True or False: 5 Roofing Myths Explained

The internet is a well of information, with both good and bad advice about everything from cooking tips to roofing advice. Unfortunately, not every piece of information out there is trustworthy unless it is given by professionals with experience. This is absolutely the case with advice about roofing: there are plenty of myths that simply are not true.

At Res Reps, we have years’ worth of experience to offer to anyone who needs roofing advice. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most commonly occurring myths and the truth behind each one. Here are the top five roofing myths we hear every day.

Myth or Fact?

It’s hard to know what is true and what is not when you’re searching the internet for information, especially about something as specialized as roofing. Unless you’re a professional, you may not know that some of the information on the internet can actually damage your roof more than help fix it. At Res Reps, we felt that we needed to set the record straight.

Myth: You Can Install New Shingles Over Old Ones

False. For some reason, we hear this one a lot. However, putting a coat of paint over a crack in a wall does not make the crack disappear, so how could placing new shingles over old ones help your roof? Unfortunately, this will only harm your roof further, causing potentially extensive damage that can cost you a fortune in the long run.

Myth: Repairing a Roof Is Always Expensive

False. Many homeowners think that repairing or replacing a roof is always expensive. While this is sometimes the case, there are many exceptions to this statement. You can use several parts of your insurance policy to help you pay for your roofing job, or you can find qualified, experienced roofers who do not try to sell you more than you can pay for. In either case, Res Reps can help you with that!

Myth: Roofs Should Only Be Replaced Once They’re Damaged

False. Like many items around the home, roofs need to be maintained and replaced every so often. While maintenance should certainly be more frequent at about twice per month, all roofs (even new ones) should be replaced after a maximum of twenty years. If your roof is damaged, you may need to replace the entire part. Maintenance can help extend the lifespan of a roof and help eliminate the risk of overlooking issues that can cost you in the future.

Myth: Anyone can repair their own roof.

False. While there are definitely tasks that a homeowner can perform such as gutter maintenance and roof sweeping, anything more complicated should be done by a professional. Much like going to the doctor for an unknown issue, roofing requires experience and knowledge to be performed correctly. Botched roofing jobs can lead to expensive failures and damage, so let professionals help with more extensive tasks.

Myth: Metal roofs are worse than shingle roofs.

False. Metal roofs seem to get a bad reputation, but they are not bad roofs. In fact, metal roofs are superior to shingle roofs in several ways. They can be less expensive, saving you money on installation fees. They also do a better job at reflecting the sunlight, cooling your house and saving you money on energy bills. Metal roofs are strong and tend to hold up well during storms with high winds, decreasing the risk of damage. They can also “offer 57.8 percent of the cost back in increased home value”, according to Lee Nelson, a journalist for Yahoo News.

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of things a homeowner can do on their own to fix up their house or increase their resale value. From refinishing hardwood to painting the walls, DIY is a great way to save money and spruce up a house. With that being said, there are also many tasks that are best left to professionals, many of which include roofing repairs and replacements. Throwing on a few shingles can be done alone, but replacing a section of the roof or redoing the entire house is likely out of the typical homeowner’s wheelhouse. Instead, it’s best to let professional roofers with experience and industry knowledge purchase the correct materials and install them properly so there aren’t any issues down the road.

Have a Question? Let’s Talk.

At Res Reps, we want to help homeowners and policyholders understand the best way to save money and make the most of their insurance claims. To do this, we perform all of our services for free for our clients, because we believe that homeowners should not have to struggle further just to live in their homes while insurance companies hold out. If you have any questions about your insurance policy, our services, or anything else, we would love to help. Please give us a call at (321) 537-9991 or send us an email to shoe@resreps.com. Let’s get started today.