Roofing Buying Guide for Ohio
A new roof is a big undertaking and planning it from the get-go can help bring the project in on time. This state buying guide is a compilation of the basic areas you’ll want to cover to keep the project on a positive path that is both cost effective and installed to the highest standards.
Basic Checklist for New Roofing in Ohio
This short check list is designed to help guide you through the basic steps involved with a new roof installation project in Ohio:
- Climate is a Consideration
- Know When a Permit and Inspection is Required
- Contractor Selection Tips
- Types of Roofing Material
- Cost, Financing Options, and Resources in Ohio
- Unforeseen Situations
- Considerations
- Benefits of Installing a New Roof in Ohio
Ohio Climate is a Consideration
Cities throughout the state have a diverse climate ranging from summer high temperatures in the 90s to extremely cold winters. Rainfall is higher in some cities than the U.S. average while snowfall may be minimal. Many locations need to factor in their lower comfort index figures, which means the city experiences higher than normal humidity.
While climate does play a role in the effectiveness of the durability and longevity of roofing materials, it also factors in when choosing the type of roofing material to be installed on your property. Not all materials have the same sustainability in one region as it does in another. With this in mind, discuss roofing material options with your contractor to ensure you’re buying the right material for your region.
Know When a Permit and Inspection is Required
This is an extremely important step you do not want to ignore or make any assumptions about. It is better to check and be safe than to be sorry later down the line. As a general rule, a building permit is required for new roof installation but there may be an exception for your city if the new roofing does not exceed two layers of material.
The first step is contacting the building and development center for your city to determine what the requirements are for both a new roof and an inspection. If your city does not require a permit because the new material does not exceed the two-layer limit, have your roofing material level verified by a contractor, or, your city may require this be done by a city inspector. Either way, determine if a permit is or is not needed prior to any work being started on the roof installation. If it’s found by an inspector work was begun and a permit is actually required, you could be facing a fine and other fees set forth by the city.
Roof Contractor Selection in Ohio
Checklist for hiring a contractor:
- Get a recommendation from someone you trust who has had a new roof installed. If this isn’t an option, research local roofing contractors.
- Schedule a meeting with at least 3 contractors at your property so they can provide you with an estimate. This will be based on the square footage of your property and the type of material being used.
- The estimate should be inclusive of the estimated cost for roofing material, labor, supplies and materials, and any additional equipment that may be necessary.
- Discuss with the contractor the possibility of additional repair work that may be necessary and how that will factor into the final cost.
- The estimate should have a full date including month, day and year as well as be signed by an authorized individual.
- It is recommended that you check the contractors you are considering with the Better Business Bureau for any adverse reviews or complaints.
- Validate each potential contractor’s license using the handy online search tool from the Ohio Department of Commerce eLicense Center which allows you to check the credentials of the contractors.
- Be aware of scams that offer to install a new roof but the person offering does not have the appropriate license or certification required for roof installation. Also, some potential scammers may tell you a permit is not required, when in fact it is. Do your own checking with the city ahead of time where you reside for an official determination of permitting and inspection.
Types of Roofing Materials in Ohio
When choosing a roofing material, your contractor will be a goldmine of information providing you with details about the pros and cons of each type. The contractor will also let you know, based on the design of the property’s roof, which material is most effective and which material is not applicable.
The most common types of roofing material include asphalt shingles, metal, wood shakes, fiber cement, slate, tile, and the hot mop method. Each of these have pros and cons from low cost, easy installation, and length of the material’s lifespan to it being fire proof, recyclable, and eco-friendly. A couple – slate and clay – require additional work as a framework must be assembled to hold the heavy material.
Talk to your contractor about the available choices and the materials that are appropriate for the design of the roof. What may work on a gable or arched roof may not work efficiently on a mansard or pyramid style roof.
Cost, Financing Options, and Resources for New Roofing in Ohio
A new roof can run anywhere from $8,000 to $19,000, or more, based on the size of the area, type of roofing material selected, and any additional materials needed. The estimate from your contractor may not include other fee-related items such as transportation of labor, permit and inspection fees, removal container, removal of old materials, checking for hazardous material such as asbestos, prior to starting the project and cleaning up the work site.
A new roof can be a hefty investment and it can tax the budget of any property owner. The following are a few suggestions to consider:
- Use the equity in your home for a home equity loan. These usually carry a decent interest rate and it gives you the option to use the equity for additional home improvements.
- Cash is best but that may not be an option. Consider applying for a loan from your lending institution.
- A credit card should be avoided, if at all possible, simply because of the additional cost of a higher interest rate.
- Visit the Department of Energy website for Ohio for a listing of available programs, loans, grant,s and incentives. Check for roofing programs as well as programs covering attic insulation, which you may want to consider having updated and replaced.
- Should you choose metal or asphalt shingle roofing, a federal tax credit is available from Energy Star for qualifying applicants that meet the requirements for these roofing materials.
Unforeseen Situations of Roof Installation
There are unforeseen situations that arise that no one has control over and a new roofing project is no exception. Here are several things that may affect the project:
- Repairs have been found under the current roofing that must be addressed before the new material is installed. This includes wood rot, damaged beams, damaged deck boarding and signs of leaking.
- The weather may not always cooperate and if you choose the rainy season for a new roof, be prepared for delays.
- Should either repairs or weather conditions hold up progress, this can prolong the date when the project was to be completed. On average, a new roof can take from 2 to 10 days. Have a backup plan in place should your project take longer than anticipated.
Considerations with New Roof Installation
There are several areas to consider when having a new roof installed that you may not be aware of. Here are a few things to think about:
- Before having a new roof installed, take care of any other type of exterior repairs, replacements, upgrades, or any other type of activity that may require access to the roof. This includes projects such as cleaning gutters, repairing a chimney, replacing or adding soffits, tree trimming, or painting the exterior. The goal is to prevent excess traffic on the new roofing.
- When having a new roof installed, contact your homeowner’s insurance company and ask about any upgrades that the contractor can do that will save you money. For some companies, having hurricane clips installed or having a specific nail pattern used when securing the roofing material can result in a discount.
- Have your budget in order if you plan to finance. A new roof can be a considerable expense depending on the size of the property and the roofing material selected.
- Consider the color of the material and its effect on the energy efficiency of your home. White material repels the heat from the sun while black or dark colors absorb the heat.
Benefits of Installing a New Roof in Ohio
The most obvious benefit of a new roof is in securing your property from the elements for years to come. There are a few more benefits worth mentioning:
- Interior energy efficiency will increase as long as the rest of the home is tightened up to prevent leaks around doors, windows, fireplaces, or foundation.
- The curb appeal goes up dramatically.
- The property value increases immediately.
- Homeowners planning to sell have several marketable selling points. A new roof means a replacement is not on the immediate horizon for new buyers and some materials can be recycled making the roofing material eco-friendly and considered a “green” candidate.
In closing, for the most part, a new roofing installation project runs smoothly especially when you have an expert roofing contractor and crew on the job. Keep the checklist handy, follow it, and refer to it throughout the duration so you know all the steps for a successful installation have been addressed.