Common Roofing Misconceptions

Common Roofing Misconceptions
April 9, 2024

Many people think of their roof as just shingles, but it’s not that simple. A roof is actually a system made of multiple products—roof shingles, roofing underlayments, ventilation, and more—that are engineered to work together. A professionally installed roof system made with high-quality products goes a long way to maximizing a roof’s performance and longevity.

The Benefits of Using a Single Source Manufacturer for Your Roof System

Some roofing contractors install roof systems by mixing roofing products from different manufacturers. At first, this may not seem like a bad idea, but all roofing manufacturers don’t design their products the same way. Since a roof system is critically important to protecting your home and possessions, it makes sense to use components from the same manufacturer that are engineered to work in tandem. A single-source roof system also extends the possibility of manufacturer-backed extended warranties on both the materials and the installing workmanship—something a mixed system cannot offer. If something should go wrong with your roof system, you’re not ‘stuck in the middle’ while various manufacturers debate over which product in the system caused the issue. All-Tite Exteriors is a CertainTeed Shingle Master and installs the complete manufacturer approved roofing system.

Learn About CertainTeed’s Integrity Roof System

CertainTeed’s Integrity Roof System (IRS) is a great option that provides complete protection with products designed to work seamlessly together and is backed by CertainTeed’s SureStart™ Warranty, which can cover 100 percent of the material and labor costs to repair or replace defective shingles .

Waterproof Underlayment 

CertainTeed’s WinterGuard® prevents leaks from wind-driven rain and ice dams in vulnerable areas.

Water-Resistant Underlayment 

DiamondDeck® or RoofRunner™ are high-performance underlayments that provide a protective water-resistant layer over the roof deck and serve as a secondary barrier against leaks.

Starter Shingles 

SwiftStart®, High-Performance™ Starter, or Presidential® Starter shingles are installed along the edges of the roof beneath CertainTeed shingles for maximum protection against moisture infiltration and wind damage.

Asphalt Roof Shingles 

CertainTeed shingles are available in a wide variety of styles and colors to suit any budget. Each shingle is made with premium raw materials using CertainTeed’s world-class manufacturing processes and is covered by the strongest manufacturer’s warranty in the business.

Hip and Ridge Caps 

Also known as accessory shingles, these specialty shingles are designed for use at the hips and ridges of the roof. They color-match the primary shingles and give the roof a complete, finished look. Options include Shadow Ridge®, CedarCrest®, Mountain Ridge®, and Shangle Ridge® shingles.

Roof Ventilation 

A roof system with balanced intake and exhaust ventilation lets an attic space breathe, which maximizes the life expectancy of your roofing materials. The Integrity Roof System combines CertainTeed® Ridge Vent with CertainTeed Intake Vent or soffit vent products for a simple, highly efficient ventilation system.

All Roofing Shingles are Not the Same

Thanks to advances in building science, there are special roofing shingles engineered to face different weather extremes. For example, if hail storms are an issue, there are rubberized shingles that are designed to withstand impacts from hail—they may also qualify for insurance premium discounts. There are also cool roof shingles with granules that reflect the heat of the sun, which helps reduce a home’s cooling costs. Be sure to choose a product that is ideal for the climate where you live.

All Roofs Need to be Checked

Whether your roof is new or old, it needs to be inspected at least annually by a trained professional—even in the early years of the roof’s lifespan—to prevent problems from manifesting. Falling branches and flying debris can damage roofing, roof components can fail, and clogged gutters can lead moisture infiltration that causes mold growth and rot. To maintain the life of your roof, hire an experienced roofing contractor to perform inspections, especially after heavy storms. You can have one of the certified roofing inspectors at All-Tite Exteriors perform a free inspection on your home today.

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