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Here are the most common roof maintenance mistakes you should avoid at all costs. Read on!
Maintaining your roof is an important part of keeping your home safe and structurally sound.
Unfortunately, many homeowners make mistakes when it comes to roof maintenance that can lead to costly repairs or even total replacement in some cases.
To ensure the longevity of your roof, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes people make so you can avoid them.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common roof maintenance mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.
Not Contacting a Professional
One of the most common roof maintenance mistakes homeowners make is not contacting a professional when their roof needs attention. While there are many DIY projects that can be done around the house, working on your roof should never be one of them.
The experts at triedandtrueroofing.com note that roofing materials have changed drastically over the years and attempting to repair or replace shingles without trained knowledge may not provide the desired results.
Additionally, if an inexperienced person attempts a repair on their own and makes a mistake, it could result in further damage to the roof and can even be dangerous.
Not Cleaning Your Roof Regularly
Another important roof maintenance mistake that homeowners make is not cleaning their roofs on a regular basis. This includes removing debris such as leaves, pine needles, twigs, and branches.
Not removing this debris can lead to the accumulation of moisture which can cause mold and mildew growth, as well as causing damage to your roofing material.
You should also remove any moss that may be growing on your roof. Moss and lichen are plants that take root in the roofing material and spread across the surface.
Moss absorbs moisture, which can lead to accelerated damage to your roofing materials and cause wood rot in shingle roofs. Additionally, moss blocks water from draining properly off of the roof, leading to water pooling on the surface.
It is important to use methods that are safe for your roof when it comes to cleaning. Using harsh chemicals or a pressure washer could cause significant damage and will likely void any warranty that you have on your roof.
Instead, use a garden hose and mild detergent when washing off the exterior of your home’s roof. This will help to keep your roof clean without damaging it.
Not Inspecting Your Roof Regularly
Regular inspections of your roof should be part of your home maintenance routine. Doing so will ensure that you catch any damage in its early stages before it progresses and becomes more expensive or hazardous to repair.
Furthermore, depending on the material used for your roof, inspections should be done at least twice a year or after any large rain or wind storms. If you don’t feel comfortable performing the inspection yourself, then contact a professional roofer to do it for you.
Using Improper Materials for Roof Repairs
If you do need to repair a roof, ensure that you are using the right materials. All products used to repair your roof should be high quality and compatible with the existing structure.
The wrong materials can cause damage over time or not hold up in severe weather conditions. Using improper materials for roof repairs may mean that you end up needing to replace your entire roof sooner than expected.
When choosing materials for roof repair, it’s important to research the materials available and consult a professional before making any purchases.
Failing to Trim Trees
Proper tree trimming is essential for maintaining a healthy roof. Trees that aren’t trimmed on a regular basis can provide an ideal environment for pests and rodents, while also posing potential safety hazards if they fall onto the roof.
Additionally, branches can scrape against the shingles and create gouges or other damage over time. Trees should be trimmed at least once a year.
When trimming trees, it’s important to keep in mind that some tree species can be more susceptible to damage and decay. Also, if trees are too close to the roofline, they can act as a bridge for animals or pests to access the roof.
This is why it’s important to check the trees around the property and make sure they are trimmed away from the roof by at least six to ten feet.
In conclusion, roof maintenance requires regular inspection and cleaning to keep it in good condition. Homeowners should also be aware of the potential mistakes that can lead to further damage, such as not using the right materials for repair work or failing to trim trees away from the roofline.
If you’re unsure about how best to maintain your roof, then contact a professional roofer for advice. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your roof remains in good condition for many years to come.
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