Should I Repair or Replace My Roof? A Licking County Homeowner's Guide

Five honest questions to ask before you spend money on a roof repair that won't last — straight from local Newark, Ohio roofers.

We get this question every week from homeowners across Newark, Heath, Granville, and Pataskala. Here's the same framework we walk customers through on-site.

1. How old is the roof?

A 3-tab asphalt roof typically lasts 18–22 years in central Ohio. Architectural shingles last 22–30. If your roof is past 75% of its expected life and needs more than a small repair, replacement usually pencils out better.

2. How widespread is the damage?

Damage on a single slope is almost always a repair. Damage on two or more slopes — especially after a hail event — often means insurance will fund a full replacement and a repair would just delay the inevitable.

3. Are you planning to sell within 5 years?

A new roof is one of the highest-ROI improvements at resale in the Newark market. If you're listing soon, a clean replacement removes the #1 inspection objection.

4. Is the decking sound?

If a roofer pokes a screwdriver into your decking and it sinks in, no surface repair will hold. That's a structural sign you're past patching.

5. What does insurance say?

After a storm, the question often isn't repair vs. replace — it's whether your carrier will fund replacement at ACV or RCV. We help homeowners read their declarations page so they know what they're entitled to before the adjuster shows up.