When it comes to roofs, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Perhaps it was an unqualified contractor saying it was fine to cut some corners, or maybe it was your brother-in-law offering some “wisdom” he’d found on a murky corner of the internet — no matter who it was, someone has probably put a few wrong ideas about roofing materials, roof repair, and roof replacement in your head.
The roofing experts at Amish Roofers are here to dispel the falsehoods and explain the facts — let’s put some roofing myths to rest!
Myth No. 1: You Can Install a New Shingle Roof Over Your Old One
If a contractor tries to tell you that you can cover an old shingle roof with a new layer of shingles — run! In order for your new shingle roof to properly protect your home and all the irreplaceable things inside it, it needs its own roofing underlayment. The weight of new shingles can cause the shingles underneath to buckle and crack, which can lead to leaks.
Plus, per warranty specifications, covering an old roof with new shingles would void the material’s warranty.
Only metal roofs can be installed over an old roof. This does not affect the longevity or the warranty.
Myth No. 2: It’s Just a Little Leak, No Need to Worry Too Much
When it comes to your roof, there’s good advice, bad advice, and terrible advice — such as “Just put a bucket under that leak; the rain will stop soon, and then we won’t have to worry about it.” Even a small leak can be a sign of (or can become) a huge problem. If water is getting into your house, contact a roofing professional right away.
Myth No. 3: You Can Totally Fix Your Roof Yourself
There are lots of things that a handy DIY-er can do around the house — but roof repair is definitely not one of them (no matter what that brother-in-law of yours tells you!). Repairing a roof requires special tools and specialized training — and it can be dangerous! Small mistakes can lead to serious injuries, further damage to your roof, or just an improperly repaired problem. For peace of mind and a roof you can rely on, call in the pros.
Myth No. 4: The Roof Is Brand-New — It Doesn’t Need to Be Inspected
Now we’d like to drop some roofing knowledge for all the first-time homeowners out there. Even if you’re looking at a home with a brand-new roof, that roof will need to be inspected — and the best person to do that is a professional roofing expert. A new roof can have issues, such as improper installation or substandard materials, that might lead to big problems in the future.
And even if your roof looks great (no sagging, no moss or rust, no missing tiles, and so on) there may still be issues that only a thorough professional inspection will uncover — for instance, water seeping into walls and causing mold to grow.
Myth No. 5: If the Roof Isn’t Leaking, Then Everything Is Fine
Today’s missing shingle, rusty patch, or standing water could be tomorrow’s major leak! If you notice any damage to your roof, having it professionally assessed is a good idea. If the problem looks small, the necessary repair will likely be minor — but it might not stay minor.
Myth No. 6: Darker Roofs Mean Higher Energy Bills
We’ve all heard that darker colors absorb heat (rather, that they absorb light that becomes heat), so you might believe that darker shingles absorb heat and make your home hotter — which would lead to higher air conditioning bills in the summer. But the fact is, darker shingles won’t make your home any warmer on a hot day. A properly installed ventilation system and good insulation will take care of equalizing temperatures in your home. So feel free to choose your favorite color — Amish Roofers has more than 20 colors to choose from!
Myth No. 7: I Need to Replace My Roof on a Certain Schedule
Somewhere in your home maintenance journey, you may have heard something like “You should replace your roof every 15 years, no matter what shape it’s in.”
The fact is, there’s no set schedule for roof replacement. The key is taking the time to maintain your roof and to have it inspected for damage every year. The right time to replace a roof depends on many factors — not only how well it has been maintained, but also the roofing material and your climate.
A well-cared-for roof can last as long as 30 years. If you have questions about the right time to replace your roof, schedule a no-pressure, no obligation Amish Roofers inspection.
Myth No. 8: It’s Too Cold to Install a New Roof
You wouldn’t want to install a new roof during a blizzard or in extremely cold conditions — but the Amish Roofers team works all year, and even during the winter, there are plenty of days that are suitable for roof repairs or for installing a new roof (and the vast majority of our residential jobs take less than a day to complete).
Myth No. 9: Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Definitely not true! Research proves that metal roofing is no more likely to attract lightning than any other material. In fact, metal roofing is noncombustible, so it's one of the best roofing materials for homes in lightning-prone regions.
Myth No. 10: A No-Obligation Inspection? There’s Gotta Be a Catch!
Not if you call Amish Roofers! If you have questions or concerns about your roof — ask us first! We’re proud of the work we’ve done (and the excellent reviews that our work has received) throughout southern Indiana. Our roof replacements are 100% guaranteed, and we can provide a no-obligation assessment of your roof!
