Your roofing system has to contend with the elements day and night, but the biggest threat to it could be you. Some of the things you do, even if you mean no harm, have detrimental effects on your roof.
Many property owners are guilty of inadvertently compromising their roofing systems’ structural integrity by doing the following:
Overlaying a Layer of Material Over Another
An overlay is an elegant solution to apply a new layer of materials over the old ones in a speedy fashion. While it conveniently increases curb appeal and saves on labor, forgoing the removal of the old roof could spell disaster.
If the decking is no longer structurally sound, the weight of two layers of roofing materials might cause the sheathing to collapse. In case nothing caves in, the new shingles might bulge when they stick to the old ones. As a result, some portions of your roof could wear more quickly.
Installing a Satellite Dish
Trustworthy roofers would advise against installing antennas and satellite dishes anywhere on the system. Since these fixtures can’t be set in place without drilling holes into the shingles, placing them on the roof increases the chances of leakage.
Pressure-Washing Moss Away
Moss and shingles don’t mix, but eradicating the former can be just as bad for your roof. Pressure-washing can be an effective means of removing moss, but doing it improperly may ruin shingle integrity.
Standing or Walking on Rooftop
When it comes to sloped-roof health, foot traffic can be a concern. In most cases, sloped systems aren’t engineered to support the concentrated weight of an adult person wandering across them. If you stand or walk on a rotted area, you could slip or fall through the hole.
Also, any experienced roofing company would attest that shingles tend to be more brittle when it’s cold. If you step on them in winter, they could easily crack and need a replacement.
Whether you need sage advice on roof maintenance and professional repair services, Howard Roofing and Home Improvements is the name you can trust. We specialize in asphalt shingles and a variety of flat roofing materials, including BUR and EPDM. Call us at (636) 296-1057 now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation in St. Louis, MO, or any nearby community.