3 COSTLY AND CONFUSING ROOFING MYTHS
Jamie • September 19, 2018
Home maintenance can be overwhelming. From landscaping and replacing dirty filters to repairing plumbing leaks, it's easy to see the challenges homeowners face. While most of these tasks are priorities, focusing on your home's roof is also important. Not only is the roof a key part of your home's structure, it also protects your family and belongings from the elements.
Unfortunately, you probably do not fully understand the importance of your roof and the maintenance that is required. By debunking these common roofing myths, you will learn the truth about your roof's durability, construction and maintenance.
1. Damage Is Noticeable
If you live by the saying, "if it's not broken, don't fix it," then you may be setting your roof up for failure. Just because you do not see actual damage to your roof or interior leaks on the ceiling, does not mean your roof is fine.
Damage to your roof is not always visible. Even the smallest crack in a shingle or tear in the underlay could mean enormous problems for your home. Dirt, debris, rain, moisture and mold can quickly build up in these small areas. Over time, these issues can lead to costly leaks, water damage, unhealthy mold growth and a complete roof replacement.
If some shingles are missing or if you notice a few shingles that have chipped or begun to curl around the edges, contact a professional immediately. These signs are not easy to notice, but they are warning you that there is a problem that should be addressed.
Your roofing shingles are essential to your roof design because they help water run off the top of your home. As this water runs off the home, it will pool up around the foundation. Over time, this puddling can lead to foundation issues, water damage, eroded landscaping and mold growth.
A system of gutters will help move the water from the top of the roof, off the home and away from the foundation. By moving the water from the top of the house, you will effectively protect the roof, siding, foundation, driveway and landscaping from costly repairs.
Asphalt shingles are the most traditional option because they are the most affordable. They are also available in a variety of colors and styles, so asphalt shingles work well on most styles of homes. With proper upkeep, you can expect these shingles to have a life span between 20 to 40 years. Although they are the traditional option, asphalt is not the only option to consider.
If you prefer a more natural look, opt for wood shingles and shakes. These wood pieces are appealing and versatile, allowing you to install and stain in a variety of color options. Fortunately, wood shingles are manufactured to be rot and insect resistant, making them last up to 30 years.
Roofing is a complicated topic, but you shouldn't believe everything you hear. Contact the professionals at ABCO Roofing Company Inc. to learn more about your home's roof.
Damage to your roof is not always visible. Even the smallest crack in a shingle or tear in the underlay could mean enormous problems for your home. Dirt, debris, rain, moisture and mold can quickly build up in these small areas. Over time, these issues can lead to costly leaks, water damage, unhealthy mold growth and a complete roof replacement.
If some shingles are missing or if you notice a few shingles that have chipped or begun to curl around the edges, contact a professional immediately. These signs are not easy to notice, but they are warning you that there is a problem that should be addressed.
2. You Don't Need Gutters
Your mind is most likely not on gutters, so you may not place much emphasis on these simple pieces of metal or plastic. Unfortunately, a home without gutters can be very problematic.
Your roofing shingles are essential to your roof design because they help water run off the top of your home. As this water runs off the home, it will pool up around the foundation. Over time, this puddling can lead to foundation issues, water damage, eroded landscaping and mold growth.
A system of gutters will help move the water from the top of the roof, off the home and away from the foundation. By moving the water from the top of the house, you will effectively protect the roof, siding, foundation, driveway and landscaping from costly repairs.
3. Shingle Type Doesn't Matter
Most homeowners believe shingles are all the same, but that is not actually true. Each type of shingle offers its own benefits.
Asphalt shingles are the most traditional option because they are the most affordable. They are also available in a variety of colors and styles, so asphalt shingles work well on most styles of homes. With proper upkeep, you can expect these shingles to have a life span between 20 to 40 years. Although they are the traditional option, asphalt is not the only option to consider.
Many modern homes and old farmhouses are replacing old roofs with metal roofing. Steel and copper are becoming more and more popular because they are versatile enough to work with various home styles. Metal roofs have a life expectancy of up to 50 years making them one of the best investments you can make in your home.
If you prefer a more natural look, opt for wood shingles and shakes. These wood pieces are appealing and versatile, allowing you to install and stain in a variety of color options. Fortunately, wood shingles are manufactured to be rot and insect resistant, making them last up to 30 years.
Roofing is a complicated topic, but you shouldn't believe everything you hear. Contact the professionals at ABCO Roofing Company Inc. to learn more about your home's roof.
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Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and relatively lightweight. Fortunately, caring for a metal roof is relatively simple. Learn more here.
