Your roof does more than just keep the rain out; a roof protects your home from all the elements, which is especially important in Minnesota. Your roof also plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air temperature and energy efficiency – not to mention, it brings great curb appeal to your home. If you’ve never worked in roofing, there’s probably a lot you don’t know about your roof, and you may have been fooled by one of the many myths about roofing, which can prove detrimental. Read on to see some of the most common roofing myths debunked.
The Truth Behind Roofing Myths
- 1. Myth: Roofs basically last forever
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- a. Truth: While roofs are very sturdy, most roofing materials have a lifespan of about 25 to 50 years. How many severe storms a roof is forced to weather and how much effort you put into roof maintenance can alter this lifespan. In Minnesota, where the weather can be quite severe, it’s wise to schedule annual roof inspections to make sure your roof is still up to the challenge. Repairing water damage from a faulty, leaking roof is often much more expensive than replacing a roof before it becomes structurally unsound.
- 2. Myth: You can just install a new roof over an old one.
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- a. Truth: Technically, you can install a layer of new roof shingles over an older layer but this is usually a bad idea. Roofs installed in this manner will often be uneven and more susceptible to damage from windstorms. Additionally, if old shingles are compromised by algae or mold, the lifespan of your new roof installation may be greatly reduced. Plus, roofing contractors in Minnesota can only discover issues with your roof decking if they remove all of the existing shingles. If this step is ignored, you might be paying to install new shingles on a roof that’s at risk of collapse.
- 3. Myth: Roofing materials really only differ in appearance.
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- a. Truth: Different roofing materials can differ drastically in terms of how well they hold up against the elements and how long they last in general. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials in Minnesota in large part because they’re the cheapest option, but they also have a lifespan of just 15-30 years and are vulnerable to inclement weather. Cedar shakes and shingles have a longer lifespan of 30-50 years but they’re also more vulnerable to fires. Slate roofing can last well over 50 years but is also more expensive, heavier, and can be damaged in hailstorms.
- 4. Myth: You only need a roof inspection if you find a leak.
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- a. Truth: Scheduling regular roof inspections – ideally at least once per year – is a wise idea if you want to avoid costly roof repairs. Annual roof inspections will allow you to catch leaks and structural issues early, so that your preferred roofing contractors in Minnesota can fix them before they worsen. Roof inspections and proactive maintenance are much more budget-friendly than major roof repairs as a result of extensive water damage or mold growth.
- 5. Myth: You don’t need to bother with roof inspections or maintenance if it’s been a dry year.
- a. Truth: While water damage from heavy rain or snowfall is often responsible for roof problems, it’s not the only factor that can cause roofs to deteriorate. Constant exposure to UV rays from direct sunlight can also break down a roof’s integrity over time, as can the extreme temperatures that often occur during Minnesota winters. Regardless of the weather, annual roof inspections and regular maintenance can save you from a costly premature roof replacement.
Top-Rated Professional Roofing Contractors in Minnesota
If you’d like to schedule a roofing inspection or address any problems with your roof, it’s vital to hire the best team for the job. Give Incline Exteriors a call today if you need any professional roofing services in the greater Lake Minnetonka area!