In Central Iowa, homeowners are in a quandary. To answer the “question”, an educated guess is required to restore the roof now or wait until the next derecho, which will surely bag another insurance claim. Let’s get the facts and make an informed decision.
According to Lending Tree, many insurance home insurance companies are no longer issuing premiums In Iowa due to the commonality of derechos, which often damage roofs. After the Big One in 2020, less severe derechos occurred in Central Iowa in December 2021, May 2022, June 2023 and July 2024 – resulting in more roof claims. Between 2020 and 2025 rates for home insurance in Iowa increased 96%, the second highest in the U.S., behind Colorado, the report shows. Iowa’s insurance loss ratio – the amount an insurance company pays claims compared to the income it receives from premiums – between 2020 and 2024 was 118%, the second highest in the country behind Louisiana, the report said.
Now, back to that decision quandary. Skyrocketing homeowners’ insurance costs are prompting some real estate agents to add a new contingency to purchase agreements for homes, making offers subject to the home’s insurability and buyers’ ability to afford the premiums. Further, in a February 2026 Business Record interview with Scott Steelman, the CEO of Iowa Realty, homes become less insurable once the roof reaches 10 years old. This helps answer the quandary for two very good reasons.
In the same article, Lending Tree’s Rob Bhatt said “Homeowners can do some of these things, too, like strengthening roofs and installing wind-resistant windows. … Anytime you can prevent or reduce damage also reduces the impacts on the insurance industry.” Strengthening roofs is referring to not just minor repairs, but applying nanosilica to the roof, for the purpose of upgrading shingles from a derecho damaging Class 1 or 2 to a derecho protective Class 3 or 4 category. This is exactly what Nanosilica Contractors LLC advocates.
Secondly, after any roof restoration, Nanosilca Contractors will contact the homeowners insurance company to help restore the insurance premium as well, since the roof is now safe up to 120 mph derecho speeds. So the quandary is settled: restore the roof now and pay less insurance or wait until the next derecho, which will surely come, and see further home insurance rates go up another 96% or more, to the point where an insurance premium, even if it could be found, will be so expensive to make home ownership a near impossible feat.
🔬 Understanding Nanosilica
Nanosilica is an inorganic material made up of extremely tiny particles, so small that billions can exist within a single coating. Despite their microscopic size, these particles bring remarkable strength and durability when applied to surfaces like asphalt shingles.
This advanced technology is used in cutting-edge solutions like GoNano NuRoof, a high-performance roof protectant designed to go far beyond traditional sealants.
🧪 The Technology Behind GoNano NuRoof
GoNano NuRoof combines nanosilica particles with a soy-based bio-oil carrier, inspired by research developed at the School of Engineering at Iowa State University.
The purpose of this bio-oil is simple yet powerful:
👉 It carries nanosilica deep into the roof structure, ensuring full penetration instead of just surface coating.
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⚠️ The Problem with Traditional Roof Sealants
Most conventional sealants—especially those made from soy or corn bio-oils—only:
- Fill gaps between shingles
- Provide temporary surface protection
- Fail to strengthen the internal structure
Over time, roofs still suffer from:
- Sun exposure ☀️
- Rain and moisture 🌧️
- Temperature changes 🌡️
- General wear and tear
🚀 How Nanosilica Works (The Game Changer)
Unlike traditional solutions, nanosilica technology works from the inside out.
Once GoNano NuRoof is applied:
- It penetrates deep into each asphalt shingle
- A chemical reaction begins inside the material
- S1 particles are formed
- These particles bond the granules together at a molecular level
👉 This creates a stronger, more durable internal structure—not just a surface layer.
🛡️ Inside-Out Protection for Maximum Durability
This unique bonding process delivers:
- Stronger resistance against harsh weather
- Reduced granule loss
- Improved waterproofing
- Long-lasting structural integrity
Instead of simply covering damage, nanosilica reinforces your roof from within.
💰 Long-Term Savings & Performance
One of the biggest advantages of nanosilica technology is its ability to extend the lifespan of your roof.
✔ Fewer repairs
✔ Delayed roof replacement
✔ Better long-term performance
This means significant cost savings for homeowners over time.
⚡ Why Nanosilica Outperforms Bio-Oil Solutions
While soy and corn-based sealants have their place, they lack one critical feature:
❌ No molecular bonding
❌ No deep structural reinforcement
✅ Nanosilica, on the other hand, delivers scientifically advanced protection that bio-oil alone simply cannot achieve.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Nanosilica represents a major leap forward in roofing technology. By combining nanotechnology with innovative application methods, solutions like GoNano NuRoof are transforming how roofs are protected and maintained.
Instead of short-term fixes, you get:
✔ Deep penetration
✔ Strong molecular bonding
✔ Long-lasting protection
👉 The result? A stronger, more resilient roof—and complete peace of mind for years to come.