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Roofing, Custom Garages and Deck Builders in Central Ohio Including the Areas of-

Ashille, Bexley, Canal Winchester, Columbus, Dublin, Franklinton, Gahanna, Galloway, Grandview, Grandville, Grove City, Groveport, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Obetz, Olde Towne East, Pickerington, Upper Arlington, Valleyview, Westerville, Whitehall and Worthington.

In Ohio’s climate—cold winters with snow, rain, and occasional storms—asphalt shingles are generally the best choice due to their balance of cost, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Best Types of Asphalt Shingles for Ohio

  1. Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles
    • Thicker, more durable than 3-tab shingles.
    • Better at handling wind and snow.
    • Offer a more textured, aesthetic look.
  2. Impact-Resistant Shingles
    • Designed to withstand hail and debris.
    • Slightly heavier and more expensive but provide extra protection.
  3. Asphalt Shingles with Algae Resistance
    • Ohio’s humid summers and shade can promote algae growth.
    • Algae-resistant options help keep your roof clean and prevent staining.

Why asphalt shingles are ideal

  • Cost-effective and widely available.
  • Good lifespan (typically 20-30 years).
  • Proven resilience in Ohio’s weather.
  • Available in many styles and colors to match your home.

Additional tips:

  • Wind Ratings: Opt for shingles rated for high wind resistance, especially if your area is prone to storms.
  • Quality Brands: Consider reputable brands like GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning, which offer durable, weather-rated shingles.

Top Asphalt Shingle Brands

1. GAF

  • Popular Lines:
    • Camelot (Architectural, Lifetime warranty)
      • timberline* (Most popular, affordable and durable)
    • Eagle Valley (Impact-resistant)
  • Strengths: Extensive color options, excellent warranty coverage, and trusted reputation.

2. CertainTeed

  • Popular Lines:
    • Architectural shingle (Monogram)
    • Golf Shore (Luxury shingles)
    • Landmark (Cost-effective, durable)
  • Strengths: Wide aesthetic options, high wind resistance, and good warranty.

3. Owens Corning

  • Popular Lines:
    • TruDefinition Duration (Impact-resistant, good value)
    • CertainTeed’s Highland Slate (Though a different brand, related)
  • Strengths: Excellent durability, vibrant color options, and reliable warranties.

4. Atlas

  • Popular Lines:
    • StormMaster (Impact-resistant, heavy-duty)
    • Ultraflex (Lightweight, flexible)
  • Strengths: Innovative technology, good for storm-prone areas, affordable.

Color Choices for Asphalt Shingles

Color choice greatly influences your curb appeal and home temperature regulation. Here are some popular options:

Classic & Neutral

  • Black & Charcoal: Timeless, hides debris, modern look.
  • Gray & Silver: Versatile, complements various siding colors.
  • Brown & Amber: Traditional, warm tone, blends well with brick or wood.

Warm & Earthy

  • Tan & Desert: A natural look, helps reflect heat.
  • Red & Rustic: Classic for Craftsman or Colonial styles.

Unique & Bold

  • Blue & Slate Blue: Eye-catching, great for modern or coastal style homes.
  • Green & Olive: Less common but adds character, blends well with natural surroundings.

Tips for Choosing Colors:

  • Coordinate with your siding, trim, and surroundings.
  • Light colors can reflect heat, reducing cooling costs in summer.
  • Dark colors absorb heat but can help with winter heat retention.
  • Sample Boards: Visit suppliers for actual samples to see how they look in different lighting.

Final Suggestions:

Match your home style and neighborhood for aesthetic harmony.

Consider durability: Impact-resistant shingles come in various colors, so pick a style you like with a high wind rating.

Consult your contractor or supplier for color samples before making the final decision.

The most common roof style in Ohio, including Columbus, is the gable roof. This style features two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, forming a triangular profile. Gable roofs are popular in Ohio due to their simplicity, effective shedding of snow and rain, and cost-effectiveness.

In Columbus, you’ll also see other styles like hip roofs and combinations, but the gable roof remains the most prevalent across residential neighborhoods.

Gable Roofs: Overview

  • Shape: Two sloping sides meeting at a ridge, forming a triangular end cap.
  • Advantages:
    • Effective at shedding water and snow.
    • Cost-efficient and simple to construct.
    • Good ventilation potential.
    • Extra attic space possible.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Can be vulnerable to high winds if not properly braced.
    • May require additional waterproofing at valleys and edges.

 

Material Options & Recommendations

  1. Asphalt Shingles
    • Pros: Affordable, easy to install, wide variety of colors/styles, good durability (~15-30 years).
    • Cons: Less eco-friendly; can be prone to damage in severe weather.
    • Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want reliable coverage.
  2. Metal Roofing
    • Pros: Extremely durable (40-70 years), lightweight, fire-resistant, excellent for snow/slip resistance, energy-efficient (reflects heat).
    • Cons: Higher initial cost, noise during heavy rain or hail, can be dented by falling branches.
    • Best for: Long-term durability and climate resilience, especially for snowy Ohio winters.
  3. Wood Shingles/Shakes
    • Pros: Rustic, natural aesthetic; good insulative properties.
    • Cons: Requires regular maintenance, prone to rot and pests, shorter lifespan (~20-30 years).
    • Best for: Historic or cottage-style homes, country aesthetics.
  4. Slate or Tile
    • Pros: Extremely durable (~50+ years), very attractive, fire-resistant.
    • Cons: Heavy, expensive, complex installation.
    • Best for: High-end renovations or historic restoration.

 

Maintenance Tips

  • Regular Inspections: Check for loose or damaged shingles, especially after storms.
  • Clean Gutters: Remove debris to prevent water backup.
  • Remove Debris: Clear leaves or moss to prevent moisture accumulation.
  • Check Sealants and Flashing: Ensure edges and valleys are waterproof to prevent leaks.
  • Address Damage Quickly: Repair or replace damaged materials promptly to avoid bigger issues.

 

Installation Tips

  • Professional Help: For best results, hire experienced roofers familiar with local climate. 
  • Proper Ventilation: Ensure attic vents are adequate to prevent heat buildup and ice dam formation.
  • Snow & Ice: Consider heating cables or ice dam prevention measures if snow buildup is significant.

 

Additional Considerations for Ohio Homes

  • Weather Resistance: Snow, rain, and wind are common, so durability and waterproofing are key.
  • Energy Efficiency: Light-colored or reflective roofing can reduce cooling costs in summer.
  • Historic Preservation: If your home is older, choose materials that match the architectural style.