in writing. For example, the insurer must acknowledge receipt of your claim notice (payment within the period also satisfies the rule) within 15 days (Iowa Admin. Code r. 191-15.42(1)). The full list and a date calculator are on our Iowa claim-deadlines page: pickaroofer.com/claim-deadlines/ia.
When is hail season in Ames?
May is the worst month: 34% of the 153 hail reports NOAA holds for the county came then. Reports run from March to September. Book the inspection before March, while crews still have open dates.
What does roofing cost in Ames?
For an average 2,000 sq ft home we model asphalt-shingle re-roof at $6,090 to $13,485 in Ames, around $9,800 in the middle. That is about 3.7% of the median home value of $263,800. Your quote moves with roof size, pitch and how many layers come off.
How many roofing companies work around Ames?
The Census Bureau counts 3 roofing companies with payroll in Story County. A roofer's median pay is $48,660 a year (BLS).
How old are the homes in Ames, and does it matter for the roof?
The median home in Ames was built in 1991, and 40% of homes date from before 1980 (Census ACS). A roof on a home that old has often been re-covered at least once, so ask the roofer whether there is a second layer underneath: it changes the tear-off cost. The area sees about 100 freeze-thaw days a year, which loosens flashing and sealant.
How soon should I get a roof inspection after hail in Ames?
Within 30 days of any significant hail event in Ames. Hail damage to asphalt shingles — bruising, granule loss, cracked tabs — is clearest within weeks of impact before UV weathering obscures the soft spots and before subsequent rain washes granule evidence from gutters. Most Ames-area insurers set a one-year filing window for hail claims, but the evidence quality for your adjuster degrades fast. With 5 significant hail events per year here, this is not a theoretical concern.
What will a roof inspector check on a Ames home?
A standard inspection covers shingle condition (cracking, curling, granule loss, missing pieces), flashing integrity at chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall junctions, gutter condition and drainage performance, attic ventilation assessment for moisture and heat buildup, and overall structural assessment of decking and rafters where accessible. You receive a written report with photos and prioritized recommendations. Iowa Contractor Registration required. PickARoofer connects you with Ames inspectors. Contractors with a Verified badge have had their license independently confirmed against the official state registry. Submit above for a free or low-cost initial assessment.
Do I need a permit for roof inspection in Iowa?
Permit requirements depend on the property, scope of work and local jurisdiction. Check with the city or county building department and confirm who will obtain any required permit before work starts.

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Figures above: NOAA Storm Events Database (hail, wind, tornado; county of the city, 2014–2026), U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (housing), NASA POWER (temperature and rain, 2014–2023). Prices: our published price method. How we collect data.