Life is so much nicer when you own your own home, and have a special place that is yours. There’s so much comfort in knowing you’ve created a peaceful oasis where you can be comfortable, secure and enjoy life. With home ownership, you do have to take on a lot of different tasks and responsibilities in life. You have to keep everything in working order, and be able to troubleshoot anything that’s going on.

If you have a problem with a major area of your home, like your roof, you’ll need to separate facts from common roofing myths. Partnering with local roofing contractors can help you uncover the truth and address your roofing concerns with confidence.

Roofing and Your Home

Your roof is perhaps the single most expensive single element of your home. When you need a new roof, it’s one of the biggest home repair expenses you will ever have.

It makes sense, then, to sort through roofing misconceptions, roof maintenance myths and come to understand the facts. When you have the facts about roofing you can make an informed decision about what needs to be done.

It’s Okay to Put Your New Roof Right on Top of the Old Roof

In order to save money, it seems like it would be easier to simply install your new roofing shingles over your existing roofing material. A professional roof consultation service, though, would advise that this is a myth that could lead to trouble in the long run. When the old shingles are not removed, you won’t be able to inspect and make repairs to any damage on the roof deck below.

Adding a second roof can also lead to structural damage due to the excess weight. You’ll also find that manufacturer’s warranties typically only apply when the original roof was properly removed. Much needed ventilation would also be compromised if a second roof was added.

For a durable and properly installed roof, it's essential to address underlying issues and avoid shortcuts like layering shingles. Whether you're considering roofing contractors in Franklin for expert guidance, scheduling roof repair in Mequon to fix existing damage, or planning a complete roofing installation in Oak Creek , taking the right steps now ensures your roof provides long-lasting protection.

The Only Sign of a Damaged Roof Is a Leak

If you are debunking roofing myths, one of the myths you should discard is that a leak is the only way you can tell you have a damaged roof. When you pay attention to the condition of your roof and gutters, you’ll have several signs to look for. Shingles that are loose, cracked or curled can be letting water seep in, and missing shingles open up your roof to immediate problems.

Gutters that are packed with debris, sediment or leaves can cause water to overflow, which can damage your roof’s soffit and fascia boards. If your shingles have lost their mineral surface granules and look bald and smooth, that’s a sign they are susceptible to letting leaks in. Dark streaks on your roof indicate algae growth, and could signal deterioration.

All Roofs Last the Same Amount of Time

This is definitely a myth. How long your roof lasts depends on several different factors. First, your choice of roofing material will help determine the serviceable years of your roof. In descending order from the longest number of years, metal roofs are best, with slate, tile and certain types of high-quality asphalt shingles coming in next.

As an example, regular asphalt shingles will serve you well for fifteen to twenty years, while a metal roof will be in great shape for several decades. Quality installation is also an important factor in how long your roof lasts; only hire a qualified, top-rated roofing contractor such as  Four Leaf Roofing & Windows. On-going preventative maintenance can also help extend the life of your roof.

A Metal Roof Is Far Too Noisy

There is a common myth that a metal roof on a home will be far too noisy. When a modern metal roof is installed, it will include excellent solid sheathing underneath the metal panels.

This, along with underlayment and insulation, will make a huge difference in reducing the sound from your roof. A well-designed metal roof may actually be less noisy than a roof surface with asphalt shingles.

You Should Try and Save Money by Making Your Own Roof Repairs

While many home improvement projects lend themselves to a DIY approach, roofing isn’t one of them. Proper roof installation or repair demands specialized skills, tools, and experience to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Understanding the reasons to hire a professional roofing contractor highlights why relying on an expert is both a wise and cost-efficient decision.

Even a small mistake on roof repair can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Safety is also a big concern, as falling off a steeply sloped roof could leave you severely injured and unable to work.

To make informed decisions as a homeowner, you need to separate the facts from the myths. When you need a new roof, or have roofing repairs that need to be done, call us and we'll get the job done quickly and professionally.