Without roofing, you don’t even have a shelter. As such, roofing is one of the most important components of any home. However, despite this, many homeowners don’t give the roof of their dwelling much thought. What may surprise them is that many things they assumed to be true are myths, and many of the things they don’t know that are true may surprise them.

Myth: Roofs Do Not Require Maintenance

The biggest myth homeowners buy into is that their roof doesn’t require routine maintenance like other home systems may require. This is simply not true, and it’s not even true for new roofs. Roofs should be inspected multiple times a year to remove debris and detect damage. Gutters must be routinely cleaned to remove debris and prevent the creation of ice dams and water damage.

Fun Fact: Slate Roofs Can Last for Multiple Lifetimes

One roofing material still in use today that has been in use for a long time is slate. Slate is durable and can last an extremely long time. In fact, a quality slate roof could last anywhere from 75 years to 200 years if the structure beneath it remains sound during that time period.

Myth: New Roofs Can Be Installed Over Old Ones

While the idea of simply adding a roof over an existing one seems logical enough, in actual practice, this is a very poor idea. For one, “overlaying” a new roof will add significant extra weight that could add great strain to the structure overall. It can also do the job of hiding significant issues with the roof below that should be attended to. As such, this kind of layering won’t last as long as fresh replacements.

Fun Fact: A Roof’s Color Can Increase Energy Efficiency

Something else you may not know is that the color of a roof can have a role to play in energy efficiency. If you want to keep your home cooler, choose a lighter-colored roof. It will better reflect heat. If more heat is what you desire, the best choice is a dark-colored roof that will absorb more heat.

Myth: Roof Repairs Have to Be Performed in the Spring and Summer

One misunderstanding many homeowners have is that a roof can’t be repaired during the winter. They assume such a repair will have to wait until after the thaw in the spring. This is simply not true. While this may have been truer in the past, the things now used for roofing repair, namely sealants and adhesives, can be safely applied during the winter. Extra precautions should, however, be taken when attempting winter roofing repairs. This should be left up to professionals.

Overall, it’s wise to educate yourself when it comes to your roof. What you may learn can surprise you. Being informed ensures you’ll perform the needed roofing maintenance and make the right choices to extend your roof’s lifespan. When you need roof replacement services in Allentown, PA, contact Bachman’s Roofing.