Roofing Mistakes That Can Cost You (And Your Roof)

Like anything in your home, your roof needs maintenance and care to last as long as possible. But there are certain things you can do (or not do) that can threaten the integrity of your roof, potentially shortening its lifespan or causing damage to your home.

Here are some of the most common roofing mistakes homeowners make:

Overhanging Limbs/Not Maintaining Trees

Who doesn’t enjoy a few shady trees in the yard? But it’s important you take care of those trees, or else you could endanger your home. Overhanging limbs can break in high winds, heavy snow and ice, and other types of severe weather, causing serious roof damage. This doesn’t mean you can’t have any shade over your home; it’s just important that those trees are healthy. The best practice is to have a licensed arborist or tree professional visit your home to assess the health of the trees and tell you if their limbs pose a threat and help with safe trimming and removal. Keep in mind that some trees are sturdier than others. Oak is a tough hardwood, whereas pine is a softwood that will break much sooner. However, sick trees can be brittle no matter what type they are.

Not Cleaning Your Gutters

Another common roofing mistake is not cleaning your gutters. We get it; it’s not a fun job, but it is a necessary one. Leaving your gutters to gunk up with wet leaves and debris can lead to problems all over the exterior of your home, from rusting drainpipes to water leaking into your basement or through your foundation and even causing damage to your roof. The damp environment of a clogged gutter is a breeding ground for all types of moss, mold and even bugs. If you cannot clean it yourself, hire someone to do it for you. The point is to keep them clear to avoid unnecessary roof damage!

Making DIY Repairs

Doing home repairs yourself can be a great way to save some money — but not when it comes to your roof. Your roof is a lot more complex than you might think, and a lot of industry knowledge goes into repairs and replacement, from knowing the right materials to use for your local climate to getting the proper permits and spotting underlying problems. When you pay for a professional, you’re not just getting parts and labor but also the knowledge and experience. While you might know your way around a tool set well, it’s best to leave roof repairs to the professionals to avoid causing more roof damage.

Putting Off Roof Repairs or Replacement

Home repairs aren’t cheap, but often, putting them off is one of the biggest (and most expensive) roofing mistakes you can make. Your roof might not have any issues right now, but it could soon. That’s why it’s essential to have your roof routinely inspected and address problems that arise as quickly as possible. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the outdoors. Once there’s a hole in that defense, the elements can start to affect the inside of your home, including mold, mildew, wood rot and other types of (expensive) structural damage.

Pressure-Washing Your Roof

Pressure-washing videos are a staple of online content these days, but taking a pressure-washer to your roof is a big mistake. Doing so can damage or weaken roofing materials and shorten the lifespan of your roof. Your roof should be cleaned every few years as part of routine maintenance, but it needs to be done correctly. 

If you’ve been found guilty of committing any of these roofing mistakes, or it has been a minute since you last got your roof inspected, contact RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors today and schedule your free inspection!