When your roof leaks or it’s looking shabby, who are you going to call? We hope you answered, “The expert roofers at Roofing Recovery!”
But what happens when you don’t need a repair made or a new roof installed? Maybe, you’re a new homeowner who is doing careful research about roofing facts.
Well, we want to help you out and test your knowledge. Here are 4 facts most people don’t know about roofs. Test your knowledge, and let us know what you think!
1. There are 7 different components (or more) to every roof
When you think about a roof, you might consider the shingles, flashing, and wood supports. But did you know that there are over 7 components? It’s way more complicated than most people imagine.
First, the roof decking supports and sheathing are built to hold up the entire weight of the roof. Around that is the eaves edge created with boards. Put on top of that in order is the:
- Water/ice barrier – Prevents ice damming
- Waterproof underlayment – Protects from moisture
- Flashing – Covers joints
- Drip edge – Guides the water off the edge
- Shingles – Looks beautiful while offering protection from all elements
- Vents – Provides proper roof ventilation
This is why it’s so important to hire professional roofers like the ones at Roofing Recovery to install a new roof on your property. No one besides an expert can build or repair a roof that will maintain and protect the beauty, health and safety of your home for years to come.
2. You should never pressure wash a roof
Pressure or power washing a roof involves a specialized machine that creates an intense force of extra hot water that is directed at a variety of outdoor surfaces. So many pressure wash companies will tell you it’s the fastest and most efficient way to clean a roof, but they are dead wrong.
It is the worst thing you could ever do!
Sure, it will remove the dirt, moss, and algae, along with 10 years from your roof’s lifespan. Water projected at your asphalt shingles or tile at high speeds will tear off the granules and crack clay. If you don’t have a leak in your roof, the high pressure is sure to create a new one for you. It will force water into holes that it normally couldn’t reach.
Even pressure washing concrete can cause damage that is equivalent to multiple years of water erosion. You might not see it, but you’ll notice the difference when your roof needs to be replaced much sooner than your roofer estimated.
3. Selling a home? A bad roof can ruin your sale!
When you list your home with a “new roof” as part of the perks, you will sell fast.
A home inspector will notice the damage on your roof and their eyebrows will raise. Water damage and possibly even mold could be present. That will rack up an even larger list of repairs that they will report to the prospective buyer, killing your deal.
Buyers don’t want to pay roofers when they can choose a property that already has everything they need. Increase your curb appeal and your chance to close the deal by hiring Roof Recovery to repair your pre-existing roof or install a new one before your property enters the market.
4. Roofs need to breathe
Just like we exhale and inhale air, so too does our roof take in and let out air in a balanced system that provides the attic with great circulation throughout that space. Intake and exhaust vents placed in key points throughout the roof. Solar-powered fans can help you maximize your vents and minimize your energy costs.
Without a well-constructed ventilation system, heat and moisture will become trapped under the roof and lead to water damage, mildew, and mold inside of your property. Your electricity bill will be significantly higher because air conditioners will work harder to keep your indoor areas cool during hot weather.
We hope you learned a fact or two about the value of professional roofers, and why it’s vital that you find certified experts to work on your home or commercial property. Roofing Recovery has over 20 years of experience in the industry. If you are interested in having a roof inspection and estimate for your next roofing project, get in touch with us.