3 Common Roof Maintenance Mistakes
As a homeowner, you want to make sure your roof stays in excellent condition. Not only do you want to protect the investment that is your home, but you also want to ensure that your family is safe and dry inside. Unfortunately, some misconceptions about roof care can lead to major damages down the line. Know the three main causes of accidental roof problems so you can ensure these issues don't affect your home.
Mistake #1 Pressure Washing Is Good for the Roof
Moss, algae, mold are ugly and tend to plague roofs that are in the shade, particularly in moist climates. Although unattractive, moss, and other growths are necessarily damaging on their own, although they can trap moisture and speed up the degradation of roofing materials over time. More damaging than the moss and algae are the use of pressure washing to clean them off the roof. A pressure washer won't just remove the growth and stains; it also can force water under shingles, knock the granules off your shingles, or even tear a shingle or flashing. Instead, roofs should be cleaned with a dilute bleach solution or fungicide that kills the growth but doesn't require a high-pressure application.
Mistake #2 All Roof Damage Is Visible
A lot of roof damage is visible, such as torn and missing shingles, but just as much can escape a casual inspection. For example, hail damage is often invisible except to the trained eye that can easily discern the small smooth areas on a shingle that indicates that the roof has been compromised. In other instances, the roof may look fine externally, but a visit to the attic may reveal water stains and mold from hidden leaks. Instead of assuming that you will notice any damage while going about your daily business, plan to inspect the roof fully inside and out at least once a year.
Mistake #3 It's Okay to Walk on the Roof
Walking on the roof, whether to try to inspect or repair it yourself or because you are putting up holiday decor, is a sure way to cause damages. Walking on your roof can loosen the protective granules on the shingles, cause shingle compaction, or simply result in accidental loosening or tearing of the shingles. It's best to only access your roof from the top of a ladder, never to actually walk upon it. If you need something done that can't be completed without leaving the ladder for the rooftop, then bring in a roofer for help.
Contact a local roofer for more assistance with your roof maintenance and repair.