Your roof is the first line of defense against the rain, sun, and snow so common in Colorado. However, most homeowners hardly ever think about their roofs until they’re damaged and actively leaking. While an experienced Arvada roofing contractor will be able to take care of most problems quickly, it’s still important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the roof and the type of maintenance it needs each year. By clearing up the common myths and misconceptions, you’ll be able to keep your roof in good condition for years to come. Here are some of the most common roofing myths, debunked.
You Can Handle Your Own Roof Repairs
Installing and replacing shingles seems easy enough, right? While it looks simple, installing and repairing shingles takes a lot of training and experience to do correctly. Different shingles have different mounting methods and when they’re improperly installed, you’re risking water and roof damage as well as putting yourself in danger. Experienced roofers understand how to properly install all manner of materials and can do so safely, keeping your roof and themselves from damage. Even if the repair seems minor, always leave it to the professionals.
Roofs Last Indefinitely
With the right care and maintenance, asphalt shingle roofs can last up to 25 years while metal roofs can last over 50 years. Though that means your home will be protected from the elements for a long time, it’s not indefinite. The older a roof is, the more hidden damage it’s likely to have and the faster it will start to deteriorate. This puts your home at increased risk of leaks, mold, mildew, and even higher energy bills. If you know the roof is over 15 years old, schedule an inspection with an experienced roofing contractor and make sure the materials are still in good condition. If not, the sooner you replace the roof, the safer your house will be.
If the Roof Isn’t Leaking, There Aren’t Problems
Surprisingly, your roof doesn’t have to be leaking in order to be damaged. In fact, roof damage can come in a variety of forms, ranging from poor insulation to warped sub-roofing and underlayment. Though damaged, you may not see obvious signs. Your electric bill might go up during seasonal weather and the upper levels of your house could be harder to keep comfortable, but otherwise the roof seems fine. That doesn’t mean there aren’t problems. Only a routine roof inspection from an experienced contractor will be able to tell you whether or not your roof is in good condition. If any damage is detected, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible.
Routine Maintenance Doesn’t Really Help
Think of routine roof maintenance and inspections the same way you think of oil changes for your car. When you neglect an oil change, your car’s engine becomes less efficient and can get damaged by frequent use. Your roof, like your car’s engine, requires regular attention and care in order to effectively protect your house from the elements. If routine maintenance is neglected, the roofing materials will start to break down, minor repair issues will become major problems, and you’ll have to file a homeowners insurance claim to replace the roof prematurely. Preventative maintenance ensures that your roof can last for as long as possible without experiencing catastrophic leaks and water damage.
I Have a Warranty, So Maintenance Isn’t a Priority
Most roofing materials are backed by a manufacturer’s warranty against defects inherent in the materials. Though the warranty should give you peace of mind knowing that faulty shingles, metal, or roofing tiles will be replaced by the manufacturer, it’s not a substitute for routine maintenance. The warranty won’t protect your home in the event of water leaks due to lack of maintenance, storm damage, improper installation, or anything other than manufacturer defaults. In fact, forgoing maintenance with an experienced roofing contractor or handling the repairs yourself may actually void your warranty altogether. No matter how good the warranty is, you’ll still want to maintain the roof each year.
A Roof is a Roof and Won’t Add Value to Your Home
Every house needs a roof, so it’s easy to assume that such a vital part of every building won’t add much value to the property. However, it’s simply not true. A new roof will always increase the value of your property, but some materials will increase it more than others. Asphalt shingles, as the most common and most affordable material, will increase the property value the least. Metal roofing, on the other hand, will increase the value more. This is because it is the most durable material available, requiring the least amount of maintenance for the longest useful lifespan. Keep in mind that the installation of a metal roof is far more expensive than standard shingles.
Dark Roofs Increase Your Electric Bill
It’s no secret that darker colors trap more heat than lighter shades. However, when it comes to your roof, the color is more of an aesthetic choice than an energy-saving method. Dark roofing materials will trap heat, but because of the insulation in your attic and beneath the materials themselves, that heat shouldn’t be transferred to your home. This means your HVAC system will be able to keep your home comfortable even if you have black or dark gray shingles. Keep in mind, dark roofs in Denver can be particularly useful in winter as the added heat causes snow to melt more quickly, reducing the risk of snow soaking into the materials and doing damage to the attic.
Taking care of your residential roof doesn’t have to be a chore. With help from the experienced contractors at Arvada Roofing & Construction, your roof will be properly cared for, maintained, and repaired at all times. We understand that no two homes are alike and will work to find the best materials for your roof, whether you’re wanting new shingles or want an expert to replace the flashing around your chimney. No problem is too big or too small if you’re worried about your roof, contact us today to schedule a free estimate.