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Roofers

How to Choose a Roofer in Ohio: 10 Questions to Ask

Ohio doesn't license roofers statewide, so vetting matters. Ask these questions before you sign a roofing contract.

By 2 min read Northwest Ohio

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A roofer standing on a house roof during a tear-off
Photo by Zohair Mirza on Unsplash

TL;DR

  • Ohio doesn't license residential roofers statewide, so check local registration, insurance and reviews yourself.
  • Ask about manufacturer certifications, warranties and who pulls the permit.
  • Get three written quotes that list shingle line, underlayment, ventilation and tear-off.

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In this guide
  1. 10 questions to ask every roofer
  2. Red flags
  3. Get three written quotes
  4. Our preferred partner

Ohio doesn’t issue a statewide license for residential roofers. Some cities require contractor registration and permits, but the rules vary. That makes your own vetting the best protection.

10 questions to ask every roofer

  1. Are you registered with my city, and who pulls the permit? The contractor should. If they ask you to, that’s a red flag.
  2. Can I see your certificate of insurance? Ask for general liability and workers’ compensation (through the Ohio BWC), and confirm it’s current.
  3. How long have you been in business locally? Look for a local address and a track record in your area.
  4. Are you certified by the shingle manufacturer? Certified installers can often offer stronger warranties.
  5. What warranty do you offer on workmanship, and what does the manufacturer cover?
  6. Will you tear off the old roof or install over it? Tear-off is usually recommended.
  7. How do you handle rotted decking? Get the price per sheet in writing.
  8. Will you install ice and water shield, drip edge and proper ventilation?
  9. Who will be on site, your crew or subcontractors?
  10. What’s the payment schedule? A reasonable deposit is normal. Paying in full up front isn’t.

Red flags

  • Pressure to sign the same day.
  • Offers to waive or “cover” your insurance deductible.
  • No written contract, or a vague one.
  • Cash-only payment.

Get three written quotes

Compare them line by line: materials, underlayment, ventilation, flashing, cleanup and warranty, not just the total.

Our preferred partner

Integrity Home Exteriors in Toledo is Home Pros Ohio’s preferred roofing partner. They’ve served Northwest Ohio since 2000, install Owens Corning and Atlas roofing systems, and hold a 4.8-star rating from more than 1,600 reviews.

Integrity Home Exteriors is a Home Pros Ohio preferred partner, chosen for its reviews and track record. We are not paid for this recommendation, and we still recommend getting multiple quotes.

Compare all local roofers or try the roof replacement cost calculator first.

Quiet suburban street in Perrysburg, Ohio at blue hour
A Perrysburg street at dusk. Ohio has no statewide roofing license, so local registration and your own vetting matter. Photo: Leo Escala / Unsplash

The bottom line

Ask every roofer the same ten questions and compare the answers in writing. The best quote is the one with the clearest scope and warranty, not always the lowest price.

Sources

  1. Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Ohio Department of Commerce
  2. Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, State of Ohio
  3. Ohio Revised Code 1345.23: Home solicitation sales, right to cancel, Ohio Legislature
  4. Spring home improvement tips, Ohio Attorney General
  5. Cost ranges: HomeAdvisor / Angi cost guides, Fixr cost guides, NerdWallet home improvement costs, reviewed October 2026
  6. Local listings, ratings and review counts: Home Pros Ohio directory data from public Google Business Profiles
Jonathan Blake

Written by

Founder of Home Pros Ohio and Midwest Roof Calculators. Five years in home exterior account management, eight years owning a tree service, and hands-on lawn care and hardscaping experience.

By the numbers

Roofers in Northwest Ohio

177

local pros listed

4.6★

average rating

11,805

public reviews

Typical 2026 prices

  • Roof Replacement$9,000–$22,000 / project
  • Roof Repair$350–$1,800 / project
  • Roof InspectionFree–$400 / visit
  • Storm Damage$500–$5,000 / project
  • Metal Roofing$7.50–$14 / sq ft
  • Gutters$7–$25 / linear ft

Directory data as of this build; prices reviewed October 2026. Full cost guide

Local snapshot: roofers

Where to find roofers near you, from our directory of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan businesses.

Free tools for this project

Share these tips

Roofer tip

Get at least three written roofing quotes, and compare the materials line by line, not just the price.
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Roofer tip

After a storm, photograph the damage before any repairs. Your insurance adjuster will ask for it.
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Questions homeowners ask

Do Ohio roofers need a license?

Not at the state level for residential work, but many cities require contractor registration and permits.

What warranty should a roofer offer?

Look for a workmanship warranty of at least 5 to 10 years on top of the manufacturer's material warranty.

Should I hire a storm chaser after hail?

Be cautious. Choose roofers with a local address and history, and never sign on the spot.

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