Avoid Accidental Roofing Mistakes and Keep Your Roof Protected
You stay on top of seasonal gutter cleaning and regularly check your roof flashing, but you could still be unintentionally damaging your roof. DIY fixes for leaks or missing shingles might do more harm than good. In this blog, we’ll highlight three common accidental roofing mistakes and how to avoid them to save money and extend your roof’s lifespan.
1. Attempting DIY Roof Repairs
When a roof issue arises, such as a leak or missing shingles, it’s tempting to grab a ladder and try fixing the problem yourself. However, attempting DIY roof repairs can often lead to additional problems.
Why DIY Repairs Are Risky
- Improper installation: Roofing requires precise techniques outlined by manufacturers. Poor shingle placement can lead to leaks or unpredictable water flow.
- Risk of further damage: Improperly handling materials can bend flashing, loosen shingles, or tear underlayment, weakening your roof’s integrity.
- Safety concerns: Working on a roof without professional experience can lead to accidents or injury.
Solution: Call a Professional Roofer
Hiring a professional contractor ensures repairs are done correctly, efficiently, and according to local building codes. Reputable companies can provide high-quality work and follow up if further issues arise.
2. Letting Landscaping Grow Out Of Control
During the summer, the right landscaping can do a lot to boost your home’s curb appeal. Tall trees can add a great deal of personality and shade to your property, and climbing plants like ivy can make your home look like it should be on the cover of a children’s book. Unfortunately, letting plants and trees grow unchecked can be detrimental to your roof’s health.
How Landscaping Can Damage Your Roof
- Overhanging branches: These can drop leaves into gutters, causing clogs and water damage. During storms, broken limbs can fall and damage your roof or gutters.
- Climbing plants: Tendrils from ivy or other climbing plants can lift shingles or clog gutters, creating water pooling and increasing the risk of leaks.
Solution: Maintain Safe Distances
- Plant large trees at least 20 feet away and medium-sized trees 15 feet away from your home. If you’re considering adding new trees, check out this guide on how to choose and plant a tree to ensure proper placement and growth.
- Regularly trim overhanging branches and remove climbing plants near your roof.
3. Installing Holiday Decorations Directly on the Roof
Decorating your home for the holidays can be a joyful and festive tradition, but stapling lights to shingles or nailing decorations directly onto your roof can unintentionally cause significant damage.
Common Issues with Holiday Decorations
- Holes in shingles: Staples or nails create entry points for water, leading to leaks and potential freeze-thaw damage.
- Insurance concerns: Roof damage caused by decorations may not be covered by your insurance policy.
Solution: Use Roof-Friendly Decoration Methods
Use clips or hangers specifically designed to secure decorations without harming shingles or other roofing materials, helping you prevent accidental roofing mistakes.
Protect Your Roof with Golden Spike Roofing
Whether it’s detecting leaks, performing small repairs, or replacing your entire roof, Golden Spike Roofing has over 75+ years of combined experience helping homeowners maintain the integrity of their roofs.
Prevent costly accidental roofing mistakes. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection or discuss long-term maintenance plans tailored to your home’s needs. Let us help you maintain your roof and protect your investment for years to come.
