One fee the city sets plainly
Most of a re-roof's price is labor and materials, which only a quote can tell you. But Sioux Falls makes one part simple. The City of Sioux Falls charges a flat $40 permit fee for residential re-shingling and residing, as well as for window replacements (sashes only). That flat fee covers straightforward re-shingling; structural changes are a different permit. Ask your roofer to confirm the job qualifies and that the permit is in the price.
The license to ask for
In Sioux Falls, contractors doing shingling, siding, or window and door replacement with no structural changes on one- and two-family homes and townhomes need the city's Residential Roofing & Repair license, which takes an exam. Ask for the license number, check it with the city, and be cautious with any crew that cannot produce it.
What the climate asks of a roof
NOAA's engineering weather data for Sioux Falls lists a 50-year ground snow load of 40 pounds per square foot and about 75 freeze-thaw cycles a year. Snow that melts and refreezes at the eaves can push water under shingles. When you compare plans, ask about:
- ice-and-water membrane along the eaves and in valleys, and how far up it runs;
- attic insulation and ventilation, which keep the roof deck cold and limit ice dams;
- the condition of the decking, which deep cold and moisture can weaken over time.
Wind is the other test
During the May 12, 2022 derecho, straight-line winds of 50 to 70 mph were widespread across the region, with smaller areas of 80 to 100 mph. Ask for the shingle's wind rating, the nailing pattern the manufacturer requires to meet it, and how the roofer secures starter strips and ridge caps.
What a quote should include
Ask for each item in writing:
- tear-off of existing layers and disposal;
- decking repairs, with a price per sheet;
- ice-and-water membrane, synthetic underlayment, drip edge and flashing;
- ventilation changes, if any;
- the permit and cleanup, including nails in the lawn.
After a big storm
Storm crews arrive in Sioux Falls quickly after hail or wind. Photograph damage, cover any openings, and call your insurer before you sign. Check every crew's city license; a contractor who is not on the city's list cannot pull the permit.
Finishing up
Ask for the final inspection, the manufacturer warranty registration and the roofer's workmanship warranty in writing. Keep them with the permit and the invoice.
Timing the job
Shingles need mild temperatures to seal properly, so most Sioux Falls re-roofs happen between late spring and early fall. Booking in winter for a spring start often gets better scheduling. If a roof must be replaced in cold weather, ask how the crew will make sure the shingles seal down and what hand-sealing they will do.