What NOT to Do When Maintaining Your Asphalt Shingle Roof

Your asphalt shingle roof is exposed to the elements, which means it is normal for it to suffer wear and tear. To ensure it lasts long until the end of its life span, you need to keep up with maintenance. Doing so allows you to save money from unexpected repairs. It also helps that you avoid some of the maintenance mistakes that can put your roof at risk. We discuss some of them here.

Ignoring Roof Debris

The roof is usually an “out of sight, out of mind” part of the home. That’s why many homeowners often ignore anything that has collected on it, such as twigs, branches, leaves, and other debris. In doing so, however, the roof becomes exposed to damage because of organic matter. Twigs, for instance, have sharp ends that can scratch and dislodge the asphalt shingles’ protective granules. Dust and dead leaves also end up inside the gutter system, preventing it from directing water runoff away from your property.

Failing to Clean the Gutters

The gutter system is just as important as the roof itself, and thus must be given the same level of care and attention. Disregarding gutter clogs causes water runoff to back up the roof and seep through the shingles, exposing the inner layers to damage. Invest in gutter cleaning services so you won’t have to deal with the damaging effects of spilling gutters, including landscape erosion, foundation cracks and basement flooding. Alternatively, you may consider installing gutter guards that prevents the aforementioned debris from entering the gutter system.

Waiting Before Calling a Roofer to Fix the Roof

It’s always a good idea to check your roof following a severe weather event. Loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and other issues can be detected through a quick visual inspection from the ground. As soon as you notice one or many of these signs, be sure to call your local roofer for a more thorough inspection. They can identify the problems and perform the necessary fixes quickly and efficiently.

Count on the roofing team at NorthWest Construction for top-notch roof repair and maintenance. We are a GAF-certified contractor, which gives you the assurance that you’ll be dealing with quality, reputable, and dependable experts. We are committed to keeping your asphalt shingle roof in top shape so it continues to protect you and your family from the harsh local weather. Give us a call at (313) 277-7676, or fill out our contact form to schedule an estimate.