Fact from Fiction When it Comes to Roofing
There's lots of misinformation about roofing, roofing services, and roof issues. Whether it's from the neighbor down the street or an under qualified contractor you may have heard a few myths about roofing that are simply untrue. In this blog we’ll debunk a few roofing myths that can help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to roofing.
1.You can put new shingles over old ones….
This is one of the farthest things from the truth when it comes to roofing. You should NEVER position new shingles over old shingles. It's a recipe for disaster! If any “professional” suggests this to you as a service, you should relieve them of the project and look elsewhere.
Shingles are not the only material installed on your roof when it first goes up. As an example; before standard asphalt shingles are installed, the sheathing and underlayment must be in good condition. If either components are damaged, your roof will not be leak-proof and will end up costing you in the long run. It should NEVER be a serious suggestion to put new shingles “on top” of old shingles.
2. A roof without leaks is in perfect condition...
This may be the most common out of all roofing myths in existence! The idea that if you cannot see leaks in your home, on your ceiling, dripping from the walls, your roof must be fine. This rumor is anything but true.
You may have holes in your roof, wrecking damage to your home, but you may not be able to see the damage until it's too late. Consistently inspecting your attic, crawlspaces, and ceiling corners are good steps to maintain your roof.
Also, not all damage to your roof will cause a leak. There may be pests creating nests with access holes into your roof. You may have a gutter that's not draining properly, that can cause issues for your landscape and home. Leaks are only a small part of roofing problems!
Contact us to make sure your roof is in great shape.
3. All Asphalt Shingles are the same...
Asphalt Shingles are the most common roofing material in the US market, but a lot of homeowners don’t want to install them because of the pervasive belief that they are cheap and unflattering. But the reality is asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, shapes, and even protection levels. They are simply the most customizable roofing material available. Choosing asphalt shingles for your roof gives you the opportunity to customize your home's aesthetic and needs - you’ll never be limited to choosing one single color with asphalt shingles.
4. Power washing is necessary to keep your roof clean…
Power washing is a common cleaning method. It uses high pressure water spray to remove grime, dirt, mold, and other debris from outside surfaces. However...power washing can be more damaging than beneficial in some cases. Too much pressure forces an extensive amount of water under your shingles that can result in the growth of mold and mildew. Not only that but power washing strips the protective coating and granules off asphalt shingles on a roof. The granules protect your home from harsh UV rays and provide your home with adequate fire resistance. The damage of power washing may not be obvious but it WILL shorten the lifespan of your roof.
If you have algae or moss growing on your roof it's better to spray the affected area with a mix of water and soap. However, some cleaning solutions need approval by the shingle manufacturer before you should use them. The best thing to do is call a professional roofing contractor and schedule an appointment for your roofing needs.
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