Roofing Myths That Could Cost You Thousands

When it comes to your roof, bad information can lead to big expenses. At McCoy Roofing, we’ve seen homeowners make costly decisions based on common myths about shingles, ventilation, materials, and even who should install the roof.

As Sales Manager Zach Varadi puts it: “The most expensive roof is the one you have to replace twice.”

Here are some of the biggest roofing myths—and the truth you need to protect your home.

Roof Myth #1: “Hail resistant means hail proof.”

It’s a common misunderstanding. A hail-resistant shingle is designed to reduce the amount of damage, but no roofing material is invincible. Nebraska storms bring hail strong enough to damage even the toughest products.

Roof Myth #2: “50-year shingles last 50 years.”

“Here’s one: 50-year shingle. That’s a roofing myth in itself,” Zach says. “Back in the day, you’d hear 25, 30, 50 years—that was all marketing. Let’s be in Nebraska, you’ll be happy if you can get 10–15 years out of it.”

Weather, installation quality, and ventilation all play a bigger role in roof life than the number on the packaging.

Roof Myth #3: “If my attic is hot, I just need more vents.”

This is one of the most common mistakes Zach sees. “You don’t need more roof vents, you need more intake vents—soffit vents,” he explains.

If intake vents are clogged or missing, hot air can’t circulate properly. That leads to heat cracks, blisters, and premature roof aging. Adding more roof vents without fixing intake circulation can actually make things worse.

Roof Myth #4: “Always get three bids and go with the cheapest one.”

While it’s smart to compare estimates, the lowest bid often comes with hidden costs. “Chuck in a truck will put cheap materials up there that will not last—with no warranty,” Zach warns.

If insurance is covering your roof replacement, you have the freedom to choose the best roofer, not the cheapest. Cutting corners could mean replacing your roof again in just a few years.

Roof Myth #5: “Metal roofs never fail.”

“If I never want to worry about a roof, get metal. Wrong, false,” Zach says. While metal has advantages, it can still rust, leak, and wear out.

“I call it barn metal,” Zach adds. “You can see the screws going into the panels. The rubber washers get old, rot, and crumble. Metal roofs definitely leak. Nothing is forever, sorry.”

Roof Myth #6: “Roof cleaning services will extend my roof’s life.”

Homeowners sometimes hire companies to scrub moss or use pressure washers on their shingles. Zach strongly advises against it: “We refuse a pressure washer outright. It causes granular damage, which only shortens the life of your roof.”

Roof Myth #7: “My cousin can do it for $500.”

Roofing isn’t a side project. “A general contractor is not a roofer,” Zach says. “Generally, your most valuable asset is your home. Why risk it?”

Beyond poor workmanship, unlicensed work often means no permits, which can make your roof uninsurable or create major issues when you try to sell your home.

When it comes to roofing myths…

Roofing myths may sound harmless, but they can lead to expensive mistakes. From premature aging and ventilation issues to insurance headaches, misinformation can cost you thousands.

Protect yourself by working with a reputable local roofing company. McCoy Roofing offers free inspections to confirm the true condition of your roof—no myths, just facts.

Contact McCoy Roofing today to schedule your free inspection and make sure your home is protected.ing today to schedule your free roof inspection and make sure your home is protected—inside and out.