Your roof is a very important part of your home’s construction. Not only does a roof keep rain and other forms of moisture out of the interior spaces of a home, it also helps to insulate the home from heat and cold. Ignoring your roof could lead to serious consequences, but relying on misinformation could do the same. Following are some common myths about roofing that need to be debunked.
Roofs Are Fine Until They Begin to Leak
In virtually all cases, by the time that a leak shows up as a stain on your ceiling or is identified inside your home, extensive damage has already been done. Before the water can reach the interior, it must penetrate the roof deck, your attic insulation and the floor of your attic. Furthermore, the leaking water may move laterally at first, spreading the damage over an even larger area.
Preventing a roof leak should be a top priority. Some leaks develop slowly over time, but through routine inspections, a problem can be discovered before a leak develops. It is always a good idea to have a preventive maintenance plan in place that includes periodic inspections performed by a reputable and experienced roofing contractor. A thorough roof inspection should also be performed after any instance of foul weather that includes high winds, heavy rains or hail.
It Is Safe to Walk on Any Roof
Although some commercial and industrial flat roofs can sustain foot traffic, it is not recommended to walk on most pitched roofs found on residential homes. The safety issues and potential for personal injury are enough to justify not walking on your home’s roof. Professional roofers are trained to know how to properly walk on roofs and are equipped with the necessary safety devices to minimize the possibility of injury.
Furthermore, the materials used for residential roofing can be easily damaged by foot traffic. Although metal roofing, asphalt shingles, wood shingles and clay tiles do a tremendous job of providing protection for modern homes, they should be walked on only when necessary and only by knowledgeable and experienced roofing professionals. Professional roofers know how to safely walk on a roof without damaging it.
Putting New Shingles Over the Old Ones Is a Good Idea
Local building codes may allow for up to two layers of shingles on a residential roof, but that does not make it advisable. Any reputable roofing contractor will want to thoroughly inspect the underlayment and decking to determine if any damage is present so that all needed repairs can be made before the roof covering is applied. Replacing damaged decking and installing new underlayment will greatly improve the longevity of the new roof. For older roofs, this procedure is highly advisable; cupped, curled, cracked or missing shingles can make it difficult or impossible to apply the new roof so that it is visually appealing. You also risk having the manufacturer void the warranty on your new shingles if they are applied over an existing roof.
Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Metal roofs do not attract lightning. In fact, no type of roof covering attracts lightning. Lightning wants to take the shortest path, so it is far more likely to strike a tree, power pole or antenna than your roof. In addition, metal roofing panels will not burn and are considered safer than most other types of roof coverings.
Clean Gutters Do Nothing to Protect a Roof
Gutters are an important part of your roofing system. If the gutters become clogged, water can back up under the edges of your roof and damage your underlayment and decking. Eventually, the water will penetrate to your attic and the interior of your home.
Let Alpha Help
Alpha Roofing is an award-winning, highly respected Texas roofing company serving Austin and Central Texas. Our impeccable references and exemplary reputation are based on our extraordinary customer service, craftsmanship and professionalism. We are a commercial roofing and a residential roofing contractor that offers an extensive range of services, including roof inspections, maintenance programs, roof repairs, moss removal, metal fabrication and chimney repairs, and we also install metal roofs, asphalt shingles, siding, and flashing. We offer free estimates, so use our online quote request or call our office at 512-777-1086 today.