A Roof Replacement in Iowa City
After a powerful windstorm swept through Johnson County, the Ben family’s home in Iowa City suffered significant roof damage. Missing shingles, exposed underlayment, and a few small leaks made it clear that a repair wouldn’t be enough. They needed a full replacement.
The Bens contacted Ridge Valley Roofing & Siding after a neighbor recommended our free drone inspection. We flew our drone over their home, captured detailed photos of the wind damage, and walked them through every problem area. They appreciated the honest, no‑pressure assessment and decided to move forward with a complete tear‑off and new roof installation.
Project Location
Iowa City, in the heart of Johnson County. The Ben home is in a established neighborhood with mature trees and a mix of older and newer homes. The windstorm had hit the area hard, and many neighbors were dealing with similar damage.
Materials Used
- GAF Timberline HDZ Architectural Shingles – These shingles feature LayerLock™ technology for superior wind resistance, rated up to 130 mph. They also have a built‑in adhesive strip that seals quickly in warm weather.
- Synthetic underlayment – More durable and tear‑resistant than traditional felt paper. It also provides better waterproofing.
- Drip edge – Installed along the eaves and rakes to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters.
- Ridge vents – Added to improve attic airflow, reducing the risk of ice dams and extending shingle life.
The Work Process
Our crew arrived on a Tuesday morning. We tarped the yard, set up magnetic nail sweepers, and began the tear‑off. The old shingles were curled, cracked, and had significant granule loss – clear signs they were past their prime.
Underneath, we found a few areas of rotted decking near the chimney and valleys. We replaced those with new plywood, then installed ice and water shield in the valleys and along the eaves for extra protection against ice dams and wind‑driven rain.
The new GAF Timberline HDZ shingles went down quickly. Their LayerLock technology creates a strong seal between shingles, which is critical for Iowa’s high winds. We also installed new flashing around the chimney and all roof penetrations.
By Thursday afternoon, the roof was finished. We did a final cleanup with magnet sweepers and blowers, then walked the property with the Bens to make sure they were completely satisfied.
The Result
The Ben family now has a durable, wind‑resistant roof backed by GAF’s 10‑year SureStart warranty. The new shingles can handle winds up to 130 mph, giving them peace of mind for future storms. The ridge vents also improved attic ventilation, which helps prevent ice dams in winter.
“The drone inspection showed us damage we never would have seen from the ground,” said Mr. Ben. “The crew was professional, cleaned up every nail, and finished on time. We feel much safer now.”
Would You Like a Similar Free Inspection?
If your roof has wind or hail damage – or if you’re not sure – schedule a free drone inspection. We’ll fly over your home, capture photos, and give you an honest assessment. No pressure, no charge.
