We hear the same assumptions about roofs over and over. Some of them cost homeowners real money. Here are the ten we run into most.
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1. "If it isn't leaking, it's fine"
Hail can crack the mat inside a shingle without causing a leak for a season or two. Wind can break the seal on shingles that still look flat. By the time a leak appears, the insurance window for that storm may have closed.
2. "All shingles are the same"
Three-tab, architectural, impact-resistant and designer shingles differ a lot in thickness, wind rating, hail resistance and lifespan. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, for example, hold up much better to hail and often qualify for an insurance discount in Texas.
3. "A repair is always cheaper than a replacement"
Today, yes. Over time, not always. If a roof near the end of its life needs repairs every year, those repairs can add up to a good share of a new roof. And if storm damage is covered by insurance, a replacement may cost you only your deductible.
4. "I can fix it myself"
Roof work is dangerous, and small mistakes in flashing or nailing cause leaks. DIY repairs can also void shingle warranties and make storm damage harder to prove to an insurer.
5. "A new roof fixes every problem"
A new roof will not fix poor attic ventilation, clogged gutters, or water pooling at the foundation. If those are not addressed, they can shorten the life of the new roof too.
6. "Only big storms damage roofs"
Sun and heat wear roofs down every day. A poorly vented attic bakes shingles from underneath. Tree limbs rub through shingles. Vent boots crack with age. Storms get the attention, but everyday wear matters too.
7. "All roofers are the same"
They are not. Look for a local address, reviews from real customers, a written workmanship warranty, and a company that replaces flashing instead of reusing it. After big storms, out-of-town crews arrive and leave when the work dries up.
8. "The warranty covers everything"
The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the shingles. It usually does not cover installation mistakes, storm damage or neglect. Installation is covered by the contractor's workmanship warranty, if they offer one. Storm damage is an insurance matter.
9. "A well-maintained roof lasts forever"
Good maintenance helps a roof reach its full life. It does not stop the shingles from aging. Every roof eventually needs replacing.
10. "You only need a roofer when something goes wrong"
An inspection once a year and after big storms is how you catch problems while they are cheap and still covered.
If you have a question about your own roof, we are happy to answer it. Call (855) 741-ROOF.