24 years in business, we’ve fielded plenty of questions related to common roofing myths over the years. If you aren’t aware of these roofing myths, they can end up costing you a lot of headaches and money in the future.
We’re debunking 6 common roofing myths and what to do instead.
- Myth 1: Walking on the Roof Will Damage It
One of the most common roofing myths is that walking on your roof will damage it. Even though it is possible to damage it if you don’t take precautions and walk with care, it is, however, okay to walk on your roof when the occasion calls for it. Typically, this is only a few times a year; periodic inspections throughout the year, to clear gutters or debris after a storm, and to place holiday decorations for example.
Under no circumstances should you walk on your roof if you’re not completely comfortable. If your roof is older or has visible damages, seek out a trusted roofing company. Walking on a roof in this condition can be dangerous and there’s a chance it could give way and you could fall through it. Contrary, if your roof is in good shape and well-maintained, it will support the average human’s weight.
- Myth 2: It’s Fine to Install New Shingles Over the Old Ones
A very common roofing myth that you might have heard is that installing a layer of new shingles over the old ones is an acceptable roofing method and it will save you money. However, this is not true.
Your roof can only sustain a certain amount of pounds per square inch (PSI). Adding another layer of shingles will add too much weight and could lead to structural damage and even roof collapse. In addition, a new layer of shingles placed over the old layer traps moisture because the older roofing underlayment is still in place.
You might save a little money initially, but it will certainly cost you in the long run. It’s best to reroof it correctly the first time by stripping off the old shingles and putting down new underlayment before the new shingles go on.
- Myth 3: Dark Colored Shingles Create Higher Energy Bills
While darker shingles can absorb more heat on hot sunny days, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience higher energy bills. Why? In most cases, your attic has enough insulation and is vented to reduce the heat enough from transferring from the roof into your home. So, don’t shy away from darker color shingles when deciding which color to go with.
- Myth 4: All Asphalt Shingles Are the Same
All asphalt shingles are indeed made from similar materials, but they’re not all equal. Different brands offer different qualities. A reputable roofing company such as Native Roofing will provide you with their honest opinion on which shingle is best for your roof and why. They will certainly discard the lowest quality options to ensure your roof meets your expectations of durability, aesthetics, and more.
- Myth 5: A Roof Doesn’t Need to be Replaced Unless It Leaks
False! Not all roofing issues can be easily detected as is the case of a leak. Sometimes a roofing issue doesn’t present itself so obviously. A professional roofing company knows how to properly inspect your roof to reveal potential problems that can be fixed before they turn into major repairs.
DO NOT wait for a leak to occur before having it inspected. Water can damage the decking, structural components, and interior elements as well. This means you’ll be paying substantially more money for additional repairs.
- Myth 6: Repairing My Roof Will Be Expensive
This last myth is what often prevents homeowners from taking immediate action to rectify a roofing issue. Many repairs can be performed quickly and affordably.
Repairs that are more involved WILL cost more than a simple repair, but they will cost even more if you delay taking care of the damages. Prolong the life of your roof by contacting Native Roofing at the first sign of a roof issue or to schedule your regular maintenance.
We hope you learned some valuable roofing information while we debunked these 6 roofing myths. If you have any questions or are in the market for a new roof or roof repair, we’re here to help. Visit https://nativeroofing.com for your FREE estimate or call us at 954-236-9986.
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