Imagine submitting a claim for roof damage to your home insurance company and having it denied, only to find out your negligence is why the claim was rejected. This happens more often than expected, and roof negligence is the cause in most cases.
Let’s face it: you don’t see your roof regularly, so you have no idea what’s happening.
Roof damage can lead to costly repairs and unexpected expenses down the road.
Even if you can’t see what’s going on with your roof, you’ll need to be aware of ways you could be destroying it. Here is a look at seven ways you may be ruining your roof and unaware of it.
Overhang From Trees
Trees are a part of nature, but when they are on your property, you must maintain them like any other part of your house. While trees can be aesthetically pleasing and provide cooler temperatures on your property, they can also have destructive qualities.
If you have overhanging branches and limbs colliding with your roof during high winds and storms, they could destroy your roof. So, if you have large trees on your property that constantly have limbs and branches knocking against your home, hiring a tree company to prune and trim them is a good idea.
Stuff Protruding from It
Although streaming channels are becoming a much more popular form of home entertainment, some people still prefer cable. Many cable companies still use satellite dishes to transmit channels to the home’s television. Usually, these cable companies will install these satellites on the roof. Improper installation of these dishes could lead to leaks, which you’ll be responsible for fixing.
Likewise, if you have solar panels on your property, most solar companies will install them on your roof. If these aren’t correctly installed, you can also be held responsible for the damage on your roof.
Choosing reputable companies to install these products is a good idea when seeking such services. It’s also a good idea to have them install the dishes and solar panels on other parts of your property besides the roof, if possible.
Not Cleaning It
Have you noticed green vegetation growing on your roof or a massive black stain on your roof shingles? This is a sign that you haven’t been getting regular roof cleanings, and as a result, microorganisms such as moss and algae, also known as gloeocapsa magma, are growing on your roof.
These living organisms can wreak havoc on your roof if left unchecked, causing leaks and wood rot. Unfortunately, it could also leave you responsible for roof repair or replacement costs.
Proper annual cleaning will keep such destructive elements away from your roof. If you have trouble with moss and black algae more often than most because of the humidity in your area, it is a good idea to incorporate copper or zinc strips on your roof. This will help combat the buildup of these microorganisms on your roof.
Failing to Clean Gutters
Besides not cleaning the roof shingles, many homeowners fail to get their gutters cleaned regularly. If you have traditional gutters that aren’t covered, pinecones, straw, twigs, and other debris may be clogging your gutters.
As a result, water may not be properly draining from your roof like it should, causing damage to your roof, particularly around the fascia. Severe damage to the fascia could put your entire home structure at risk.
Besides the roof, unclean gutters may even cause problems with your foundation. Since their purpose is to carry water away from your home, if your gutters are clogged, the gutters may be dripping water around your foundation.
This could also result in grading issues in your yard if water forms pools. Unclean gutters can lead to a domino effect of expensive bills. So, make sure that you keep your gutters clean.
Holiday Decorations
Maybe you’ve decided to go out this year and make your house stand out with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holiday decorations. Perhaps you want to outdo the neighbors who always have everyone marveling about their home decorations.
Or maybe you want to win the neighborhood contests for the best house decorations. Whatever your reason for putting holiday decorations on your house, ensure you don’t damage your roof when securing them to your home.
Not Getting Inspections
Just because you don’t see visible signs of damage, such as leaks, doesn’t mean that your roof is in tip-top shape. A pro will be able to notice problems that you can’t. Regular roof inspections can help raise awareness about issues on your roof and repair them before they cause expensive damage.
Hiring Amateurs
One final way you could ruin your roof is by not choosing the best roofing professionals for the job. Your home is an investment, and you are responsible for keeping it looking and operating at its best. Cutting corners by hiring the cheapest professionals could cost you big in the long run. Here is a look at some of the amateurs you should avoid.
Cleaners
You may get bombarded annually with people riding by your home looking for an opportunity to clean your house. There’s nothing wrong with businesses introducing themselves to you and trying to get new business. However, beware, some of these companies may be weekend warriors trying to make a quick buck cleaning your home, particularly your roof.
The equipment they use could cause irreparable damage to your roof shingles and cause you to get an entirely new roof. Before accepting these walk-by roof cleaners to clean your roof, it is a good idea to check their background. It is also good to check the credentials of other reputable companies in your neighborhood and choose the best one. Regarding your roof, you should avoid amateurs at all costs.
Roof Maintenance and Repair
As with roof cleaners, you should also take special care when hiring the proper roof contractors. Not only could improper contractors cost you in terms of damage to your roof, but if they aren’t adequately insured, you could also be responsible for their injuries. Again, when hiring a roofing professional, avoid using amateurs.
Roofing Services You Can Trust
Want to avoid paying for expensive roof repair and replacement due to your negligence? Call Level Up Improvement in Dearborn and speak to one of our pros. We’ll schedule a roof inspection and let you know what’s going on with your roof as well as the exterior of your home. In addition to unmatched roofing services we provide siding installation and repair as well as insulation installation, windows, doors and more!
We’ll address minor problems before they become major hassles. Get a Free Estimate today!