When it comes to roofs, everyone’s suddenly a contractor at the barbecue. Uncle Larry swears your shingles need replacing every 10 years “no matter what,” while your neighbor Karen is convinced her metal roof attracts lightning. Spoiler: both are wrong.
At FortiFi, we finance thousands of roofs across California and Florida every year, and trust us—bad roofing advice is more common than a Florida thunderstorm. So let’s bust some myths before they cost you money, sanity, or worse—a soggy ceiling.
🔥 Myth #1: "My roof looks fine, so I don't need to inspect it."
The Truth: If you only check your roof when there's a waterfall coming through the ceiling fan, you're doing it wrong.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), homeowners should inspect their roofs at least twice a year—in the spring and fall. Why? Because damage isn’t always visible from the ground, and small issues (like a cracked shingle or exposed nail) can turn into major problems when ignored.
👉 Pro tip: Schedule a professional roof inspection annually. Think of it like an oil change for your house.
⚡ Myth #2: "Metal roofs attract lightning."
The Truth: A metal roof attracting lightning is about as likely as your WiFi signal affecting airplane navigation. In other words: not a thing.
According to the Metal Construction Association and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), metal roofing doesn’t increase the risk of lightning strikes. In fact, metal is non-combustible—meaning if lightning does strike your home, a metal roof may actually keep you safer than asphalt.
⚡ Bottom line: Lightning strikes the highest point, not the metal one.
💸 Myth #3: "Roof repairs are cheaper than replacement, always."
The Truth: In some cases, yes. But in others, repairing an old, failing roof is like duct-taping your bumper back on and calling it a "fix."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends full roof replacements when a roof is structurally compromised, especially after major storms. Patch jobs can actually cost more over time—and may disqualify you from certain insurance claims or building code compliance down the road.
🧮 Rule of thumb: If more than 25% of your roof is damaged, it's time to talk replacement. (Source: Florida Building Code, Section 708.1.1)
🌴 Myth #4: "Roofs don’t matter during hurricanes or earthquakes—it’s the walls that count."
The Truth: We’d laugh, but this one’s dangerous.
In hurricane-prone states like Florida, your roof is the first line of defense against high winds and water intrusion. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, roof failures lead to pressure changes inside your home that can literally cause walls to collapse. Fun, right?
In California? Earthquakes don’t just shake walls—they rattle roof structures. FEMA recommends strengthening roof-to-wall connections as a key part of earthquake retrofitting.
💪 Your roof isn’t just a hat. It’s body armor for your home.
🏚️ Myth #5: "All roofing materials are basically the same."
The Truth: That’s like saying all shoes are basically the same—tell that to someone hiking Yosemite in flip-flops.
Asphalt shingles, clay tiles, metal panels, wood shake, flat roofing membranes… each has its pros, cons, and ideal use cases. Climate, budget, aesthetics, and even local building codes play a role in what’s best for your home.
🔍 Before choosing a material, check with your local building authority and a licensed contractor. Or better yet—use FortiFi and let us pair you with one.
✅ Bonus Myth: "Financing a new roof is impossible with bad credit."
The Truth: Not with FortiFi.
Our zero-down financing options aren’t based on your credit score. We work with Florida and California homeowners to get them approved fast—often within 48 hours—with no income documents required. Need impact protection, storm resistance, or just peace of mind? We’ve got you.
🧠 Final Thoughts
A roof isn't just decoration—it’s a vital system protecting your entire home. And in states like Florida and California, where weather happens, falling for myths can cost you big.
So skip the barbecue gossip and stick with trusted experts. Do your research, call around, and get multiple opinions.
