Things You Should Never Do To Your Roof

Your roof is a very valuable investment that will last for a very long time if taken care of properly.  While there are numerous things that you should do to help maintain your roofing system, here is our list of things you should NOT do to your roof:

1. Pressure Washing - Whether you just want your roof to be as clean as the rest of the building or you notice dark algae stains on your roof that are driving you crazy, pressure washing is not the answer!  Sure, it will remove all the dirt and stains…but it will also remove all of the granules from your shingles.  These granules are what protect your shingles from sun, heat, rain, hail, fire, and any other act of nature.  Having non-effective shingles will shorten the lifespan of your roof.
2. Walk on the Roof - First of all, walking on a roof is pretty dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and even more dangerous if it is wet.  Not only is there a potential for injury, but walking on your roof will also damage it by rubbing the granules off of the shingles.
3. Install a Satellite Dish - If you’re thinking about having a satellite dish installed on your roof, think again.  A cable technician is not a roofing contractor so they do not understand how to properly walk on a roof without damaging it.  When a satellite dish is installed, bolts are used to screw it into the roof, leaving it vulnerable to leaks.
4. Ignore Debris - Aside from looking bad, debris can cause your roof some major problems.  When it piles up, it can cause water to pool, leading to leaks, mold, and pests.
5. Cut Holes in the Roof - This seems like an obvious thing to avoid, but if you decide you want skylights or need more roof vents, it’s best to hire a qualified roofing contractor to do any type of work on your roof.  They know the proper ways to seal around the openings in order to safeguard your roof against leaks and other damage.
6. Pull up Shingles to Inspect for Leaks - No matter how handy you are, it is definitely not a good idea to pull up any shingles from your roof to check for leaks.  Unless you have experience with roofing, you will more than likely cause more leaks.  You’ll also void your roof’s warranty.  Just call a professional roofing contractor like Bill White Roofing and Specialty if you suspect you have a leak.
7. Ignore Clogged Gutters - If your gutters become clogged, water will pool up on your roof, leading to leaks and damage to your building structure.  If the gutters have too much weight in them from the debris and pooled water, they can pull away from the roof, causing even more damage.

Bottom line…if you aren’t sure if you should do something to your roof, you probably shouldn’t.  We are available to answer any questions you may have or to help you with any issues that may arise with your roof.  Give us a call at (205) 942-8374.