At Platinum Home Exteriors, we’ve been working on roofs in Licking County for over two decades. In that time, we’ve learned a few things about what makes roofing in Newark unique. This market is not homogeneous. Houses in Newark have stories that go back over a hundred years in some neighborhoods. The challenges those homes face are not always apparent without years of local experience.
Stroll through Wells Park one afternoon, and you’ll see rooftops that have survived every weather event central Ohio can cook up. Drive through Southwest Newark, and you’ll notice the mid-century ranches are nestled beneath a thick tree canopy that creates a completely different climate than the sun-drenched hills nearby. Head into Downtown, and you’ll find buildings from the Victorian era that require tradesmen who pay attention to detail.
See what we mean? Each neighborhood, and really each home, has variables that factor into how we approach projects. We created this guide because Newark homeowners deserve an honest assessment of their roofing needs. We’re tired of seeing national websites give generic advice that doesn’t apply to the homes and neighborhoods we serve. Whether you’re facing a Newark roof replacement or you simply want to know how to maintain your home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
How Local Weather Impacts Rooftops in Newark
Longtime Ohioans understand what our weather does to local roofs. Summers are hot and humid, so afternoon temps often reach the nineties, and the air is often moist. Winter fluctuates between mild episodes and Arctic blasts that push the mercury below zero. That’s not even mentioning our yearly saga with freeze-thaw cycles from November through March.
We focus a lot of attention on those freeze-thaw cycles because they wreak havoc on Newark roofs. Water expands as it freezes, which means if snow melts on your roof during the day, only to freeze at night, it can work its way under shingles and cause substantial damage. Repeat that process 50-60 times during a typical central Ohio winter, and you’ll start to see deterioration on even high-quality roofing materials. Ice storms aren’t uncommon around here either. Extra weight on aging roofs can trigger emergency calls all across Licking County when Mother Nature decides to dump an inch or more of ice on us.
Then there’s the valley effect. Newark sits in a river valley that traps moisture, creating morning fog that keeps rooftops damp into the middle of the morning during certain times of the year. Typically, the closer you are to the Licking River or the lower your neighborhood’s elevation, the more susceptible your roof will be to issues like accelerated moss growth and faster breakdown of organic materials. We consider that, when making recommendations to clients, local geography can cause otherwise well-built roofs to fail prematurely.
Another consequence of summer humidity is that it creates moisture in attic spaces that don’t always ventilate properly. When trapped heat and humidity build up, condensation becomes a real issue that can rot decking from the inside out. Platinum Home Exteriors checks attic ventilation on every roof we inspect. Older homes were often built before modern ventilation standards, so your roof could be failing from the inside out even if your shingles are newer than you realize.
Roofing is More than Just Shingles in Newark, Ohio
Did you know that nearly 30% of homes in Newark were built before 1940? That’s right. 1 in 3 homes you’ll see while driving around Newark were constructed before WWII ended. That tells you two important things about local roofing. Some of these houses have been incredibly well cared for by multiple generations of homeowners. Other houses were neglected for years and might look nice on the surface, but have serious problems underneath.
Downtown Newark has always posed special challenges for roof installation and replacement. Homes built during the Victorian era are known for their steep slopes, intricate detailing, and overall complexity. Roofs weren’t installed in a single day back then. Professionals spent weeks on single roofs, ensuring everything was done right. Replacing one of these roofs isn’t a job for walk-in roofers with a nail gun.
Northwest Newark was heavily populated with postwar construction. Think the 1950s and 1960’s. Many of these homes are now over 70 years old, and some of their original roof framing has begun to sag. We’ve also encountered projects where multiple layers of roofing have been stacked on top of each other, causing structural problems that were minor 20 years ago but are major now.
Southwest Newark experienced a building boom in the 50’s and 60’s as well. You’ll see entire neighborhoods of ranch homes and split-level homes down there. Many of those homes also feature mature landscaping that creates shade and traps moisture against the roof surfaces. Overhanging branches drop leaves and debris that build up in valleys and behind dormers. Most newer subdivisions don’t have to deal with tree root uplift because homeowner associations typically enforce roof maintenance as part of their bylaws.
As the Columbus metro area has expanded, Newark and other areas in Licking County have experienced growth in new residents who often buy older homes because they offer more bang for their buck. We’ve talked to many of these homeowners over the years. They buy a house thinking they’ll only need to tap a shingle or spot-repair some flashing, before realizing the entire roof needs help. If we uncover major problems, we always disclose them. We’ve lost customers that way, but we sleep better at night knowing we didn’t try to take advantage of a vulnerable situation.
