Roofing Contractor in Meridian-Kessler, Indianapolis

About Meridian-Kessler

The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis reports the area was first surveyed in 1822, stayed largely rural through the 19th century, and grew rapidly at the turn of the 20th century with the Broad Ripple interurban line. Most of the neighborhood was developed in the 1920s and 1930s. American Four Square homes predominate south of 44th Street, bungalows are found east of College Avenue, and larger period revivals west of College Avenue. Meridian Street between 40th Street and Kessler Boulevard was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Common roof problems in Meridian-Kessler homes

• Chimney and valley leaks on complex roofs
• Tree limb damage from mature canopy
• Gutter and eave problems that cause ice dams
• Worn or layered shingle roofs
• Ventilation and insulation gaps in older attics

Repair or replace?

Repair suits a fairly young roof with limited damage. Replacement suits an old or repeatedly leaking roof. Read repair vs replacement and signs you need a new roof.

Storms and insurance

After hail or wind, document damage before temporary repairs and read your policy. See the hail damage claim guide and storm chaser scams.

What to expect from us

A written inspection with photos, an itemized quote and a written contract.

Meridian-Kessler’s boundaries and history

The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis describes Kessler Boulevard as the western boundary, Meridian Street as the northern boundary, the former Monon Railroad corridor as the eastern boundary and 38th Street as the southern boundary. The area was first surveyed in 1822, and about half the land was cleared for crops, pasture or small apple orchards by 1880. The population stayed under 2,500 through the 19th century.

The turning point came around 1900. The Broad Ripple interurban line ran along College Avenue and linked suburbs to downtown, and the 1920s and 1930s saw the neighborhood’s fastest development. The Encyclopedia notes that Forest-Hills was the one comprehensively planned area, while the rest was platted piece by piece by private landowners, which is one reason the street grid has irregular ends.

Pioneer-era and early homes

About 27 homes built before 1900 still stand, including the Hardin House (about 1832) and the Oliver Johnson House (about 1862). Homes this old need specialist attention. Even a sound roof on a very old house often rests on decking and framing that have seen many seasons.

Winter, storms and insurance

Indianapolis averages about 25.5 inches of snow a year (NWS 1991 to 2020), so winter heat loss and ice dams matter. See ice dams in Indiana. After hail or wind, follow the steps in our hail damage claim guide and beware of storm chaser scams.

Questions to ask your roofer

1. How will you flash the chimneys and valleys?
2. Will you inspect and repair decking?
3. How many layers will you remove?
4. What ventilation changes do you recommend?
5. Is the permit in the contract?

How Meridian-Kessler developed

Wikipedia describes Meridian-Kessler as lying about four miles north of downtown, bounded by Kessler Boulevard, the Monon Trail, 38th Street and Meridian Street. A few wealthy residents built country estates along Meridian Street in the late 1890s. George Kessler redesigned Maple Road as a parkway in 1905, the same year Indianapolis annexed Meridian Street north to Broad Ripple, and the area boomed in the early 1920s. The oldest surviving farmhouse dates to 1832.

Grand homes line Meridian and Pennsylvania streets and Washington Boulevard, and upper-middle-class families built smaller but stately houses throughout the rest of the neighborhood.