Roofing Myth and Facts

MYTH:

Any type of roof system can be installed on any type of building.

FACT:

In most cases, a specific system will be substantially better suited to a certain building type. Although cost is always a factor, often times a little more research by your contractor will reveal the best option. For example, a building with roof-mounted air conditioning units requiring periodic maintenance would be best suited to a resilient, puncture resistant roof versus a cheaper, non-resilient system.

MYTH:

No roof is beyond repair.

FACT:

While this may be true, it all boils down to dollars. Just about any roof leak can be stopped if the repairs are extensive enough. Unfortunately, though, with extensive repairs come very labor-intensive invoices. Eventually, the cost for maintaining a failing roof will begin to eat into other areas of one’s budget, and the maintenance repairs aren’t effective. A good rule of thumb is that if you have multiple leaks in multiple areas, and these areas reoccur again, it is time to think about replacement.

MYTH:

Any roof can have a new layer installed on top.

FACT:

Only after careful investigation can it be determined whether or not re-roofing is an option. Weight, structure deflection, drainage and the existing roof components are all factors. Excessive leakage in the old roof, for example, would indicate that the old roof should be torn off to remove concealed moisture. HVAC equipment sometimes will need to be raised to accommodate another roof, leading to significant expense. An infrared scan is almost always required before any re-roofing is done, and it is well worth the expense.