Whether you just bought a new house in Ohio or have lived in yours for years, you’re probably wondering how many years you have left on major appliances and components like your furnace, air conditioning unit, and roof.
And when it’s time for a roof replacement, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth with a roof that lasts for a long time.
We’re going to breakdown:
- Average roof material lifespans 🧓
- Signs your roof is nearing the end of its life 👻
- Ohio-specific weather conditions that can cause damage 🌧️
Average Roof Lifespan By Material
Roofs aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are many roofing materials on the market, and they all have different lifespans. We’ll be taking a closer look at the three most popular roofing materials in Ohio:
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal roofing
- Flat roofing
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the country. They’re definitely the most common in Ohio! Their popularity is due to being an affordable option with decent longevity.
A new asphalt shingle roof will usually run you between $8,000-$18,000, depending on the size of your home and the quality of the shingles you choose. An asphalt roof typically lasts between 15-25 years.
- 3-tab shingles are the most basic type of asphalt shingles. They are the most affordable option, but they rarely last longer than 15-20 years.
- Architectural shingles are more durable and have a beautiful appearance. They cost more upfront but can last 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
Asphalt shingle roofs are most popular on single-family homes, but they’re also ideal for certain commercial properties like churches, multi-family homes, and some retail spaces.
Metal
Metal roofing is growing in popularity, and for good reason. Many people think that metal roofs are unattractive and only for use on barns or sheds. But the reality couldn’t be more different!
Modern metal panels are sleek and aesthetically pleasing, and they’re great for both residential and commercial properties. You can even opt for metal materials that resemble more premium materials, like clay or slate tiles.
While a metal roof replacement could run you closer to $30,000, the investment pays for itself in the long run because metal roofs last between 40 and 70 years!
Flat Roofing
Flat roofs are the most common on commercial buildings like:
- Office parks 🏢
- Malls & retail stores 🛍️
- Grocery stores 🛒
- Apartment buildings & condominiums 🏫
- Restaurants🧑🍳
There are many different types of flat roofing materials, including EPDM, TPO, BUR, modified bitumen, and more! These materials all have slightly different price points and lifespans, but generally, a flat roof lasts between 15-20 years.
Signs You Need a New Roof
There’s no reason to get an entire roof replacement prematurely. You should definitely aim to get the most out of your roof by performing regular maintenance and scheduling annual inspections.
It’ll start to be more obvious when your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Certain issues will arise, such as:
- Increased energy bills
- Roof leaks
- Algae streaks or moss growth on the shingles
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Less resistance to weather events
- Curling shingles
- Shingle granule loss
The best way to keep tabs on when you need a new roof is to schedule a professional roofing inspection at least once a year or after every major storm. The professional opinion from a roofing contractor will give you a heads-up on the overall condition of your roof.
Ohio Weather Considerations That Can Cause Damage
Overall, the weather conditions in Ohio are milder than in other parts of the country.
- West Coast states have risks of earthquakes and wildfires 🔥
- The Southwest experiences desert-like conditions with extreme heat and UV damage 🥵
- Southern and East Coast states are at risk of hurricanes and tropical storms 🌊
We’re pretty lucky here in Ohio, but that doesn’t mean the weather doesn’t still rear its ugly head each year. The most threatening weather events to your Ohio roof are:
- Hail 🧊
- Strong winds 🌬️
- Tornadoes 🌪️
- Lightning ⚡
If harsh weather events continuously beat down your roof, it will likely reach the end of its lifespan earlier than if you experienced mostly mild weather. If a storm damages your roof to the point of needing repairs or a total roof replacement, you have the option to file a homeowners insurance claim.
Regular homeowners insurance policies typically cover roof damage caused by weather events that are common in Ohio, like hail and wind. This is why it’s so important to schedule roof inspections after a major storm. If your trusted roofing contractor finds damage, they can document the damage with photos and write a detailed report of the service you need.
This documentation will come in handy if you choose to file a claim. For your claim to be approved, an insurance adjuster will need to come to your property and inspect your roof. If they also find damage, your claim will be approved, and you’ll receive a coverage check in the mail.
Need an Ohio Roofing Partner? Call Gouge Today!
Is your roof due for a replacement soon? You need to work with an experienced and fully-licensed roofing company to get the longest-lasting and highest-quality result. Gouge Quality Roofing has been serving Ohio home and business owners for years with outstanding and honest roofing solutions.
Reach out to Gouge today for a free estimate!
