Asphalt shingles protect millions of homes across North America. This cost-effective roofing material features a fiberglass base mat coated in composition asphalt for added water resistance and durability. Another reason homeowners prefer this option is its appeal and comes in styles that resemble other popular materials, such as late and wood shakes.
Here are mistakes you should avoid when maintaining your asphalt shingle roof.
Asphalt Roofing Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Allowing Your Gutters to Get Clogged
Gutters play a significant role in keeping your roof in good shape. Once they get clogged, water will back up to the roof, and rainwater will not drain properly. Water may also overflow to your siding and the rest of your home’s exterior, leading to damage. Clogged gutters can also pose a threat to your foundation, basement, and landscaping.
Ignoring Debris on Your Roof
Leaves, branches, seeds, and other debris from trees can end up on your roof. Debris can scratch the surface of your roof and even get stuck between shingles. They can also hold moisture that can potentially harm your roof over time. Get regular cleaning from a reliable roofing company and have the system inspected as well after a storm.
Letting Tree Branches Touch Your Roof
Be sure to keep the trees around your home trimmed because it helps minimize debris on your roof and gutters. Different kinds of creatures may use tree branches to gain access to your home. Then there are also tree branches that can scratch and damage the surface of shingles. You want to trim back these branches, especially before the storm season for the overall safety of your home.
Letting Algae and Fungi Grow on Your Roof
Shingles may become prone to erosion when there is moss or fungus on the surface of the roof. For your safety and to avoid accidentally damaging your roof, it’s best to have moss removal handled by experienced professionals.
Not Addressing Damage Immediately
A proactive approach to damage and maintenance can help delay the need for a roof replacement. Never ignore cracks and rust on your roof because they can allow water to penetrate the protective layers of the shingles. When not fixed, rust will expand and even cause some components to deteriorate faster. Routine inspections can help with the early detection of these issues, so you can address them while they are small.
Failing to Check Your Ventilation
Ventilation also affects the performance and lifespan of your roof. A well-ventilated attic will allow warm, moist air from your home to escape and fresh air to enter. Good air circulation is essential in maintaining moderate temperatures in your attic. Excessive heat in your attic can increase the roof’s temperature and speed up the deterioration of shingles.
Heat may also transfer to your living spaces, causing your HVAC system to work harder than it should. When your roof and attic have sufficient ventilation, you will save on utility bills and enjoy a more comfortable home.
Choosing Unreliable Contractors
Before hiring a roofing contractor, you should do your research first. You can start by asking for referrals from your neighbors, family, and friends. Choose a local contractor as much as possible because they are easier to reach, and they can respond to you quickly if you need an emergency repair. Obtaining at least three estimates from different companies will help you assess which one is ideal for your project. Only work with a roofer who is licensed, insured and bonded. Remember that even the best materials are likely to fail early when not installed correctly or maintained properly.
Why Does Regular Roof Maintenance Matter?
It Contributes Better Roof Performance and Longevity
Roofs naturally deteriorate as they age, but it does not mean there is nothing you can do to delay it. Regular maintenance will do wonders for the efficiency and longevity of your roof. A roof that is properly taken care of is more likely to last longer than neglected ones.
It Can Help You Save Money
Many of today’s roofing materials are designed to last for decades. However, other factors can also affect how long your roof will last, such as weather extremes and maintenance. Regular inspections and tune-ups will allow your contractor to detect and address damage before they affect other parts of your home. When left undetected, minor issues such as leaks and missing shingles can quickly become a costly expense. By the time water is leaking into your interior, it may be too late for repairs.
It Helps Maintain Good Curb Appeal
A well-maintained roof will make your home look more attractive. On the other hand, a neglected roof can become an eyesore. Every day, your roof faces harsh elements, which can weaken its components over time. Failure to maintain this part of your home can make it more susceptible to damage.
It Improves Your Protection Against the Elements
When your roof is in bad shape, your home can become prone to weather-related damage. By investing in a maintenance plan from a reputable roofing company, you are also improving your home’s defense against harsh weather. It also helps ensure you and your family stays safe no matter the weather condition.
Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality
A compromised roofing system can harm your indoor air quality, especially if it has insufficient ventilation or is leaking. When not detected, roof leaks can encourage mold and mildew growth in your home. These microorganisms will cause dark spots to form on surfaces around your home and even risk the health of your household. They can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory symptoms. It’s best to take care of your roof while it has not developed this problem yet because once mold has spread around your house, it can be difficult and costly to remove.
Let ImproveIT! of Atlanta, LLC take care of your residential roofing needs. Our team specializes in roof replacement, repair, maintenance, and more! Call us at (770) 612-5635 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We work with homeowners in Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Alpharetta, GA.
