Are you tired of hearing all the rumors and myths floating around about your home’s most important overhead feature? Well, don’t worry because we’re here to set the record straight and separate fact from fiction when it comes to roofs.
As homeowners, we know that maintaining a sturdy and reliable roof is crucial to keeping a happy home. But with so many conflicting opinions and misinformation out there, it can be tough to know what to believe. That’s why we’ve decided to put on our myth-busting hats and tackle some of the most common roofing myths head-on.
Are you ready to learn the truth about your roof and bust some myths? Let’s get started!
#1 Myth: A Darker-Colored Roof Will Result In Higher Energy Bills
Are you tired of hearing that a darker-colored roof will result in higher energy bills? Well, we’re here to tell you that this is nothing more than a myth.
As homeowners, we know that energy efficiency is important, and the color of your roof shingles plays a big role in it. Sure, darker shingles may absorb more heat on a sunny day, but that doesn’t mean they’ll raise the temperature in your home. This is because of two key factors: roof ventilation and attic insulation.
Your roof ventilation system removes any excess heat from your attic, and your attic insulation helps keep the heat out of your living space. Together, these two elements prevent heat from entering your home and keep your energy bills in check.
#2 Myth: Repairing A Roof Is Always A Costly Expense
It’s understandable that you’d be hesitant to make any repairs to your roof. But we want you to know that it’s sometimes better than it seems.
While some repairs can be expensive, many of them can be done quickly and affordably. An experienced roofer will be able to identify the issue and apply the appropriate fix at an affordable price.
Moreover, when done in a timely manner, these repairs will save you money in the long run by preventing more substantial damage to your home and prolonging the life of your roof. Ignoring small repairs can lead to bigger problems that may become costly and even dangerous.
#3 Myth: You Can Lay New Shingles Over Old Ones
It’s easy to think that simply layering new shingles over old ones is a quick and easy solution to a roofing problem, but as roofing professionals, we want to clear the air and let you know that this is not the best practice.
The main issue with installing new shingles over old ones is that it doesn’t address any underlying problems that may exist with the roof’s underlayment. If the underlayment is old and degraded, it can lead to leaks, mold, and other issues that can cause serious damage to your home.
Furthermore, adding multiple layers of shingles to a roof can cause structural damage and even collapse from the additional weight. This can not only be dangerous but also costly.
Instead, the best practice is to strip off the old shingles and thoroughly inspect the roof deck and underlayment for any damage that needs to be repaired. By installing new shingles on a properly prepared surface, you can ensure that the new shingles will perform as expected and last for their full lifespan.
#4 Myth: A Roof Covered In Algae Needs To Be Replaced
One of the common misconceptions about roof surface cleaning is that a roof covered in moss and algae need to be replaced, but this is not the case. There is no need to replace your roof to remove the presence of moss and algae on the surface.
Instead, there is a cheaper option available to keep moss and algae off a roof. Hire roof cleaning professionals and ask them to remove these microorganisms from the surface. They will use an innovative cleaning method that is safe for the roof’s materials that will not cause damage.
After cleaning, your roof will have a fresh new look. The professionals will focus on the roofing materials that have the most growth and then apply the best cleaning technique. This will not only enhance the appearance of your roof but also prolong the life of your roof by preventing moss and algae growth from occurring again.
#5 Myth: Insulation In The Attic Loses Effectiveness Over Time
Just like not all superheroes are created equal, not all insulation is created equal. The secret weapon of insulation is its R-value, a measure of how well it can resist heat. Just like a superhero’s strength, the higher the R-value, the greater the performance and lengthening of the life of the insulation. If you’re current insulation is not good enough, it’s not because it’s lost effectiveness over time, but because it was either installed wrong or became damaged from moisture.
Have your roofing contractor inspect your attic and assess the condition of your current insulation, they’ll be able to help you choose the perfect insulation with a high R-value and ensure that it’s properly installed to provide optimal performance.
#6 Myth: The More Insulation In The Attic, The Better
You may have heard that more insulation in the attic means cheaper energy bills, but we’re here to tell you that this isn’t always the case. While insulation is important for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it’s also important to remember that your roof needs to be able to breathe.
When there is too much insulation in your attic, it can actually create problems. For example, without proper ventilation, a buildup of mold, condensation, and mildew can occur. This can lead to a host of issues, such as structural damage to your roof and even health problems for you and your family.
You should always make sure the insulation in your attic is balanced out with a ventilation system to exhaust hot air.
#7 Myth: Pressure Washing A Roof Is The Best Way To Clean It
You may have heard that pressure washing a roof is the best way to clean it, but we’re here to tell you that this isn’t always the case. While pressure washing can be a great tool for cleaning certain surfaces, such as decks and driveways, there are better options for your roof.
This is because pressure washing can be quite powerful, and if it’s not used correctly, it can easily damage the tiles or other roofing materials on your roof. Additionally, if your pressure washer is set to the wrong setting, it can cause water damage to your roof and even your home.
That said, it doesn’t mean you should ignore cleaning your roof. A professional roof cleaning service is a great solution. They have the right equipment and knowledge to safely and effectively clean your roof without causing any damage. They use specialized cleaning solutions and methods to remove dirt, moss, algae, and other buildups without harming the roofing materials.
#8 Myth: Metal Roofs Are Too Heavy For A House
You might think that metal roofs are too heavy for your house and would weigh down your home, but we’re here to tell you that this is just a metal roof myth! In reality, metal roofs are quite lightweight and easy to install.
One of the characteristics homeowners look for in the roofing material they want to install is the weight of the material, which will affect the ease of installation. You’ll be happy to know that many metal roofing systems are made with lightweight materials, such as aluminum or steel, which are much lighter than traditional roofing materials like tile or slate. In fact, aluminum, the lightest metal roofing material, weighs even less than asphalt shingle roofs.
Additionally, modern metal roofs are designed to be lightweight, allowing them to be installed without any additional structural support. This means you won’t need to worry about the extra costs of structural work needed to support the weight of the roof.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, many myths and misconceptions surrounding roofing can make it difficult to know what’s true and what’s not. But, with a little bit of knowledge and the help of a professional, you can make informed decisions about your roof and ensure that it’s in top shape.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and that you’ve learned something new about roofing myths. If you’re in the market for a new roof or need help maintaining your existing roof, look no further than Clear Cut Xteriors!
Our roofing company in Minnesota is here to help. We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can help you with all of your roofing needs. We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a new roof, repairs, or maintenance. So give us a call today at (651) 340-3410, and let us help you keep your roof in shape!
