A lot of people have false beliefs about residential roofing. Believing popular roofing myths can cause you to make expensive mistakes. You risk damaging your property if you make a hasty choice based on inaccurate information. Here are some of the most widespread roofing misconceptions that we want to put to rest.
All Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Having a metal roof does not make your house more vulnerable to lightning strikes. Any given area’s tallest item, regardless of substance, is usually the target of lightning. Plus, since metal is not flammable, it provides more fire protection than other roofing materials. This can prove to be of the utmost benefit in the unlikely case that lightning strikes your property.
You Can Always Add a New Roof Layer Over the Old One
Putting on a fresh covering of shingles is a common misconception among homeowners who think it would be a fast and cheap way to fix their roofs. But it’s not always a good idea, and it usually goes against local building rules. The strain it puts on your home’s framework can cause it to eventually collapse. On top of that, rotting and mold may develop under new shingles if the space between the layers retains moisture. To build a new roof, it is normally best to remove the old one first. This isn’t to say that there aren’t any exceptions where adding a second layer could be acceptable. For example, it may be advisable to add a second layer if the existing roof is in good condition, free of significant damage, and the local building codes allow it.
Metal Roofs Don’t Require Any Maintenance
Metal roofs are low-maintenance, long-lasting and sturdy, but they do need some upkeep from time to time. An expert should check for leaks at least once a year. They may also need to clean the roof to keep it free of debris like leaves and twigs. This is essential to keep the gutters clean and working as they should. Maintenance for metal roofs also consists of checking the drainage. Anytime there’s a drainage clog, it can cause water buildup and rust formation. If left unfixed, this can lead to leaks and structural damage over time.
Solar-Powered Roofs Will Always Save You Money
Before you assume you’ll always save money, you should determine whether your home’s roof and environment are appropriate for solar power. Despite claims to the contrary, installing a solar-powered roof is not always an economical choice. In fact, installing solar panels can be incredibly expensive. How much you save will depend on your location, how much energy you use, and how much sunshine your house gets. Maintenance and, in certain instances, panel replacement are necessary components of solar-powered roofs. If you’re set on making the switch to a solar roof, make sure to check for federal, state, and municipal rebates.
Dark-Colored Roofs Make It Harder to Cool Your Home
Many people believe that houses with dark roofs tend to overheat because they are more difficult to cool during warmer months. Although darker surfaces do retain more heat compared to lighter ones, roofing technology has come a long way. Insulation and reflective coatings reduce heat absorption on most roofing materials nowadays. So, the amount of heat that your roof retains depends on much more than just its color.
Gutters Don’t Affect Your Roof
Since gutters and roofs are independent systems, many homeowners fail to recognize their interconnectedness. In reality, by diverting water away from your house, gutters are essential to the roof’s performance and lifespan. Leaks, mold development and structural damage may result from water accumulating on the roof due to blocked or faulty gutters. One easy approach to keep your roof in good repair is to clean the gutters on a regular basis.
New Roofs Always Increase Home Insurance Premiums
Don’t fall for the myth that a new roof will increase your home insurance rates. It’s usually the other way around. Because a new roof lessens the likelihood of damage from storms, leaks and other weather-related occurrences, it may decrease your rates. You should contact your provider for savings if you recently replaced your roof, especially with metal or impact-resistant shingles.
Any Time of the Year Is a Good Time for a Roof Replacement
Roof replacements are best done during milder seasons, such as spring or autumn, when the weather is just right. Freezing temperatures can make winter roof installations challenging due to issues with adhesives. And roofing materials may expand or distort in hot temperatures.
Flat Roofs Are More Prone to Leaking
Flat roofs are not always more likely to leak, but they may need more specialized upkeep to guarantee good drainage. when built correctly, they are just as capable of withstanding weather elements and preventing leaks as sloping roofs. An expert will know which materials and drainage supplies to use to prevent leaks.
Not All Roofs Need Insulation
Insulation is a must for every roof, no matter where you live. Roof insulation keeps warm air inside during the winter and hot air outside during the summer. Your heating and cooling systems will work harder and cost more to operate without adequate insulation. Having an expert inspect the roof’s insulation once a year can help you catch energy loss problems before they cause higher energy bills.
Not All Roofs Need Ventilation
Proper ventilation is vital for all roofs. Ventilation facilitates temperature control, avoids water accumulation, and increases the roof’s durability. In its absence, the attic may become a breeding ground for mold, a source of wood decay, and the cause of higher energy bills. By improving temperature control, roof ventilation reduces the workload of HVAC systems. This translates into fewer repairs and more affordable energy.
Roofing materials dictate the best ventilation methods to use. Vents in the ridge and soffit allow air to flow continuously from the eaves to the peak of a pitched roof. Since natural ventilation isn’t always an option on flat rooftops, mechanical or turbine vents are normally used to circulate air. Ventilation is key to making the roof cooler in hot regions and helps avoid ice dams in cold ones.
Hail Damage Is Always Easily Visible
Even if there isn’t any visible damage to your roof, it’s always wise to have a professional inspection following a hailstorm. Hail damage to the underlayment or tiny, imperceptible cracks in the shingles may make it difficult, if not impossible, to discover the damage. Slowly but surely, these seemingly little faults might build up to major concerns like roof leaks.
Problems like minor dents, cracks, or underlayment damage might go undetected by the naked eye, but a professional will be able to find them. Before issues like water damage or structural degeneration lead to expensive repairs, they can determine the full amount of the damage and suggest any required repairs.
Schmidt Roofing is here to answer any questions you may have about debunking residential roofing myths. We also provide storm damage repair, window and skylight installations, snow and ice removal, commercial roofing services and much more.
Call our team at Schmidt Roofing now to schedule a roof inspection for your home in Burnsville, MN.
