As a homeowner, you're expected to be familiar with your home, but this doesn't mean you have to be an expert. You can leave that to the professionals. When you fail to rely on the expertise of a professional you end up being duped by a bunch of false information or myths, which is particularly the case when it comes roofing. Make sure you know how to discern fact from fiction to protect your home.

New Flashing Is Only Important With A New Roof

The idea that you only need to consider installing new flashing when you are installing a new roof is incorrect for a number of reasons. An important thing to understand is that flashing and roofing materials are two separate entities.

The wear and tear on your flashing can be much further progressed than the wear on your roof and vice versa. Ideally, you should be having the flashing inspected each time you have your roofing inspected and replacing it as necessary, even if this is more frequently than you have a new roof installed.

It's Okay To Layer On the Shingles

If you get a permanent stain on the wall, putting an additional layer of paint over the area would seem like a simple solution. When it comes to your roof the opposite is true. Solving a problem with your roof should not involve the process of installing a new layer of shingles atop the old.

In a number of situations, your worn shingles only represent the outer layer of the problem. Aged sheathing and underlayment are also contributing factors. Simply installing a new layer of shingles prevents you from correcting any issues in these areas and only masks the problem.

Asphalt Shingles Don't Offer Variety

There's a somewhat common idea that asphalt shingles are all pretty much the same. Asphalt shingles are actually available in a variety of options, based on your needs. For example, for homes prone to high winds, there are asphalt shingle varieties designed to withstand this type of weather, known as reinforced shingles.

If you live in an area where high humidity and algae is a concern, there are also asphalt shingles designed to be algae-resistant. There are also shingles designed to look like slate or wood. There are a number of options suited to best meet your specific need.

In addition to recognizing roofing myths, it's also important for you to rely on the skill of a roofing contractor. At the first sign of an issue with your roof, make sure you're calling on a professional.

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