Being a new homeowner may seem like a walk in the park, but there is more to it than some might think. Especially when it comes to repairs or maintenance. Let’s go over some of the dumb things people do to their roofs. Now, this is not to scare new homeowners, but more of a way to say don’t make the same mistakes others have made!
Maintaining a strong roof is essential and a lot of the destruction could be from natural causes of storms and structural damage, but sometimes it’s from people who don’t know what they’re doing. A lot of people want to take on roof repairs themselves, but seeking a professional is always the safest and cheapest way to go in the long run.
Neglecting overgrown tree limbs
Storms are out of our control, but when they decide to hit hard it can cause trees to break and leaves to fly. Large tree limbs can break on or through your roof if not trimmed properly. Piles of leaves tend to hold moisture and can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can cause damage if it seeps under your shingles.
Pulling up shingle material to look for leaks or other damage
If you’re not already experienced in roofing then you are most likely causing even more damage by trying to find the damage. Pulling up shingles without experience can cause issues because you might just be pulling up shingles where there are no leaks, but now due to pulled-up shingles, you will have leaks in that spot or potential opportunities for moisture to seep in.
Adding solar panels or satellite dishes
Trying to add these onto your roof without the expertise can cause future damage from the screws and holes if not done right. Any sort of improper penetration is just an invitation for moisture, mold and mildew.
Attaching a basketball hoop, Christmas lights, or other things directly to your roof
Shooting hoops is always a blast when with family and friends, but the method is important. When it is attached directly to your house the vibration can break the roof’s seal so you are better off buying the standing hoop. There is nothing wrong with hanging lights either, but when people use nails, bolts or screws they are stripping the roof’s material, causing leaks.
Pressure washing
Pressure washing does clean the roof, but it can also cause damage depending on the type of shingle material. It can remove protective granules from shingles and can start to erode the roof.
Layering on top of the damage
The idea of adding another layer of shingle or filler on top of a damaged area or hole is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken arm, it does no good. Calling a professional to come out and get to the root of the issue and assess the best method to fix it is the smartest way to go for longevity.
Walking and hanging out on your roof
Walking on your roof can not only be dangerous due to potentially slipping or falling, but can shorten the lifespan of the roof. Walking on softer shingles can cause gaps and even dislodge them which is just another way for water to seep in through the cracks.
Tarping over damage and leaks
When your roof does have a leak or gets damaged the first thought is a quick solution until getting it fixed. A Lot of people will try to use a tarp to put over the damaged areas, which is a good move. However, there is a wrong way to do it. If you’re hammering nails or screws straight to the tarp and roof you’re most likely going to cause a bigger leak because now there are more penetrations. Or trying to haul heavy objects up to lay on the tarp is just an invitation for trouble.
When to know it’s time to call for help
We tend to feel empowered and confident when we take on projects ourselves. When we think we did something great we step back and admire all our hard work. Sure, it is a great feeling! But was it the right move? If you’re noticing water stains, leaks, holes, droopiness, soft spots or just need help with installation, call a professional.
Beware of hiring an unqualified repair person
Shoddy roof contractors will try to pull a quick one on homeowners especially if they know you don’t have the knowledge on what is right and wrong. Here are just a handful of things to look out for and to identify if you have a qualified contractor or not.
- Saying you don’t need drip edge flashing. The purpose of drip edge flashing is to prevent water damage to your home and guard against pest infestations in the attic.
- If your roof is beginning to look uneven or out of uniform then you know you’re a victim of a bad roofing job. Make sure you are doing a visual inspection and if you see an uneven appearance then you know that is a red flag. A great roofing contractor will start the installation at the bottom of the roof, go up over the starter shingle, and then continue upwards. This creates a uniform appearance and allows your shingles to work as they should.
- If they are not using any underlayment, step in! A qualified roofer will place an underlayment between the sheathing and the shingles of the home. The material acts as another barrier that can protect your home from moisture or water leaks. It can also extend the lifespan of the roof itself. It is a crucial aspect of any roofing project.
- Before and after the project there should always be a clean and safe work area. If you notice trash, scrap material, sharp tools or other construction objects lying around then you should question the contractor. A professional is going to start and finish the project in a safe manner by cleaning up after themselves and leaving it better than they found it!
Call a Professional
Here at Kapella Roofing we have professionals with years of experience. There’s no problem we haven’t seen or been able to solve. Communication, transparency, and trust are key values we live and breathe by. Our goal is to leave you happy and to leave your home better than we found it. Give us a call and let us take care of the burden over your head!