Roof Replacement FAQ for Columbus, OH
These are the questions homeowners in Columbus, Ohio and the rest of Franklin County, OH ask most often about replacing a roof and about how this referral service works. For anything about your own roof, a roofer who has seen it is the one to ask.
The Questions That Come Up
Only about 44.1% of Columbus homes are owner-occupied, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, so plenty of these questions come from landlords with a double or a small rental as well as from people living under the roof in question.
What does this site actually do?
It takes your request for a roof estimate and passes it to one independent roofer who works in your area. That roofer visits, prices the job and does any work you hire them for. The site itself does no roofing, writes no bids, signs no contracts and never names the roofer.
Who pays for this, and does it cost me anything?
The roofing company that receives your request pays this site a fee for it. You never pay the site anything, before or after the visit, and the site never gives you a rebate, credit, gift or any other reward. Ask the roofer directly whether they charge for the estimate visit; many do not, but policies vary.
Can this site tell me what my roof will cost?
No. Only a roofer who measures your roof can price it. For planning, the cost guide lists 2026 Ohio averages with their source, and the cost calculator turns your home size and material into a rough range. Slate and tile roofs need a roofer's own quote either way.
Does a roof replacement in Columbus need a permit?
Yes. The City of Columbus puts replacing a roof on its list of home projects that need a permit but no plan review. Unincorporated Franklin County, OH also requires a permit for a residential re-roof. Nearby cities set their own rules. Agree with the roofer on who pulls the permit, and let the roofer and the permit office decide whether old layers must come off.
How do I check a roofer before hiring them?
Ohio does not issue a statewide roofing license, but the City of Columbus licenses contractors who work inside its limits, and residential roofing falls under its Home Improvement Limited Contractor License. Ask for that license number and check it with the city's Building and Zoning Services. For any job, also ask for proof of liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, references and a fixed local address.
Which towns does the service cover?
The City of Columbus and five nearby cities: Westerville, OH, Dublin, OH, Grove City, OH, Gahanna, OH and Pickerington, OH. Each runs its own building department, so rules there can differ from Columbus. The service areas page lists every town and links to its own page.
Can a roofer handle my insurance claim for me?
No. A roofer can photograph the damage and write an estimate for the repair, and that paperwork can help. Settling it is up to you and your insurance company, or a public adjuster or attorney you choose to hire. The Ohio Department of Insurance advises homeowners not to let a contractor negotiate or settle a claim on their behalf.
What if a roofer offers to cover my deductible?
Treat it as a red flag, especially if the roofer still plans to bill your insurer the full price. You pay your own deductible. Many Ohio policies also carry a separate wind or hail deductible, sometimes set as a percentage of the home's insured value, so check your declarations page. Misstating a claim to an insurer can be insurance fraud.
Can I cancel a roofing contract I signed at home?
If you signed at your own home after a salesperson's visit, such as a door-to-door or in-home sale, Ohio law gives you three business days to cancel. On payments, Ohio sets no deposit cap, so pay in stages tied to the work and be wary of large upfront demands or cash-only terms.
What should a written estimate include?
The total price, the scope of work and the materials by name and type. Look for the tear-off plan, how decking repairs will be priced, ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys (ice dams are common in Ohio winters) and attic ventilation. Ask which underlayment the roofer plans to use, who pulls the permit, and how the manufacturer and workmanship warranties are written.
Need a Specific Answer?
If your question is about your own house, a roofer's visit will answer it better than any page can. Send a request through the form, and one independent roofer working around Columbus will be in touch to set a time.