We have all encountered that outspoken “expert” who gladly shares unsolicited advice regarding your home’s roof. Although many may give advice, the question remains: is it true or false? Over the years, we’ve compiled a list of the ten most common myths regarding urban roofs, often resulting in considerable damage and sometimes voiding insurance policies.

1. Your roof only needs replacement if it’s leaking considerably. A roof can be structurally damaged yet appear acceptable from the outside. Examples include rotten trusses and mold growth on the underside of shingles.

2. A new roof requires zero maintenance. All new roofs face the same conditions as established roofing, so it is equally affected by strong winds, hail and falling branches. Getting into the routine of regular roof inspections by a certified roofing contractor can cause your new roof to last well beyond the manufacturer’s guaranteed life expectancy.

3. The gutter system is independent of the roof. Of all the myths, this one is probably the most misleading. The gutters are essential for optimal roof health, as it guides rainwater and melting snow away from the overhang and walls.

4. All asphalt shingles are the same, so buy the cheapest. It is true that most asphalt shingles contain similar materials, but there is still a world of difference. Some shingles are designed for hot, dry conditions, while others are for freezing winters and sweltering summers. Choosing the right shingles means a longer roof lifespan.

5. A darker roof will result in higher energy bills. A dark color will absorb more heat during the summer, but installing adequate insulation and ensuring sufficient ventilation negates this.

6. More insulation is better. Often, installing more insulation comes at the cost of lower roof ventilation. The latter is crucial in preventing temperature extremes and moisture buildup. Otherwise, mold and mildew will grow unabated.

7. You can install a new roof on top of the existing roof. We often see this, especially linked with the next myth. The prominent problem here is weight. The design of the roof trusses can only carry the weight of the tiling or roofing materials. It’s not bad engineering, but one of economy; otherwise, the cost of the trusses will be prohibitively high. So, when installing the new roof over the existing one, the trusses will not hold the weight of two roofs.

8. Replacing my roof will take too long. A qualified and experienced roofing general contractor will thoroughly inspect the whole roof, minimizing the chance of surprises that delay re-roofing. Often, it is possible to replace damaged roof beams with the old roof still in place.

9. You can use a pressure washer to DIY-clean your roof. Quite apart from the general safety concern when completing DIY tasks on a roof with water, most rooftops are not designed to handle the maximum pressure of the washer. A roofing general contractor or professional roof cleaner will continually evaluate the roof and determine the maximum pressure to prevent unwanted damage.

10. A roofing contractor costs too much for inspections and light repairs. We all know that attending to a problem immediately saves hassles later. A roof is the same. The cost of regular roof inspections and minor repairs is negligible compared to the total replacement of a failed roof.

DB3 Roofing – Your Local Friendly Expert

At DB3 Roofing, we regularly encounter these ten myths, and, as a certified roofing contractor, we often see how they unnecessarily cost homeowners thousands. We have been assisting homeowners and commercial building landlords with thorough inspections for a prolonged roof lifespan since 2000.