It’s easy to see why your roof is considered the single most important structure in your home. Without it, everything beneath it would be exposed to the elements, including you and your family. That’s why maintaining a viable roofing system is critical to any structure in which humans seek shelter or store property. While modern roofing contractors in Buckhead can tell you that roofs are more reliable and durable than ever before, there will come a time when leaks will inevitably occur.
There are many myths surrounding roofing leaks and the subsequent need for repair. That’s partially due to the wide range of factors that can cause roofing leaks, especially when a shingle roof is involved. Roofing myths are particularly troublesome because they can lead homeowners to make decisions about leaking roofs that could have long-reaching and expensive consequences. Given the cost of roof repair and replacement, many homeowners use this faulty information to justify postponing or improperly dealing with leaking roofs. Keep reading to learn about a few of the most common myths pertaining to repairing a leaky roof and how they can be debunked.
Myth 1: If a Leak Isn’t Visible, Your Roof Is Fine
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that a leak that can’t be seen from the roofing surface isn’t bad enough to warrant corrective action. However, roofing leaks are often not manifested through gaping holes in your roofing surface or missing shingles. Instead, many roofing leaks evolve from minor wear or roof issues that worsen over time until the waterproof nature of the roof is compromised. Therefore, there could be a leak in your immediate future or a small leak that may be almost invisible to the untrained eye. That’s why regular roofing inspections are so important. They allow a professional to assess the current state of the roof and head off problems that could develop into leaks.
Myth 2: Roof Repair Is an Easy DIY Project
While everyone understands the purpose and importance of the roof, not everyone knows how the overall system works. That means that amateur repairs to your roof may do more harm than good by speeding roof deterioration and causing damage to your decking or other supporting structures. When you have a roof leak, it’s okay to attempt to mitigate damage by covering the suspected leak with a tarp while you await professional consultation. However, it’s not advisable to attempt a long-term repair on your own. Few homeowners have the expertise to make lasting roof repairs, and faulty repairs can lead to increased damage. Also, DIY roof repair may also invalidate your warranty, which could represent a tremendous financial loss. It’s also downright unsafe since roof work requires a specific safety protocol and safety equipment in good repair.
Myth 3: A General Handyman Can Perform Emergency Roof Repairs
There are times when you may not be able to get a roofing company to respond to an emergency repair need. For example, after a major storm, roofers may be so busy that it may take a few days for them to assess your leaking roof. No one wants to deal with a leak, so some homeowners elect to hire a general handyman or unlicensed person to repair the roof. That’s a mistake, however. Hiring an amateur or unlicensed repairperson could void your roof warranty. When you hire someone who isn’t a professional roofer, your risk of shoddy workmanship and materials increases. You should only work with licensed roofing companies, even if that means you must live with a short delay.
While many people embrace these myths in the hope of reducing roof cost in Buckhead, doing so will cost you more in the long run through poor-quality workmanship, voided warranties, and postponing the inevitable and risking additional damage. If you suspect you have a roofing leak, you should immediately get a professional roofing inspection and follow up quickly with the recommended repairs. If your roof is leaking, contact Superior Roofing of Georgia at (770) 279-2621.