Exterior of a Victorian style house

5 Roofing Myths Put to Rest

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s important that you take care of it. Unfortunately, there are many myths out there about roof installation, repair, and maintenance. Let’s take a look at some of the most widely believed roofing myths.

More Insulation is Always Good

One common misconception is that the more insulation you have, the better. The truth is, though, that you probably don’t need as much insulation as you think, and adding too much can block your roof ventilation. This traps moisture and leads to rot or warping.

You Don’t Have to Strip Your Old Roof

Another myth is that it’s fine to lay a new layer of shingles over the old one. Although this might seem easier, you’re simply putting a nice new skin on a questionable interior. Your wooden sheathing underneath the shingle layer needs to be inspected for problems when you reroof, and putting down a new layer without stripping the old one can cover problems without resolving them.

Gutters Have Nothing to do With Roofing

Many people think that gutters are a system that’s entirely separate from the roof. In reality, it’s a mistake to treat them separately, because they work together in a complex drainage system that keeps water out. Regularly maintaining your gutters helps to protect the roof.

Shingles are all the Same

Asphalt shingles are all made out of asphalt, so they’re all the same, right? Wrong. Although the same basic materials are there, some kinds of asphalt shingles are stronger than others. Some are specially designed to resist wind, mold, or heavy rainfall; some have lifetime warranties or durability guarantees.

Flashing Should be Replaced With the Roof

Finally, some people think that flashing (the metal structures that divert water away from pipes and vents) should only be replaced whenever the roof is replaced. Unlike gutters, however, flashing is entirely separate from the roof—sometimes it can outlast your shingle layer, and other times it might need to be replaced after a matter of months. Flashing should be inspected regularly for trouble. There are many hints, tips, and myths out there about roofing, some of which are true and some of which aren’t. If you aren’t sure about something, contact a roofing contractor for help—call Watkins Construction at 601-996-8233.

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