The National Roof Certification and Inspection Association has their own list of “5 Common Roofing Myths Debunked by NRCIA Inspectors,” but we thought it would be fun to come up with some of our own.
Here’s a list of 10 common roofing myths, where we separate fact from fiction.
- Instead of paying to tear out the old shingles, you can save money by simply putting new roofing materials over old materials.
- FALSE. Covering old materials with new materials is a terrible and costly mistake. Paying the cost now for tearing them out before a new install will save you so much money in the long run.
- Roofers are notorious for being dishonest and doing shoddy work.
- TRUE. Sort of. There’s certainly a stereotype out there, and we agree that some people are not to be trusted. However, this is true of every industry, not just roofing. Do your due diligence and find a company you trust.
- No leaks = no problem!
- NOT ALWAYS. Sometimes there can be serious damage without any signs of leakage. The only way to know for sure is with regular preventative maintenance inspections by a professional, who is able to get in the nooks and crannies—and knows what to look for too.
- Roofing is easy work.
- FALSE. While roofing might not be extremely difficult to learn (at a trade school or as an apprentice), it is definitely difficult to do. It’s an outdoor job, which requires working in all kinds of weather. And in Florida, that means very hot temperatures—not just in general, but the roofing materials also get hot enough to burn human flesh! The job requires lots of physical effort and exertion; plus, working up high and on a slope carries an element of risk and danger on top of the already strenuous labor.
- It doesn’t matter what types of shoes you wear, just be comfortable.
- FALSE. Did you know that roofing is ranked as the riskiest job in the building industry? It has the fourth highest fatality rate per capita of any occupation; that’s 45.2 accidental deaths per 100,000 workers. Remember what we said in Myth #4? About the high, slanted working surfaces? You definitely need toe protection and strong support for your feet (think about heat; think about slipping). There are a bunch of better footwear options than sandals that OSHA and ANSI want you to know about.
- The hole in my roof is small, and I watched a lot of YouTube videos about patching roofs. I got this.
- Umm… Let’s put it this way: Would you watch tutorials on root canals, or hire a dentist? Botched roofing jobs cause roof failures. Please don’t let a small problem become a big one. Pay a pro now and save money (and risk and headaches) down the road.
- Metal roofs can offer a return on investment during a home resale.
- TRUE. But. Metal can be costly and only bring around a 55% ROI. You can select metal or asphalt shingles or even composite materials, which look like slate without the big price tag. These new roofs can cost about $20k less to install and bring a higher ROI.
- Dark colored shingles or tile will increase my energy bill.
- NOT NECESSARILY. That’s what attic insulation is for! Proper attic insulation and ventilation will help prevent heat from the roof from transferring into your house. Talk to a roofing expert to learn about your options.
- All asphalt shingles are the same.
- FALSE. Are all steaks the same? While asphalt shingles are all made from similar materials, not all of them are made with the same quality. There are different colors, different textures, and most certainly different brands of shingles. Ask potential roofing contractors what kind of shingles they use—and why.
- I can’t get insurance coverage if my roof is older than 15 years.
- LAW ALERT! The Florida state legislature implemented new roof requirements for homeowners insurance in May 2022. Under the new law, for roofs that are older than 15 years, insurers have to allow homeowners to have an inspection on the roof’s condition before refusing coverage. If the inspection shows the roof has five or more years of useful life left, the insurance company cannot reject coverage simply because of age.
At Sentinel Roofing, we understand the importance of reliable customer service, quality materials, and superior workmanship. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations in every project we handle. We certainly don’t want you to be fooled by the scammers or loads of misinformation floating around the internet.
We are committed to providing durable and affordable roofing solutions to ensure long-lasting and high-performing roofs that withstand the elements.
For answers to questions, more information, or to request a free estimate, contact us today.