Whether it’s something you’re doing or something you’re not doing, you’ll have to keep an eye on your roof shingles to prevent severe damage from occurring. An annual roofing inspection by a licensed professional can help check and/or prevent some of these issues, as well as provide advice on how to maintain your roof in the best way.
Without proper maintenance, every roof will eventually show signs of moss or fungus growth, making shingles look unkempt or older than they are. Typically, moss growth isn’t a major issue if maintained earlier, and can be brushed or hosed off. If moss or fungus gets under the roof shingles, it can cause leaks.
Fungus can take more work to remove, including chemicals that may be best handled by a roofing professional.
UV exposure from the sun to your roof shingles can cause shrinkage and blistering. Shrunken shingles can no longer protect your roof. They create gaps in coverage and let moisture in – ultimately resulting in leaks, wood rot, and mold growth. The best prevention for this problem is proper roof installation. Your roofer needs to use the proper techniques and materials to protect your roof from UV rays and prevent shrinkage.
While you do need to keep your roof clean, pressure washing is definitely not a good alternative. Ironically, one of the most common causes of roof damage and premature aging is improper washing with harsh chemicals and high pressure.
Water erodes rock over time, and the same can happen with the asphalt on your shingles. The erosion greatly reduces the lifespan of your roof and leads to roof leaks.
Clogged gutters can cause a lot of damage if ignored. For instance, clogged gutters will cause water to fall next to your home’s foundation rather than flow down the downspout. The water may find its way into your basement through cracks in the foundation, causing water damage in your home.
As far as roof shingles are concerned, during the winter water can also find its way underneath the shingles where it will freeze. Ice dams will form and damage the shingles along the bottom of the roof.
Cleaning gutters is a simple fix that can help prevent all kinds of damage.
Contact BD Exteriors, your local gutter contractor! We’re licensed, insured, and bonded, and we can determine the best type of gutter and cover to prevent these types of problems at your home.
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