The Roof Questions Homeowners In Columbus, Ohio Are Asking Before The Next Storm
A new roof is one of the largest bills a house can hand you, and it rarely arrives on schedule. More homeowners are learning there's more than one way to handle it.
Insurance, quotes, financing, materials and the parts of the house that work with the roof all change what a roof really costs. Below are the topics our readers are reading most right now. Pick the one closest to where you are.
1. The Storm Hit Every House On The Street. The Insurance Checks Were Very Different
Wind and hail don't pick favorites, but roof claims often end very differently. Two similar roofs on the same block can get two very different answers.
Policy type, the age of the roof, the deductible and how the damage is documented all shape what a claim covers. Homeowners who know how the process works before they call tend to have fewer surprises.
See how storm damage claims usually work
2. Three Roofers Walked The Same Roof. Their Quotes Weren't Even Close
Ask for roof replacement quotes and the spread can be surprising. The shingles are only part of it.
Tear-off, decking repairs, ventilation, permits, warranties and how the job is paid for all change the bottom line. Here's how quotes are put together and how homeowners usually pay for a new roof.
3. This New Service Helps You Find A Roofer In Your Area, Without Chasing Callbacks
Finding a roofer usually means a search, a list of names and a week of calling around, often while a tarp does the work. There's a simpler way to start.
ProFindr is a new service that shows you roofing pros who serve your area. Search for what you need, from a small leak to storm repairs or a full replacement, then call a local pro directly. You can ask for a quote before any work starts.
Find my roofer4. Metal Roofs Are Showing Up On Ordinary Houses. Here's How They Stack Up Against Shingles
Metal used to mean barns and cabins. Now standing-seam panels and metal shingles are going on suburban homes in every kind of climate.
Asphalt shingles still cover most houses and cost less up front. Metal lasts longer and handles some weather better. Which one makes sense depends on how long you plan to stay, your climate and your budget.
See how metal and shingle roofs compare
5. Most Roof Problems Start Small. An Inspection Is How They Get Caught Early
Lifted shingles, cracked flashing and worn seals around vents rarely look like much from the driveway.
A roof inspection checks the surface, the flashing, the gutters and the attic underneath. Here's what an inspector looks for, when an inspection makes sense, and how it ties into insurance and home sales.
Two add-ons that change how hard a roof has to work.
6. Solar Panels Go On The Roof. How They're Paid For Matters Just As Much
Rooftop solar has gone mainstream, and the ways people pay for it vary more than the panels do.
Cash, loans, leases and power purchase agreements all work differently, and tax credits and local programs change the math. Here's how each one works.
See how rooftop solar is paid for
See Solar Payment Options
7. Clogged Gutters Can Shorten A Roof's Life. Gutter Guards Are How Many Homes Avoid It
Overflowing gutters push water back under the shingles and into the fascia boards.
Mesh, screen, reverse-curve and foam guards each handle leaves differently. Here's how they work and which types tend to last.
Compare Gutter Guards8. A Hot Attic Can Wear Out A Roof Years Early. Ventilation Is Usually Why
Shingles age from both sides. Heat and moisture trapped in the attic bake them from underneath and can lead to ice dams in winter.
Ridge vents, soffit vents and insulation work together, and the right fix depends on how your attic is built. Here's how attic ventilation works and why roofers check it first.
See how attic ventilation affects a roof
9. Roofing Crews Are Hiring In Almost Every State. The Way In Is Shorter Than Most People Think
Every storm season reminds contractors how few trained roofers there are, and many say they can't hire fast enough.
Apprenticeships, trade programs and on-the-job training are how most people get started. Here's how training works, what the work involves and what it pays.
10. A Low Credit Score Doesn't Have To Mean Living With A Leaking Roof
When a roof gives out, waiting to save up isn't really an option. And a rough credit history can make the usual financing feel out of reach.
Contractor payment plans, home improvement loans and home equity options all work differently, and some are built for people rebuilding their credit. Here's how they compare and what to watch for.
See Financing Options
11. New Siding Changes How A House Looks And How It Holds Up. Here's How The Options Compare
Siding takes the same weather the roof does, and many homeowners replace both around the same time.
Vinyl, fiber cement and engineered wood differ in upkeep, lifespan and price. Here's how they compare and how the work is usually paid for.
Compare Siding OptionsTopics are updated regularly as costs, coverage and options change. Availability varies by location.