Common Asphalt Shingle Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Every asphalt shingle roof is exposed to wear, and keeping up with its maintenance requirements can help save you money from unexpected repairs. In today’s post, Dynamic Roofing Concepts, Inc. discusses the most common maintenance mistakes that should be avoided.

Ignoring Debris on the Roof

Some people ignore twigs and branches on the rooftop because they think they’ll be taken away by wind or rainwater. Doing this poses problems for asphalt shingle roofs because twigs may have sharp points that may scratch the roofing surface and expose the asphalt layer underneath. They may also snag bigger pieces of debris and clog the gutters.

Not Cleaning the Gutters

Gutters are generally considered as a separate system, but including gutter cleaning as part of your roofing maintenance routine can help save you from the problems associated with clogged gutters. This is especially important if you have a metal roof: its smooth surface easily routes leaves and debris towards the gutter troughs. Consider installing a gutter protection system to help keep the gutters clear.

Not Calling for Repairs Upon Finding Damaged Parts

As a homeowner, knowing the signs of a damaged roof such as cracked or missing shingles, loose granules in the gutters, and missing flashing may help you save on roof repair costs. You’re not expected to perform repairs or maintenance yourself, but you should be able to visually inspect your roof at least once a year, and call your roofing contractor in case it needs repairs. The sooner repairs are done, the lower the repair costs will be.

Not Trimming the Tree Branches Near the Roof

If you have trees in your yard, keep an eye out for branches that may be touching the roofing surface. Like loose twigs, tree branches may have sharp edges that can scratch and damage the roof, and therefore will need to be trimmed. There should be about 10 feet of clearance between the top of the roof and the tree’s outermost branches. Hire a local arborist to trim the branches without harming the trees.

Ultimately, many of these mistakes can be avoided by having your roof maintained by a professional.
Dynamic Roofing Concepts, Inc. is your leading provider of roofing services, including tile roofing installation. Give us a call at (813) 510-1166. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Tampa, FL, and the surrounding communities.