Roofing Contractors in Columbus
The fourth largest city in the Midwest, Columbus has a population of approximately 800,000. The metropolitan area, however, has almost two million residents when Marion and Chillicothe are included. A strong services sector combined with the historically-strong manufacturing sector make for a diverse economy for the capital city. Roofing contractors are available throughout the metropolitan area.
Damage to roofs can occur in the spring when melting snow refreezes overnight. Columbus homeowners may want to partner with roofing contractors to address damage immediately so that further deterioration doesn't occur due to snow, rain or wind. Waterproofing is another important consideration that can be addressed by installation and maintenance contractors.
Roofer Licensing Regulations
The Consumer Protection Section of the Ohio Attorney General's office regulates roofing contractor practices. Construction-related trades have been licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Examining Board since 2004. Home improvement contractors are licensed by the City of Columbus.
How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Columbus
The Columbus local of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers provides apprenticeships that run for three years. Members of the program earn while they learn and become journeymen (fully qualified roofers) at the end of the apprenticeship.
Roofing Contractor Trade Organizations
The Ohio Roofing Contractors Association provides a number of services to individuals and businesses in the trade including legal consultation, lobbying the state government, a safety program, conventions, and trade shows as well as topical seminars and newsletters.
Unusual Roofs in Columbus
Columbus is a great place for sighting tall buildings with interesting roofs The Art Deco LeVeque Tower, for example, was built in 1927 by the American Insurance Union which went bankrupt during the Great Depression. It still houses offices for a number of businesses and at its base is the Palace Theatre. The LeVeque Tower is known for its elaborate lighting, originally constructed with signal lights on the four turrets. In addition, the tower can now be lit in color. The colors change with the months to recognize various events and/or holidays occurring in a given month.
Typical Climate
Hot and humid summers characterize Columbus, with average highs in the mid-80s -- and occasional extremes in the 100s -- which are contrasted by cold and dry winters. Summer weather may bring tornadoes any time between spring and fall while winters mean blizzards and low temperatures in the 20s.
Tornadoes and accompanying high winds can cause major damage to homes and particularly to roofs. Loose shingles should be secured prior to the start of the tornado season and roofs should be inspected regularly during this period to ensure any minor damage is addressed before it becomes worse.
Rooftop Recreation in the Capital City
Every year, a special fundraising event is held on the roof for the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Up on the Roof", a gala event featuring music, fine dining, and entertainment for about 1000 people has raised nearly $5 million in the fifteen years since its inception.
Additionally, the Ohio State University's Urban Arts Space (UAS) offers monthly tours of the Lazarus Building rooftop gardens. The tour begins at the organization's space in the Lazarus Building on West Town Street where guests can view the current exhibitions and learn about the many green aspects of the UAS. Visitors then go up to the roof with the building manager who speaks about the rooftop gardens. Space on the tour is limited to twenty people.