Have you been putting off roof maintenance?
Roofs are essential for reliable and quality housing, but they take a lot of maintenance over the years. It’s only natural for you to procrastinate roof maintenance.
It’s best to get roof maintenance done whenever necessary. If you don’t do it, you may increase repair and maintenance costs over time.
With this, we created this quick guide to help you prevent several mistakes with home roof maintenance that homeowners tend to commit. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Not Scheduling Regular Roof Inspections
This can lead to poor roof ventilation or drainage, which can eventually cause costly repairs or replacements. Potential problems such as metal flashing, shingles, or brittle tiles can go unchecked for long periods. This leads to further water or wind damage.
You may not recognize that you must check for loose or missing shingles or flashing, potential water leaks, or have their roofs cleaned of moss or debris. Regular home roof inspections are recommended to identify these problems sooner.
To avoid such costly and time-consuming repairs, contact this roofing company and schedule a roof inspection at least once a year. A professional roof inspector can identify minor problems before they become big ones, thus avoiding additional damage to the roof.
2. Failing to Clean the Gutters Properly
Without regular and adequate gutter cleansing, debris like leaves, sticks, and other materials can accumulate, preventing the gutter from draining away water properly. To avoid this, gutters should be checked and cleaned regularly.
This is mainly during the fall season when trees are shedding their leaves. An adequate and safe practice is to use a brush with a long handle and lightly brush the gutter with it. If there are large clumps of foreign material stuck to the sides, they should be gently removed.
After the cleaning, check for cracks and leaks in the gutter lining. These should be repaired promptly before further damage or water leakage occurs. A proper roof maintenance routine is paramount for a healthy home.
3. Failing To Consider the Roof’s Weight Capacity
Additional weight from heavy branches and snowfall can stress the roof to the point of damage or collapse. You should research the capacity of the roof and stick to the weight limits.
Trim any heavy branches near or on the roof and take proper steps to clear any snow, as the roof manufacturer recommends. Be aware of roof traffic that causes undue stress. This can cause degradation and crease in shingles.
Have an experienced and licensed roofer inspect and repair the roof. This will help to ensure that the roof maintains the weight capacity that it was designed for.
4. Improper Material Selection
Select the appropriate roofing material to ensure it will last a long time and provide the necessary protection. The wrong choice of material may lead to problems such as short life expectancy, increased likelihood of leaks, and more.
To avoid this mistake, consult an experienced roofer to advise them on the best selection for your climate and budget. There are various types of different roofing materials to consider. This includes metal, shingles, flat roofing materials, and more.
Having a professional opinion can help make sure the right choice is made. Furthermore, durable materials should be chosen to ensure better long-term protection.
5. Walking on the Roof Directly
Walking directly on the roof can be dangerous due to the risk of falling and causing further damage. To avoid this mistake, you should invest in a ladder and materials to easily access the roof without direct contact.
Buy a ladder tall enough to reach the roof’s peak to be sure no part of the roof is left uninspected. Having family members or friends help hold down the ladder can further ensure its stability.
With the proper equipment and careful attention, you can easily avoid this dangerous mistake associated with home roof maintenance.
6. Improper Pressure Washing
Using the wrong type of cleaner, such as a harsh chemical cleaner with a pressure washer, damages the roof. Using only cleaners explicitly designed on roofs is essential, as they will be the least abrasive.
Avoid using bleach, as it will deteriorate roof shingles over time. When pressure washing, adjust the pressure so it is not too high, as it can erode the roof surface. Hold the wand at a steep angle and move slowly in overlapping strokes.
Make sure to rinse the entire roof surface. Doing this will help ensure no damage to the roof from the power washing process.
7. Not Keeping Up with Warranties
Many contracts will be voided if you fail to inspect and maintain the roof regularly and make necessary repairs when an issue is noticed. A roof should be checked at least twice yearly, and any problems should be addressed immediately.
Keep records and paperwork of any repairs or maintenance done to honor and adhere to warranties.
Avoid These Mistakes With Home Roof Maintenance
Home roof maintenance is rarely on anyone’s list of fun activities but is a component of keeping it functional. By taking the necessary steps to regularly inspect and repair leaks, cracks, and other damage, you can help reduce the risk of having to replace the roof prematurely.
Utilize the suggestions from this article to prevent costly mistakes with home roof maintenance and ensure your roof is optimally functioning! Start taking better care of your roof today!
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