Your home is one of the most important parts of your home. Unsurprisingly, it takes a beating everyday as it protects the rest of the building. It stands up to sun, rain, wind, and hail. With all that your roof has to handle, you need to ensure that you take proper care of it. Not only do you need to scheduled professional maintenance but you need to keep an eye on things yourself. Doing the wrong thing can shorten the lifespan of your roof considerably, even if you have the best intentions. Let’s look at some of the ways you may be unknowingly harming your roof.
Not Getting Regular Inspections
Roof damage can get complicated and costly to fix when you leave it for too long. The only way to catch problems when they’re small is to have your roof inspected regularly. Getting profesional roofers in Greenville to handle your preventative maintenance will ensure your roof remains in good condition. If you have asphalt shingles, you should have the roof inspected at least every three years. However, if your roof is made from more robust materials, every five years should suffice. Of course, if you notice signs of damage at any time, you should call your roofer immediately to assess the situation.
Using a Pressure Washer on the Roof
Power washing can work wonders on a range of surfaces like fences and walls. You may, therefore, assume that this is the perfect way to make your roof look brand-new again. However, you should never use a power washer on asphalt shingles. The high blast that seems like it would get rid of dirt and debris can actually cause significant damage. If the pressure is too much for your shingles, pieces may be become dislodged, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks.
Not Paying Attention to the Attic
Unless you’ve turned your attic into a living space, you probably don’t think about it often. It may be empty or packed with items you never use. However, if you want to ensure that your roof is sound and protecting your home adequately, you must check the attic. Mold, wet spots, and water stains may show up in this room before others, so you have to be vigilant.
Putting Too Much Insulation in the Attic
The more insulation the better, right? Insulation plays a major role in keeping your home warm and ensuring you don’t waste energy. However, if you or your contractor went overboard, it can cause problems. Air still needs to circulate throughout the space or moisture could build up and lead to mold. Untreated mold can lead to serious health problems, so you need to avoid this.
Covering Your Old Shingles with New Ones
Some DIY homeowners take on the job themselves. That way, they don’t have to pay a contractor to remove the old shingles and install new ones. Even some contractors engage in this practice. Doing this may help you to save money in the short term but it could be costly in the long run. However, leaving damaged shingles on your roof will compromise its integrity. It creates additional areas for moisture and dirt to accumulate and this can hasten the need for repairs. If you want to avoid bigger problems later on, you should get a professional to fix your roof.
You Hire Non-Licensed, Uninsured Contractors
Homeowners who want to save money sometimes choose the contractor who charges the lowest price. They don’t check to see if they’re licensed and insured or if their references are valid. While this will also save you money in the short term, working with a non-licensed contractor may void manufacturers’ warranties. In addition, the workers may use inferior products and install roofing materials incorrectly. When you work with licensed professional roofers, you will be in much safer hands. Whether you need roof installation, maintenance or repairs, you should ensure you hire the best local contractor.
Contact the Professional Roofers at Greenville Roofing
If you’re looking for professional roof maintenance and roof repair services, contact the Greenville, SC professional roofers at Greenville Roofing. We are fully licensed and insured and we have several years of experience. Our roofers work hard to exceed customer expectations and you’ll get superior service. We can inspect your roof and let you know if there are issues that need to be addressed. If you’ve been making some of these common mistakes, we’ll help you to correct them. Call us today to schedule an inspection or get an estimate.