Roofing Contractors in Cincinnati, OH
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City Roofing Buying Guide Cincinnati, OH
Making the decision to have a new roof installed is a big choice both in time and money. It is a project that needs careful planning and the right people to do the job. This guide outlines the basic areas you’ll need to consider to ensure a smooth transition from the old to the new in a timely and cost effective manner.
Cincinnati Roof Buying Checklist
This short check list will help guide and keep you on track with the upcoming new roof installation project:
- Cincinnati Climate Consideration
- What You Need to Know About Permits
- Crucial Contractor Selection
- Knowing About the Types of Roofing Material Available
- Cost and Financing Options for New Roofing in Cincinnati
Cincinnati Climate Consideration
The weather for the city of Cincinnati runs the spectrum from very high to very low when it comes to year round temperatures. Generally, the summer highs can reach the mid 90-degree mark while winter temperatures can reach the low 30-degree area. The city does receive high marks for sunshine with an average of 222 days per year. The average for rainy days is 107 with an average of 44 inches per year, which is higher than the U.S. average of 37 inches. The comfort level for humidity is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 44 out of a 100 with a rating of 30 out of a 100. The higher the rating, the better.
Knowing about the climate in your area will help in determining the type of roofing material to buy. Discuss which roofing material is best suited for your property with your contractor as not all materials have the same durability and longevity and some may work better in other regions than Cincinnati.
What You Need to Know About Roof Permits in Cincinnati
In Cincinnati, the city has specific situations when a permit and inspection is required and when it is not. For building repairs, which is the category a new roof may fall under, a permit is required. A permit is not required if the new roof covering does not exceed two layers of material. This is something your contractor can help you with so you’ll know how to proceed.
Contact the Business Development and Permit Center located at 805 Central Ave., Suite 500, Cincinnati, 45202. You may also call (513) 352-3271. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Crucial Roof Contractor Selection in Cincinnati
Ask friends and co-workers for recommendations, use the Better Business Bureau to check the history of local contractors, and use the free search tool at the Ohio Department of Commerce OCILB eLicense Center’s website to validate a potential contractor’s license.
When getting estimates from contractors be sure all fees are included with the exception of unforeseen repairs that aren’t visible until work begins. Discuss this possibility with the contractor. Also included should be information about the warranty for the work completed, a start and end date, as well as be signed and dated.
Knowing About the Types of Roofing Material Available
Discuss with your contractor the types of roofing material that are applicable to the roof design of your property. The most common materials are:
- Hot mop – this material is applied to flat roofs. It is easy to install but requires more maintenance than other materials.
- Fiber cement – provides a fire proof covering. It is also recyclable and can last for 20-30 years.
- Metal roofing – available in stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, the material is recyclable with a lifespan up to 50 years.
- Asphalt shingles – low cost and easy to install, it is one of the most popular materials. It is durable and can last 15-30 years.
- Clay roofing or slate tiles – a much heavier material that requires a framework to support the tiles. Slate tiles can last 50-100 years and clay more than 50 years.
Cost and Financing Options for New Roofing in Cincinnati
To give you an idea of an estimated cost for a new roof in Cincinnati, the following is the low and high estimates for a 2,500 square foot property in zip area 45202 with wood shingles being installed.
- Low estimate includes shingles, labor, materials and supplies and equipment allowance – $11,801.22. The high estimate is $19,574.34. The major difference in cost is the material itself and labor.
- On the low end, shingles are based on $4.72 per square foot for a total of $8,276.50. The high estimate for shingles is based on $7.83 per square foot for an estimated total of $11,808.25.
There are a couple of resources to check that can help with costs. A federal tax rebate from Energy Star is available when meeting the requirements for asphalt shingles or metal roofing.
Another very useful resource is the U.S. Department of Energy website for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This page lists multiple options for loans, grants, and programs. A new roofing process may include updating or adding new roof insulation, which is one of the areas with available programs to quailfy for. The Weatherization Assistance Program through the DOE, for example, offers a grant program when you add new roof insulation.
Asking questions and communicating with your contractor as well as following the requirements for the city will keep the project on track and cost effective.