Best Practices for Selecting Roofing Materials Near Columbus Ohio
Every roofing job starts with choosing the right material for the house. That means considering budget, appearance, longevity, and how the material will hold up under central Ohio weather. A roofing material that performs excellently in Arizona is likely not going to do you any favors here in Licking County.
Modern architectural shingles are the most popular roofing option in our area for good reasons. Advances in roofing technology have enabled manufacturers to develop products that better handle our highs and lows than ever before. Not only do they work well, but they look great on virtually any house style, from historic properties to new cutting-edge modern builds. For most roof replacement projects in the Newark, Ohio, area, we recommend high-quality architectural shingles from manufacturers with warranties you can trust.
That being said, we sometimes recommend alternatives for good reasons. Modified bitumen is essential for low-slope roof sections. You just can’t use standard shingles on a steep pitch and expect them to shed water correctly. Historic homes require us to think outside the box every now and then, whether with premium materials that match the integrity of the architecture or working with homeowners about what will and won’t pass an insurance inspection. Metal roofs are more common nowadays because they offer great longevity, but not every contractor is properly trained to install them correctly.
The point we’re trying to make is that roofing material selection should always be determined by a roofing professional who understands the intricacies of local weather, home history, and how they affect your roof. Don’t let someone sell you roofing materials without first discussing your options. A reputable roofer will discuss your options with you and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Maintenance Tips for Your Newark Roofing Project
Here’s the thing about roofs….they rarely fail overnight. They’ll try to tell you something is wrong weeks, months, sometimes years before an actual emergency develops. Knowing what to look for can prevent thousands of dollars in roof and structure damage and save you from interior repairs that push what should have been a roofing job into a full home renovation.
The first place you’ll notice granule loss is your gutters. Granules are the colored, tiny pieces of material that coat each shingle and protect them from UV rays. As they wash away, your shingles become more susceptible to sun damage. Some granule loss is normal on newer roofs (manifesting itself as a small amount of sand in the gutters), but if your gutters continue to fill up with granules year after year, it’s a sign your roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
Shingles curl and cup when they lose flexibility. Think about that for a minute. Portions of your roof are curling, creating gaps where water can enter. That happens from thermal shock here in Ohio. More often than not, we see curling occur after winter has passed, as shingles expand from heat exposure after being contracted by months of freezing temperatures. Once you start to see curling become widespread, it’s better to replace than repair.
We’ve found flashing to be the culprit for more leaks than failing shingles. Chimneys, roof vents, and where the roof meets the siding all need metal flashing that won’t rot over time. Caulk and sealants dry out and crack over time. Flashings can get bumped, and materials work themselves loose from freeze-thaw cycles. Make a habit of checking these areas twice per year, and you can stop leaks before they start.
Speaking of flashing, we always recommend looking in your attic when inspecting your roof. You can learn a lot about a roof’s current condition from an attic. Sunlight shining through indicates gaps. Dark streaks on rafters show moisture has been present at some point. Poor ventilation and/or insulation can cause problems with your roof, no matter how good your materials are. Take a few minutes to get up in your attic every spring and fall. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor in Newark That You Can Trust
Platinum Home Exteriors is not your typical roofing company because Newark is not your typical market.
Finding the right roofing company means finding someone who will take the time to understand your home and your roofing history before presenting you with solutions. We climb on roofs, look in attics, and always explain what we find in terms you can understand. We give written estimates with detailed descriptions of the work we’d perform and the materials we’d use. We don’t cut corners on insurance, and we back everything we do with warranties that mean something. We are honest and will recommend roof repairs if they provide a fairly long-term solution. But if the roof is starting to go bad, and fixing one area will just move the water to another damaged area, causing problems in a short time, we will recommend a roof replacement.
Your roof does more than keep you dry; it keeps your family safe, protects your investment, and gives you peace of mind. Maintaining your roof properly, recognizing when you might be having issues, and finding the right company to partner with for repairs or replacement are among the best investments you can make as a homeowner.
Have questions or need a second opinion? We want to help. Platinum Home Exteriors offers free inspections because we understand how daunting roofing repairs can be. Whether you need help understanding what a contractor has told you, what your options are for an aging roof, or just want a qualified professional to take a look and let you know where you stand…we are here for you. Being a true Newark, OH, roofing company means being part of the solution in our community.