Over the years, we’ve met our fair share of well-intentioned homeowners who’ve accidentally damaged their roofs by attempting DIY maintenance and repairs. Roof maintenance is important, but if you’re not careful you can wind up doing more harm than good. Today we’ll take a look at a few of the most common examples of roof maintenance errors so you don’t have to make these costly mistakes yourself.
Pressure Washing
Using a pressure washer to clean debris off your roof might seem like a good idea, but unfortunately these machines are typically a little too powerful for roof cleaning. In addition to knocking debris off your roof, pressure washers can also wear away the shingle granules that make your roof waterproof.
Lifting Shingles
If you notice a leak in your home, don’t look for it by climbing onto the roof and pulling up shingles. You’re unlikely to find the leak this way, and chances are you’ll wind up exacerbating the problem rather than fixing it.
Neglecting Gutters
Gutters and downspouts – which are designed to drain moisture safely away from your home – are essential components of your roof. When rainfall accumulates in gutters rather than draining away it can promote mold and mildew growth on your roof, damaging shingles and increasing the likelihood of leaks. As a general rule, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year.
Not Trimming Nearby Trees
When tree branches are allowed to grow over your home, strong winds and rainstorms can cause organic debris to fall and accumulate on the roof. In some cases, falling debris can cause impact damage to shingles. In others, accumulated organic material can hold moisture and foster mold growth on the roof.
Walking on the Roof
To avoid unnecessary wear and tear, your roof should see as little foot traffic as possible. Walking on a roof can not only damage shingles, but also put you at risk of injury as well. Try to inspect your roof for damage from a distance whenever you can. If you do need to walk on your roof, it’s probably time to call in the pros.
Need a hand with roof maintenance and repair? The team at Deegan can help. Give us a call for more information, or get your free estimate online today.