Myth #1: A New Roof Doesn’t Need Maintenance
This is one of the most dangerous myths in roofing. Just like a new car needs oil changes, a new roof requires regular inspections and maintenance to perform at its best and last its full lifespan. Debris can accumulate in valleys and around chimneys, leading to water damming. Gutters can clog, causing water to back up under the shingles. Seals around vents and flashing can degrade over time due to UV exposure and harsh weather.
Failing to perform routine maintenance can not only shorten your roof’s life but also void your manufacturer’s warranty. A proactive approach with biannual inspections (spring and fall are ideal) allows a professional to spot and address minor issues before they escalate into major, costly problems like leaks, mold, and structural damage.
Myth #2: You Can Just Install New Shingles Over Old Ones
While a “roof-over” or “layover” might seem like a tempting way to save money, it’s a shortcut that often leads to bigger problems. Firstly, it adds a tremendous amount of weight to your roof structure, which it may not be designed to handle. Secondly, and more critically, it covers up potential problems with the roof deck. Without tearing off the old shingles, a roofer cannot inspect the underlying wood for rot, water damage, or soft spots.
Covering up a damaged deck is like putting a bandage on a broken arm—it hides the problem but does nothing to fix it. This trapped moisture and rot will continue to fester, leading to a much more expensive structural repair down the road. Furthermore, most shingle manufacturers will not warranty a new roof unless it is installed on a clean, properly prepared deck. A full tear-off is always the professional standard.
The Professional Standard
At Heritage Roofing Systems, we always begin with a full tear-off of the old material. This allows our skilled craftsmen to thoroughly inspect the roof deck and ensure a sound, solid foundation for your new roofing system, guaranteeing warranty compliance and long-term performance.
Myth #3: The Lowest Bid is the Best Value
Choosing a roofing contractor based solely on the lowest price is one of the biggest gambles a homeowner can take. A suspiciously low bid often indicates that corners are being cut somewhere. This could mean using substandard materials, hiring uninsured or inexperienced labor, or skipping crucial steps like proper flashing installation or installing an ice and water shield.
The true cost of a roof is not the initial price but its performance over decades. A cheap, improperly installed roof will almost certainly fail prematurely, leading to leaks, interior damage, and the need for a full replacement much sooner than anticipated. A quality roofing job from a reputable contractor is an investment in durability and peace of mind.
Myth #4: All Shingles and Contractors Are the Same
The difference in quality between various shingle brands and roofing contractors is vast. Materials vary widely in their impact resistance, wind rating, algae resistance, and the quality of their asphalt and granules. Likewise, the skill and integrity of the installer are paramount. A great shingle installed improperly will fail.
This is why manufacturer certifications are so important. As a GAF Master Elite® Certified contractor, Heritage Roofing Systems is part of the top 2% of roofing contractors in North America. This isn’t just a title; it means our team is factory-trained, properly licensed, adequately insured, and has a proven reputation for providing quality roofing services. It also allows us to offer the best warranties in the industry, like the GAF Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge warranties, which cover both materials and workmanship—a level of protection other roofers cannot provide.
The Harm of a Bad Decision: A poorly installed roof by an uncertified contractor can lead to leaks that cause thousands in damage to insulation, drywall, and framing.
The Long-Term Impact: Choosing a certified installer like Heritage ensures access to superior warranties and the confidence that your roof was installed to the manufacturer’s exact, high standards, maximizing its lifespan and performance.
Myth #5: Metal Roofs Are Noisy, Rusty, and Attract Lightning
These are outdated myths from a bygone era. Modern metal roofs are installed over a solid roof deck, often with a layer of underlayment, which muffles the sound of rain to a level comparable to or even quieter than an asphalt shingle roof. Today’s metal roofing systems, like the ones installed by Heritage Roofing Systems, use advanced coating technologies like Galvalume® that provide decades of protection against rust and corrosion.
As for lightning, a metal roof is no more likely to be struck than any other roof. In fact, should lightning strike, a metal roof is safer because it is non-combustible and will dissipate the electrical charge, whereas a shingle or wood roof could catch fire.
Making an Informed Decision: Your Path to a Secure Roof
Now that we’ve cleared the air, let’s focus on the right way to approach a roofing project. Your goal is to secure a durable, long-lasting roofing system that enhances your home’s value and protects it from the harsh Central PA weather, from heavy snowfalls to summer storms. This involves three key steps.
Choose the Right Material for Central PA
Architectural Asphalt Shingles: The most popular choice for a reason. They offer excellent durability, a wide range of colors and styles, and a great balance of cost and performance. Brands like GAF offer products specifically designed to withstand high winds and resist algae growth, which is common in our humid summers.
Metal Roofing: An outstanding long-term investment. Metal roofs are superior in shedding snow and ice, highly resistant to wind and fire, and can last 50 years or more. Their energy efficiency can also help lower your utility bills.
Thoroughly Vet Your Contractor
Your contractor is as important as the materials you choose. Look for a local company with deep roots in the community. Check for proper licensing (PA HIC#) and full insurance coverage (liability and worker’s compensation). Ask for references, read online reviews, and look at a portfolio of their work. Most importantly, look for top-tier certifications like GAF Master Elite, which signals a commitment to quality and professionalism.
Understand the Estimate and Warranty
A detailed, written estimate should clearly outline the full scope of work, including tear-off, deck inspection, specific materials to be used (shingles, underlayment, flashing), and cleanup. Be wary of vague estimates. Ask about warranties—there are two types. The material warranty comes from the manufacturer. The workmanship warranty comes from the contractor and covers installation errors. The best protection, like the GAF Golden Pledge warranty available through Heritage Roofing Systems, combines both into one robust, long-term guarantee.
The Heritage Roofing Systems Difference
Now that you know what to look for in a quality roofing project, the final step is choosing a partner who embodies those standards. While quality materials form the foundation, the installation determines a roof’s true lifespan and performance. This is where our Amish-inspired approach to craftsmanship creates a meaningful, lasting difference for your home.
Truth and Transparency
We combat misinformation with clarity. You receive a detailed, easy-to-understand estimate with no hidden fees, ensuring you know exactly what you’re investing in.
Certified Craftsmanship
As GAF Master Elite® contractors, our team’s skill is certified at the highest level. We install with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring your roof performs flawlessly for decades.
A Local, Lasting Partnership
We’re your neighbors in Central PA. We stand behind our work with industry-leading warranties, offering you a hassle-free experience and lasting peace of mind.
