Most of us don’t think about roofs all that often. In fact, it isn’t until we need to get our roof repaired or replaced that they come to mind. And then, all we tend to think about is how much it’ll cost to hire a roofer.
Every once in a while, it’s nice to look at some of the interesting things about roofs. As professional roofers, the staff at Greenville Roofing are excited when it comes to roofing fun-facts. So, let’s take a moment to talk a little about these fun-facts here.
Here are 9 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about roofing.
Your Roof Won’t Be Struck by Lightning
A lot of buildings, especially commercial buildings, have metal roofs. And, if you listen to what you’ve been told about metal and lighting, you may be afraid a metal roof can be dangerous. This simply isn’t true. Lightning is just as attracted to all other materials as they are to metal. Having a metal roof doesn’t make your home any more likely to be struck by lightning in a storm. It’s actually the highest point on a structure that is most vulnerable.
Fireproof Shakes
A lot of people like the way that wooden shakes look but they’re afraid to install them. This is because wood shakes can be susceptible to fire. In fact, many insurance companies charge you higher premiums if you have wood shakes for this reason. The good news is that they do make concrete shakes that look exactly like wooden ones. So, you can have the great look of wood shakes without the risk of fire.
The Great Fire of London
Speaking of wood shakes, many years ago in London, they used to have thatch roofs. The Kind of England passed a law that said that thatch roofs had to be replaced with clay tiles. He said that clay tiles would prevent buildings in the city from catching fire. However, his law didn’t do a lot of good. Switching to clay tiles didn’t help prevent the Great Fire of London in 1666.
You Can Eat Your Roof?
Believe it or not, there are roofs out there that do more than protect your home. There are green roofs today that you can use to grow fruits and vegetables. They still function as a roof but they also work as a garden too. So, not only will you save money by having an eco-friendly roof, but you’ll also be able to eat the stuff you grow up there.
Can You Cover Your Old Roof with a New One?
While most roofers, including the roofers at Greenville Roofing, wouldn’t recommend it, you can replace your old roof with a new one. Roofers can build your new roof right on top of your old one. You just have to make sure you reinforce your roof in order to bear the weight of the extra materials.
Clay Tiles Date Back a Long Time
People have been using clay tiles since as early as 2800 B.C. They date back all the way to the Great Pyramids. A lot of people used clay tiles and added straw to make them water proof. Amazingly enough, clay tiles have been known to last as long as 1,000 years. Talk about durability!
Green Metal Roofs Do Exist
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly roof that is also durable, you can opt for a green metal roof. They’re very durable, lasting as long as any other metal roof. They’re also cheaper to install since they’re made of mostly recycled materials. They don’t need to be replaced all that often so they’re kind to the environment and your wallet.
Heated Pools?
Though it may sound strange and impractical, you can actually use your heated roof to warm up your tub or pool water. However, this can be very difficult to do. Finding out a way to transport this heated water may prove difficult. But, if you can pull it off, it’ll be a great way to save money.
Warranties May Be Misleading
Ask any of the roofers at Greenville Roofing and they’ll tell you – a warranty doesn’t mean what you think it might. Just because your roof has a 30-year warranty doesn’t mean it will last 30 years. It just means that, if by chance it does last long, you’ll be protected from mishaps and defects.
If you have any roofing questions, give one of the professionals at Greenville Roofing a call. They can come out and do a free estimate or, they can just answer your questions right over the phone.