Ohio’s severe weather season is right around the corner. While storms can strike at any time, April through June historically bring the most activity — including strong winds, hail, and heavy rains.

There’s never a good time to discover a roof problem. But being proactive after a storm can protect your home — and your wallet — from more serious damage and costly repairs down the road.

Ohio homes feature a wide variety of roofing materials, including:

• Asphalt shingles
• Metal roofing systems
• Slate or tile roofs
• Wood shake
• Flat roofing applications

Each style comes with its own unique signs of potential damage:

• Water damage (leaks, stains)
• Wind damage (lifted or missing shingles)
• Hail damage (bruising, dents)
• Ice and snow damage during colder months (cracked flashing, ice dams)

Understanding what to look for — and how different materials react to storms — can help homeowners spot problems early.

Important:
Homeowners without proper safety training should never climb onto their roof for an inspection.
When it’s safe to do so, you can assess visible damage from the ground — either with the naked eye or with a pair of binoculars.

Start with a perimeter check:

• Look for fallen debris such as shingles, branches, or foreign objects.
• Scan the roof for obvious damage: holes, missing shingles, displaced metal panels, or broken tiles.
• Pay special attention to trees — fallen limbs can cause hidden structural issues.

If there are signs of major impact, contact a professional immediately for a full inspection and temporary repairs to prevent further water intrusion.

• Asphalt shingles: Look for curled, cracked, loose, or missing shingles. Dark spots may indicate hail bruising.
• Slate or tile roofs: Check for cracked, chipped, or displaced tiles — especially along roof edges where wind forces are highest.
• Wood shake: Watch for split, warped, or missing shakes that may expose underlayment.
• Metal roofs: Dents from hail, loosened panels, or lifted fasteners are signs of potential compromise.

Gutters play a major role in protecting your roof and foundation. Remember: A 2,000-square-foot roof sheds roughly 1,200 gallons of water for every inch of rainfall. If your gutters are clogged, broken, or pulling away from the home, they can cause:

• Water backups onto the roof
• Fascia and soffit damage
• Foundation erosion
• Basement leaks

Check from the ground for visible sagging, separation, or heavy debris buildup.

Homeowners with flat roofing systems, skylights, or chimneys should always call a qualified roofer for a comprehensive inspection. These features are more vulnerable to leaks and may hide storm damage that’s invisible from the ground.

A full inspection should include:

• Roof surface evaluation
• Flashing and vent assessments
• Gutter system check
• Attic inspection — to identify any leaks, mold, or insulation damage early

If you notice any signs of damage — or simply spot aging issues like buckled, warped, or cracked shingles — it’s time to schedule an inspection.

At Bo Lacey Construction, we provide free, no-obligation inspections and consultations to help you make an informed decision.

Our trained experts will walk you through your roof’s condition, show you photos of any concerns, and help you take the next right step — whether it’s a repair or a full replacement.

Call Bo Lacey Construction today at 800-288-9916 to schedule your free inspection.