The roof seems to be one of those subjects that crop up myths here and there. You’ve probably been advised on a few things that sound quite solid but, in reality, may turn out to be costly mistakes. How does one sort fact from myth? Let’s break down five of the most common roofing myths and give you a lowdown on what is really true. Ready for some myth-clearing? Because the truth now can save both time and money in the long term.
Myth 1: All Roofs Last for the Same Amount of Time
Wouldn’t that be nice, if all roofs lasted the same number of years? Unfortunately, that is just not true. The length of your roof will last depends a great deal on the materials you choose.
Asphalt shingles are the most common and usually survive 20 to 30 years. Clay tiles? They can go 50 years or more! And if you’ve considered metal roofing, you’re looking at a lifespan that can stretch upwards toward 70 years or even more. That would be a no, not all roofs age the same. Consideration of the material that best fits your long-term needs—and budget—is important. If you’re in for the long haul with your home, the money you save yourself from the hassle of a full replacement down the road is well worth the investment in longer-lasting materials. Besides that, some building materials, such as metal, require less maintenance; another factor that might be taken into consideration. The best choice depends on how long you plan on staying and how much maintenance you can put up with.
Myth 2: Roofing Repairs Are Simple DIY Projects
OK, let’s get real here—a loose shingle on your roof, and you’re just itching to climb on up and fix it yourself. Find a YouTube tutorial, pop open the garage for a hammer, and voilà. But here’s the thing: roofing repairs—especially, at least, with certain types of materials—can quickly get complicated.
Consider metal roofing: sleek, durable, and able to last decades. And one mistake in a repair and you are likely to cause more harm than good, which is why this is often best left to a reliable metal roofing company. They can provide the proper tools, training, and experience to get the job done in a safe manner. You do not want to void your warranty—or even worse, risk injury—trying to quickly fix something on your own. And let’s be honest here, do you really want to spend your weekend balancing on a ladder, hoping you don’t miss a step? It’s just a headache that professional help will save you—and maybe even a trip to the emergency room. At the end of the day, it is better to spend a little now than a lot later because of a mistake.
Myth 3: Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Now, let’s go ahead and nip this one in the bud because it’s a myth that won’t go away. Metal roofs and lightning. Chances are you have heard the myth that metal attracts lightning like a magnet. But is it true?
Not at all. As a matter of fact, a metal roof is no more likely to attract lightning than any other material. Here’s an even more interesting tidbit, though: if lightning were to strike, metal roofs are actually safer. They are non-combustible, meaning they will not catch fire unlike some of these other roofing materials. Now, think about it this way: metal roofs actually disperse electrical energy safely to the ground, which can lower your fire risk during storms. It’s a safer bet, especially if you live in an area prone to thunderstorms or lightning strikes. So, that myth? Totally busted. You will be able to get the benefits of safety and durability with metal roofing without being scared of an electric storm.
Myth 4: Roofs Only Require Maintenance After Extreme Weather
Ever thought your roof was okay until a large storm came through? Sure, it would be pretty easy to assume that unless you see something broken, everything is fine. This thought process can, unfortunately, make waiting until after bad weather hits not a very good strategy for maintaining your roof.
Truthfully, the frequency of maintenance helps lengthen the lifespan of your roof. Small things, like leaves piling up in your gutters, cracked shingles, or missing flashing, may be minor but will become major in due time. If you want to avoid costly repairs down the line, giving your roof a routine checkup once a year—or every six months—is a wise thing. Just because it looks fine from the ground doesn’t mean everything is in good shape. Getting up there, or hiring someone to do it for you, lets you catch small issues before they snowball into expensive repairs. Routine care will always be less expensive and less stressful than emergency fixes. This is no different than changing the oil in your car; a little maintenance now keeps you away from major work later.
Myth 5: You Can Lay New Shingles Over Old Ones
Here’s a time-saver that seems like a good idea: Just throw new shingles over the old ones and be done with it. Easy, right? Unfortunately, this time-saver may create problems.
Overlays of new shingles over old can save time initially but actually create long-term issues. For one thing, you are adding weight, which can put additional strain on your roof structure. You aren’t taking care of any potential damage hiding beneath those old shingles either. That would be putting a Band-Aid on something without knowing if it was infected. Plus, with two layers, you will most likely face issues in terms of ventilation and moisture trapped behind those layers, possibly leading to mold or rot. It’s a recipe for disaster that you really want to avoid.
The best bet? First, strip the old shingles; you need to have a fresh slate to work on, and then you will be able to notice any damage otherwise hidden, well before it gets too late. Proper installation of the shingles remains the most important thing to make sure your roof continues to do its work of protecting your home over many, many years.
Conclusion: Protect Your Roof, Protect Your Home
Here you go—five common roofing myths debunked. Be it thinking of a metal roof, considering a DIY repair, or simply trying to extend the life of your roof, it is important to be able to separate myth from reality. Your roof is arguably one of the most critical parts of your home, so why not treat it with the care it deserves?
The next time you hear some “advice” that sounds too good to be true, give it a second thought. When in doubt, reaching out to professionals is always the smart choice. Your home—and your wallet—will thank you. And really, peace of mind is priceless when trying to protect your home from above. So do not let myths guide your decisions; do what is best for your home, safety, and budget.
