Your roof is one of the most vital parts of your home. It protects you, your loved ones, and your belongings as the first line of defense against nature’s elements. However, many homeowners unknowingly commit common roofing mistakes.
If you’re also worried about the same, here’s everything you need to know regarding these common mistakes and ways to extend your roof’s lifespan.
What is the Typical Lifespan of a Roof?
The average lifespan of a roof primarily depends on the roofing material, the level of expertise of the roofers who installed it, and the overall maintenance.
However, if you consider the materials alone, here’s how long each of them lasts.
- Asphalt shingles: 20-30 years.
- Wood shakes or shingles: 20-50 years.
- Clay/concrete tiles: 50-100 years.
- Slate tiles: 50- 100+ years.
- Metal roofing: 40-80 years.
Common Roofing Mistakes that Shorten Its Life
While most roofing materials last a long time, many homeowners’ roofs deteriorate early on. Let’s identify the reasons and explore ways to extend roof life here.
1. Neglecting Gutters and Downspouts
Your roof’s health largely depends on the water drainage system, i.e., the gutter and downspout. They play a significant role in preventing water buildup.
However, one of the most common roofing mistakes is not regularly cleaning the gutters and downspouts. This leads to debris clogging them and pooling water on your roof and under the shingles.
It results in rot, mold, and structural damage in the long run. Additionally, gutters can become damaged over time.
Solution
Deep clean the gutters after a storm, as well as before and after the fall. Install gutter guards to prevent debris from blocking the gutter. Regularly check downspouts to make sure they’re properly directing water away from your home’s foundation.
2. Not Maintaining Nearby Trees
Often, homeowners let nearby trees grow until their branches shade the roof for cooling effects. However, overhanging branches pose several risks to your roof.
If they hang too low, they may scrape or puncture the roof. Leaves from branches can clog gutters, causing water to pool, which results in moisture-related roof damage.
During storms, fallen branches can cause irreparable damage, necessitating complete roof replacement.
Solution
Trim tree branches so they don’t hang near or over your roof. This reduces the chance of leaf accumulation and a branch falling on the roof.
3. Missing Regular Roof Inspections
One of the most common roofing problems is homeowners neglecting annual roof inspections. Instead, they only schedule them when there are visible signs of damage. However, by that time, it is already too late.
The visible signs indicate that the issue has been ongoing for some time and may have caused more severe damage.
Solution
Schedule professional roof inspections twice a year (preferably in spring and fall) and any time after storms, heavy rains, or hail. This helps you identify problems early on. Additionally, conduct visual checks monthly.
4. Poor Attic Ventilation
Air quality researchers report that US homes and other structures hardly meet the minimum ventilation standards. 87% of US homeowners are unaware that their home’s indoor air quality is worse than that of the outdoors.
Poor attic ventilation traps moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. It can also age the roof, warp the shingles in summer, and create ice dams in winter, affecting your roof’s structural integrity.
Solution
Ensure proper ventilation in the attic with soffit and ridge vents. If you’re unaware or there are ventilation issues, seek a roofing team immediately for corrective measures.
5. Clearing with a Pressure Washer
Dirt, grime, and moss stubbornly stick to your roof. It’s challenging to manually remove them. Some homeowners consider using a pressure washer to clear the roof faster.
However, it can damage roofing materials. For instance, it can strip the protective granules from asphalt shingles, force water under the roof layers, or cause tiles to come loose.
Solution
Use a gentle roof cleaner and a softer flow of water for regular cleaning. Seek your roofing team for recommended at-home cleaning methods.
6. Placing New Shingles on Old Ones
Sometimes, homeowners notice some damaged shingles and install new ones on top of them without removing the existing layer, also known as an overlay. This is a common choice only when the damage is minimal. It helps save money and time.
However, if the previous layer is mostly damaged, it can lead to costly repairs later. This causes poor sealing, adds weight to the structure, hides any future damage, and accelerates the roof’s deterioration.
Solution
It’s better to opt for a complete tear-off and replace the roof. This ensures transparent and effective roof inspection, proper ventilation, and no mold or mildew growth.
7. Ignoring Flashing and Seals
Your roof’s flashing, i.e., the metal strips around vents, chimneys, and skylights, protects your indoors from water infiltration. Damaged or improperly sealed flashing commonly leads to leaks, allowing water to enter your deck and attic, which can result in mold infestation, rot, and damage to insulation.
Solution
Inspect flashing closely during regular roof checks. Replace damaged (rusty or bent) or missing flashing yourself or with the help of experts.
8. Using Unsuitable Roofing Materials for Repairs
Not all roofing materials are compatible with each other. Moreover, certain materials are also unsuitable for specific climates and weather conditions. The wrong materials can cause heat damage, cracks, and mold.
For instance, installing wooden parts to patch a roof in wet and humid environments is highly inadvisable. Similarly, using asphalt in regions with extreme heat can cause it to warp.
Again, using low-quality roofing materials can also make your patchwork can cause your repairs to fail prematurely.
Solution
Only buy roofing material matching the existing one. Always double-check the material quality to ensure the repair lasts a long time. Ensure you purchase materials from an experienced roofing material supplier to avoid such issues.
9. DIY Repair Without Knowledge
Another common roofing mistake is that homeowners are often tempted to do their own roof work, even though they lack experience in it. After all, online videos and guides make it seem quite easy.
However, roofing is a sensitive job, and a small mistake (using the wrong materials or techniques) can cause significant harm, such as structural damage and weak spots. Moreover, DIY fixes void roof warranties.
Solution
Only rely on a certified roofer to fix even the most minor repairs. They will use industry-grade materials that won’t impact the roof warranty.
Parting Words
Remember, your roof is a significant long-term investment, so you must be cautious about these common mistakes. From basic maintenance to simple cleaning methods, treat it with extra care to enhance its longevity, avoid major repair costs, and boost your home’s value.
Lastly, if you’re looking for industry-grade roofing materials or renowned roofers, please contact us at LA Roofing Materials, and we’ll be happy to help you out!