Debunking Common Roofing Myths
When it comes to roofing, misinformation is everywhere. From neighbors offering “helpful” advice to online forums that blur the line between fact and fiction, Oregon homeowners often fall prey to common roofing myths. These myths don’t just spread confusion—they can lead to expensive mistakes, premature replacements, and even safety hazards.
At Gresham Roofing, we’ve been in the industry since 1968. With decades of hands-on experience and a reputation built on honesty, high-quality craftsmanship, and industry certifications, we’ve seen it all—and fixed it all. Today, we’re setting the record straight with real roofing maintenance facts and expert-backed truths. Let’s bust some roofing myths.
Myth 1: “Roofs Only Need Replacing When They Leak”
The Truth: Leaks mean the damage has already gone too far.
One of the most dangerous shingle replacement myths is believing you can wait until water starts dripping from the ceiling. But leaks are usually the last symptom of a bigger problem—like hidden rot, cracked shingles, or failing underlayment.
Myth 2: “Moss Is Just a Cosmetic Issue”
The Truth: Moss is moisture’s best friend—and your roof’s worst enemy.
In the Pacific Northwest, moss grows fast. It might look charming, but don’t be fooled. Moss traps moisture. That moisture leads to rot. It gets under shingles. It destroys decking. We can help with moss removal, if you catch the problem early.
We’ve replaced entire roof sections simply because homeowners didn’t know moss was doing long-term damage under the surface.
Myth 3: “All Roofing Materials Perform the Same”
The Truth: Your roof should be designed for your climate.
Oregon’s wet, often windy climate requires materials that can stand up to moisture, moss, and temperature swings. Some roofing systems that work great in dry states fail quickly here.
For example, untreated wood shakes may look great, but they rot fast in our weather. And not all asphalt shingles are made equal, either. Ask your roofer if your roofing material is climate-appropriate. You’d be shocked how many aren’t.
We’re certified in all shingle systems and install only materials proven to last here in the Pacific Northwest.
Myth 4: “Roofing Can Be a DIY Job”
The Truth: Roofing is not a weekend project, it’s skilled, dangerous work.
We know you’re handy. You’ve got tools. You’ve got a ladder. But roofing is a specialized trade for a reason. Every day, we repair roofs done by homeowners (or unlicensed contractors) trying to save money. Most of the time, it ends up costing more when we have to undo poor installation or code violations.
DIY jobs often skip proper flashing, nailing (our team uses six nails per shingle—industry best), and ventilation. And did we mention it’s dangerous?
Roofing isn’t just about hammering shingles. It’s about doing it safely, correctly, and with lasting results.
Myth 5: “A New Roof Automatically Increases Home Value”
The Truth: Only quality roofing adds value. Poor workmanship can actually hurt resale.
Sure, a new roof sounds great on a listing—but only if it was installed properly, with quality materials and solid warranties. Buyers today are savvy. Home inspectors will call out poor installation, missing permits, or cheap shingles.
Myth 6: “You Don’t Need Roof Ventilation in Cold Climates”
The Truth: Ventilation is critical in every climate, including Oregon.
Proper ventilation allows air to flow through your attic, preventing condensation, ice dams, and mold. When it’s cold out and your attic is warm, moisture builds up and can wreak havoc on insulation and roofing materials.
We’ve seen roofs rot from the inside out—no leaks, no visible damage, just bad airflow. Don’t let this silent destroyer shorten your roof’s life.
Myth 7: “Metal Roofs Are Too Noisy and Industrial Looking”
The Truth: Modern metal roofs are quiet, energy-efficient, and incredibly stylish.
Metal roof misconceptions are everywhere. People worry they’ll sound like a tin can in the rain. But with today’s insulation and underlayment systems, modern metal roofs are as quiet as any other roofing system.
They also last 40–70 years, reflect solar heat, and can be customized to match just about any home style. We offer metal roofing options that look like shake or slate, but without the maintenance.
Myth 8: “Shingles Only Need Replacing If They’re Missing”
The Truth: Shingles show signs of aging long before they fall off.
If you’re waiting until shingles blow off or disappear, you’re way past due. Look for granule loss, cracking, or curling. These are early indicators that your shingles are nearing the end.
Myth 9: “Roof Inspections Are Only Necessary After a Storm”
The Truth: Roof inspections should be yearly, not just when disaster strikes.
Storms aren’t the only thing that can cause roof problems. In fact, everyday wear and tear, moss buildup, UV exposure, and even improper installation can quietly degrade your roof over time.
We’ve inspected roofs that hadn’t seen a storm in years—but still had cracked flashing, lifting shingles, and failing vents. Catching those issues before they turn into leaks is what saves you money.
Myth 10: “You Can Always Just Add Another Layer of Shingles”
The Truth: Roof-overs are a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
While it’s technically allowed in some cases, layering shingles often hides bigger issues like soft decking, trapped moisture, or structural damage. Plus, it adds weight, sometimes too much for older roof structures to handle.
We’ve peeled back second layers only to find mold, rot, and serious damage underneath. And guess what? At that point, you’re paying for two jobs—removal and replacement.
Know the Facts, Protect Your Roof
You don’t need to be a roofing expert. That’s what we’re here for. But knowing the difference between roofing myths and roof maintenance facts can save you thousands, extend your roof’s lifespan, and keep your home protected.
At Gresham Roofing, we don’t cut corners. We use high-quality materials and back our work with one of the longest warranties in the industry. So, if you’re ready to bust some roofing myths on your own home, contact us today to schedule a professional inspection.
