Your Last Roofing Inspection Was When?

If you're like many homeowners you have never been on your roof and don't know much about what's up there.You figure that if there's no rain or snow in your home, everything must be okay. The problem with this reasoning is that by the time you realize your roof could be failing, you might have already incurred expensive water intrusion damage.

Schedule Regular Inspections With a Roofing Contractor

The old adage is that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The speaker very well may have had the roof in mind. An experienced roofing contractor can spend an hour on your roof every year taking care of minor issues that left unattended, might result in hundreds of dollars of interior damage to your home. The contractor can also provide you with advance notice of when to start budgeting for a new roof and help you choose from the many types of roofing materials available today.

Choosing Types of Roofing Materials

When the time comes to install a new roof, the material you choose can contribute to giving your home a whole new look. Standing seam metal can result in an antique appearance that might look right at home in New England or Colonial Williamsburg. Metal shingles might make your home look contemporary and modern or Cedar shakes could turn it into a rustic retreat — or at least make it appear that way. If you like Southwestern styling, you may want to ask your roofing contractor about roof tiles and whether they're suitable for your climate.

Slate has been used as a roofing material for hundreds of years, and if you want an elegant appearance, it's hard to beat. When considering types of roofing, don't overlook asphalt shingles because you want something less common. Modern asphalt shingles are very different from those on your parents' home — there are numerous styles, colors, and thicknesses to pick from and many are very budget-friendly.

You can even make your home more energy efficient with the roof materials you choose — some shingles and metal products are designed to reflect heat from the sun to lower your summer cooling bills. You might also want to ask your roofing contractor about "green" materials such as synthetic slate and aluminum.

Pricing for a New Roof

The costs for having a new roof installed can vary greatly depending on the size and style of your home and the types of materials you're considering. Asphalt shingles are usually the most economical choice and can start around $160 a square for material and installation costs for an average home. Slate is at the other end of the price spectrum, and choosing it could result in costs of over $800 a square for a new roof to be installed.

The good news is that you may be able to recover some of your costs for a new roof — Remodeling Magazine's "Cost vs. Value Survey" for 2010 shows that on average homeowners might be able to recoup about 60 percent of their costs for a new roof when they sell their home. That percentage may fluctuate depending on where your home is located.

When Was Your Last Roof Inspection?

If you're like many Ohio homeowners, you’ve probably never set foot on your roof and have no idea what condition it’s in. You might assume if you’re not seeing leaks or snow intrusion, everything must be fine. But Ohio’s harsh winters, hailstorms, high winds, and seasonal temperature swings can cause roof damage that goes unnoticed until it’s too late. By the time you see interior stains or moisture, you may already be facing costly water damage and repairs.

Schedule Regular Inspections With a Local Roofing Contractor

The old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" could not be truer for Ohio homes. Annual roof inspections by an experienced local contractor can catch minor damage from snow load, ice dams, or windblown debris long before it becomes a serious problem.

Your roofer can also provide insight into how long your roof is expected to last in Ohio’s climate and help you plan and budget for a future replacement. And when it’s time, they can guide you in selecting the right materials to stand up to the Buckeye State’s unpredictable weather.

Choosing Roofing Materials for Ohio Homes

When replacing your roof, the material you choose can both transform your home’s curb appeal and determine how well it performs in Ohio’s weather.

• Metal roofing, especially standing seam, is growing in popularity across Ohio thanks to its durability, snow-shedding ability, and long lifespan.
• Asphalt shingles remain the most common and cost-effective choice, with many styles now designed to withstand 120+ mph winds and resist algae growth (ideal for Ohio’s humid summers).
• Synthetic slate or architectural shingles can give your home an upscale look at a fraction of traditional costs — perfect for historic neighborhoods in places like Dayton or Akron.
• Cedar shakes may offer a rustic look, but may require more maintenance in Ohio’s wet, freeze-prone climate.

You can also ask your contractor about energy-efficient cool roof materials that reflect the sun’s rays — especially valuable during Ohio’s humid summers — and green materials like recycled synthetic options.

Roofing Prices in Ohio

Costs for installing a new roof in Ohio vary based on home size, roof shape, and materials used:

• Asphalt shingles typically range from $6,000 to $12,000 for an average home in Ohio.
• Metal roofing may cost between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on type and slope.
• Premium materials like slate can run $800 or more per square (100 ft²), making them ideal for high-end or historically designated properties.

The good news: You might be eligible to recoup part of your roofing investment through both home resale value and local incentives.

• According to the Journal of Light Construction's 2024 Cost vs. Value data, roof replacements in the Midwest often recoup around 50% to 60% or more of their cost upon resale.
• Ohio homeowners may also benefit from utility rebates, federal tax credits, and state-supported energy-efficiency loans, depending on the materials you select.