10 Best Roof Repair in Columbus, OH

What are common roofing issues?

Your roof is bound to experience issues at some point, even with proper maintenance. Carrying out routine inspections allows you to find issues before your roof needs expensive repairs.

During your visual inspection, keep an eye out for the following common problems.

Damaged shingles

A common roofing problem is cracked, broken or worn shingles. While asphalt shingles generally last 20–30 years, exposure to extreme weather, wind, rain and ultraviolet radiation erodes them over time, leading to cracking or lifting. When shingles become broken or missing, moisture can seep into your roofing system, which can cause leaks, mold growth and deterioration in your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing—the metal sheets around a roof’s joints, dormers and vents—deflects runoff away from vulnerable seams and transition points. Improperly installed or deteriorated flashing can create a common entry point for water into your home. Check for flashing failure when you see sagging areas, peeling paint, moisture stains, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams or leaks coming from joints.

Leaks

Roof leaks occur when sealed joints, such as seams and flashing, shift and allow water in. Repairing leaks early helps avoid more substantial damage down the line.

Poor insulation

Attics with insufficient insulation lead to extreme temperatures in your home. This causes issues such as high energy bills, ice dams, mold, damaged rafters and leaks. Ensuring your attic has proper insulation suitable for the local climate can yield substantial energy savings.

Standing water

Standing water is common due to accumulated debris or low areas in your roof’s decking. This causes standing water after storms. Moisture saturation and roof rotting can occur if not cleared within 48 hours. It also puts major weight stress on your roof. Standing water can point to a need to replace the roof surface due to a slope or bad drainage. Clear out debris frequently and make sure there’s proper drainage to prevent these issues.

What are signs you need roof repair?

A certified roofer can diagnose and fix any issues with your roof. You may need to contact an expert if you see the following:

• Water in your attic: Wet insulation means there may be gaps in your roof. This points to improper insulation and heat loss through your roof deck.
• Damaged shingles: Shingles that are broken, curled or missing allow moisture into your roof, which can cause structural problems through rotting in the decking and rafters.
• Discoloration: Dark stains on the undersides of your rafters or decking can mean leaking, which will need to be repaired.
• Mildew or mold: Powdery mildew and mold indicate roof leaks. These can lead to health issues and structural damage, so you should rectify them as soon as possible.
• Rust: Rust on your flashing or fasteners weaken weatherproofing and the integrity of your home.
• Visible sagging: Too much weight stress on roof sheathing, rafters and joists can cause visible sagging, a warning sign of a potential collapse. Reasons for extra weight can be concrete pavers, overwhelmed drainage, excess insulation, dense clay tiles or mechanical equipment. Moisture and severely warped sheathing can also reduce the roof’s effectiveness at draining precipitation, leading to standing water, which exacerbates the problem.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

A roof’s life span depends on maintenance, installation quality, roof material and climate, with proper installation being most important.

General asphalt roofs have an average life span of 20–30 years. Architectural shingles can last longer, up to 25–30 years, in comparison with traditional three-tab shingles, which usually last around 15–20 years. Properly maintained wood shingles or shake roofs can last about 20–25 years. However, they are prone to insect damage, mold and rot.

metal, Concrete and slate are some of the most durable roofing materials. Metal generally lasts 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs can last 50 years or more and sometimes last over a century with proper maintenance. Slate is one of the most durable materials, with slate roofs lasting for over a century.

How can you save money on a Columbus roof repair?

Roof repairs are expensive, but you can take the following measures to reduce costs.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Homeowners insurance usually covers roof repairs due to damage from fallen trees, storms, fires and certain other hazards. Check the exact coverage details and limits of your policy.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Compare the rates and services offered by multiple roofing companies in Columbus. This allows you to make an educated decision.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: After finishing your repairs, you should focus on performing regular inspections and maintenance on your roof. The timely identification and repair of minor issues can help prevent them from becoming extensive and costly problems.
• Invest in preventive measures: Consider preventive measures such as adding insulation and improving ventilation. These help prevent moisture damage and future repair needs while also bringing down energy bills.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Roofing contractors may offer discounts or be more willing to negotiate prices during off-season periods. Avoid booking repairs during the wet season as bad weather may raise the cost.

Our methodology for selecting roof repair companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.