To be honest, the home’s roof is not highly thought of unless a major need develops. This is not a good way of thinking, let alone maintaining the home that you have come to love. Not only is a home’s roof an essential piece of your home, but it also requires upkeep.
With that, we’ve contacted local roofers to get a list of 10 common misconceptions about roof repairs that you need to be aware of.
01. No Leak, No Problem
A lot of times, when a leak occurs, they seem like they suddenly appear. However, when a problem develops and it is unknown, it can grow as time goes on, which can then create a leak. To alleviate any risk, your roof should undergo regular inspection. An inspection will point out all issues that may occur based on the roof’s current condition prior to any possible deterioration.
02. Layering Old Shingles with New Shingles is Fine
Although it is cost-effective, layering shingles on top of each other will hide any unseen issues underneath like rot and moss. Both of these are able to lead to a leak or prevent an attic from obtaining proper airflow.
03. Waiting to Replace Flashing
A roof’s flashing is necessary to shield the roof from water exposure and causing problems. A high percentage of leaks take place where flashing is. This is why your flashing needs to always be in a “like new” state. If you notice issues with the flashing, then replacing it must be immediate, regardless of if other areas are fine. Having an inspection of the flashing should happen at least yearly.
04. Increased Insulation Doesn’t Hurt
Having proper insulation will determine how well your roof functions. Of course, too little insulation is not good, but going overboard with it could also create concerns. When you go overboard with insulation, it may impede airflow coming in through the eaves and arches. Too much insulation will also prevent moisture from escaping and allows rotting and mold to develop.
05. There’s No Difference in Shingle Type
Many times a contractor will say that there is no real difference in shingle type. If you were told this, then you should not work with them. There are many types of shingles available on the market, which contain a different amount of quality.
Shingles are now designed to last longer than their predecessors due to the improvement of manufacturing methods.
Shingles now have a mix of fiberglass and lamination, which allows them to have a life-span of more than 55 years and are able to resist gale-force wind.
06. Identical Repair is Determined by Climate
Roof repair is not identified based on the climate that you live in because the various material used will also be different. If you live in a hot, dry climate, then your roof will experience damage that is nowhere near the type that you would see if the climate was colder or wetter. So, this will call for a different repair.
07. Self-Repair is Possible
Even though you may consider yourself to be a great handyman, repairing your roof yourself is not always a good thing to consider. There are a few reasons why including these:
• The roof repair is conducted improperly
• Possible safety concerns
• Current warranty will become void
08. All Roofing Contractors are the Same if Emergencies Arise
If an emergency happens to your roof, then you will need to ensure that the roofing contractor is perfect for the job. The last thing you want to do is pick the wrong one who is least experienced. Besides that, a contractor that is not certified as a roofer will cause your warranty to void due to the workmanship being below the warrantee’s requirement.
Other than this, it is important to be suspicious of any roofing contractor appearing unannounced shortly after a damaging storm hits. It is important to only work with roofers who are licensed, certified, and experienced so that you know that they will use products that are of the highest quality. Check out here for more information.
09. Installing a Metal Roof Prevents Ice, Dams, and Keeps Your Home Warm
Just because you have a metal roof, that does not make it more capable of stopping ice buildup and dams. Having appropriate ventilation and airflow is what actually puts a halt to any ice dam from forming, not the metal roof.
Keeping your home warm is also determined by the insulation and not the roof. In fact, it is no more and no less warm whether your roof is metal or shingle.
10. Every Repair is not Determined by Location
One thing to keep in mind is that there is no single style when it comes to roof repair. It is not an easy task when a repair is needed, and it involves more than knowing what material to use. This means all building codes need to be known as well as followed by the contractor.
To ensure that your roof repairs stay within code, then you are better off having a local roofing contractor conduct the repairs. They will be accustomed to the codes involved with the repair and can offer suggestions based on what works best for the area.