The Truth Behind These 3 Roofing Myths

Central Exteriors • November 2, 2021

There are many roofing myths often circulated by people who don’t understand how roofing works. Proper roof maintenance and installation will help ensure your roof and entire home are in good condition for many years to come.

Early roof leak repair is crucial because water leaks can cause major damage to your roof and other parts of your house, such as ceilings, walls, and insulation. This can lead to structural damage.

Keep reading to learn the truth about three common roofing misconceptions.

Myth 1: It Is Okay to Put a New Roof on Top of an Old One

You might have heard that installing a layer of new shingles over the old ones will save you money. Although you may spend less initially, chances are you’ll end up paying more in the end. Whether one part of your roof or the entire roof needs to be replaced, it’s best to remove old shingles before putting down new ones.

Shingles are designed to fit flat, even surfaces. Forcing them to fit over bumps and gaps won’t hide the defects of old shingles. Not only is it less aesthetically pleasing, but it can make the new layer of shingles harder to mount and secure, which will almost surely lead to problems down the road.

Putting new shingles over the old ones doubles the weight placed on the roof. When snow piles up in the winter, it can cause strain that leads to extensive structural damage and even roof collapse.

Having a roof replacement over old shingles also makes it impossible for contractors to properly examine the condition of the base wood and determine if there need to be repairs done beforehand.

Myth 2: No Leaks, No Problem

Although a leak is one of the most common signs that there’s a problem with your roof, it’s by no means the only issue when it comes to roof maintenance.

Paint that’s peeling or blistering is often a sign of poor attic ventilation, and you could have roof problems especially if moisture is trapped. If you see rays of light coming through attic boards, it’s a sure sign that you need roof repairs.

The condition of your roof shingles is a good indicator of roofing problems. It’s a good idea to check if they’re cracked, curling, discolored, missing, or showing other signs of decay due to age or weather exposure.

You could even have a leak without noticing. Mold growth stains where the roof and exterior wall meet can be signs of a leak hidden inside the wall.

Myth 3: New Roofs Do Not Need Regular Maintenance

Getting a new roof is a major expense. You want to make sure you get the most out of your investment.

Something as simple as roof maintenance is one of the best ways to maximize the life of your roof. This involves checking all of the most vulnerable areas of the roof. Even a brand new, properly installed roof should have an occasional roof maintenance inspection to catch potential hazards.

A minor issue left untreated can lead to costly, major repairs. But, minor issues are often tough for the untrained eye to catch. Not all leaks and other roofing problems are easily detected unless you’re a trained professional who knows how to inspect for potential hazards and repair them before they become major restorations.

As a roofing contractor in Rockville, Maryland for over three generations, Central Exteriors has developed an excellent reputation for our commitment to customer satisfaction and quality craftsmanship.

As a residential roofing company specializing in roof repair , our team takes pride in providing an array of services and giving you the best product within your budget to ensure your home functions at its best.

For more information or a free estimate, call 301-881-2424 or fill out our online form .