Whether you perform periodic roof inspections yourself or employ an expert to advise you with regards to roofing problems, learn two roofing terms.
Harsh weather elements, flying objects, and dust can cause your roof to develop problems over time. Learn some signs that mean you need roof repair.
Roofs come in various designs or types. Read our blog to learn more about the most common design styles, and contact us today for roofing services.
Did you know your roof can affect your home's energy bill? Read our blog to learn about three ways your roof impacts your home's energy efficiency.
Learn to recognize when your trees pose a risk to your roof and act accordingly. See four tips that will help you prevent tree damage to your roof.
Cedar shake roofs are popular with homeowners because they offer clear benefits. Cedar shake roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and resistance to damage from everything whether it's from insects to the elements. While cedar shake roofs are also relatively low maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow these maintenance tips to keep your roof looking and functioning its best. 1. Have Your Roof Inspected Annually The best way to protect and maintain your roof is to have it inspected once a year. You can start by inspecting it yourself, both from the ground and by climbing up on a ladder. Look for shingles that are curled, missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged by any wind storms you have experienced. If you notice any issues, then have your roof inspected by professionals. Professional roofers can spot repair any issues and prevent further damage, which protects the life span of your cedar shake roof. By inspecting your roof regularly, you will notice issues early, before they become more serious. 2. Have a New Gutter System Installed High-quality gutters and downspouts are key to protecting your roof. When having a new cedar roof installed, it makes sense to have a new gutter system installed at the same time. High-quality gutters and downspouts in good repair will redirect rainwater, dead leaves, and snowmelt away from your roof, siding, and foundation. This will prevent unnecessary water damage, mold, mildew, and rot. It will also help you save money because you will avoid costly repairs down the road. 3. Have Your Trees Trimmed Regularly If your trees are left untrimmed and overgrown, then you have an increased risk of your roof being damaged by branches. Dead branches that aren't removed are likely to fall off and inflict damage on your new roof. During storms, an overgrown tree that's precariously close to your roof is a recipe for disaster. In addition, if your trees aren't trimmed regularly, the branches that are closest to your roof offer easy access to pests including squirrels and raccoons. These pests may damage your roof and try to get into your attic, where they can truly wreak havoc. Keeping your trees trimmed prevents a lot of unnecessary issues and keeps your trees healthier as well. 4. Keep Your Cedar Roof Free of Debris Once or twice a year especially after heavy storms it's wise to remove dead leaves, branches, and other debris from your cedar roof. If these materials are allowed to accumulate, then they will add too much moisture to your cedar shingles, which can potentially lead to mold, rot, or growth of fungus. Piles of dead leaves and branches also make it harder for rain and snow to melt off of your roof. If you are not comfortable climbing up on your roof to clean it yourself, then it's a good idea to have the professionals tackle this maintenance task for you. This also allows you to combine your annual inspection with a roof cleaning for maximum impact. If your roof needs a more thorough cleaning, then you should definitely leave this task to the experts. Attempting to clean your cedar roof yourself with a pressure washer can lead to damaged shingles. Professional roofers know the right settings to use to get a clean roof without causing any damage. Following these preventative maintenance tips will ensure your new cedar shake roof remains beautiful and in good repair for many years to come. When it's time to have a new roof installed or your current roof repaired, contact us at ABCO Roofing Company Inc.
A failing roof is no joke. Not only is it unsightly and your roofline does comprise a large portion of your house's facade but it can lead to long-term damage. Water leakage can warp the underlying structures of the roof and top floor of your house. What's more, drafts in the roof mean your house's envelope isn't airtight, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety.
ABCO Roofing Company Inc. serves Middle Tennessee residences and business for roofing, siding, and gutter installation, maintenance, and repair. Commercial roofing requires different considerations to be taken than residential roofing. Usually commercial roofing will be applied to a building or structure that is taller and bigger than a residence, which will require special ladders, a bucket truck, or some manner of lift system for materials to reach the roof. The material used for roofing of commercial structures is not the same as homes. Residences use mainly asphalt shingles, but can also use slate, tile, or cedar shakes. However, commercial roofing utilizes metal roofing, thermoplastic, EPDM, or modified bitumen. The most prevalent type is EPDM roofing, which is a single layer of rubber roofing material found to be highly resistant to weather, damage, and abrasion. EPDM affixes to the roof by fasteners or by gluing the layer to the room. Often, we are called out to repair a section of roofing for a business and find many other areas that need attention. In those cases, we suggested employing a coated roof system, which coats the existing roof system, substantially extending the life of the roof. Call us for an estimate and assessment today!