Since there are so many aspects of your property you’re responsible for, from kitchen appliances to roofing shingles, it can be very easy to forget about certain things. When it comes to your roof, however, you just can’t afford to neglect it. Inevitably, ignoring roof maintenance will lead to costly and dangerous problems.
Whether you’re repairing your roof, having a new one installed, or simply inspecting it for seasonal damage, you need to be careful and avoid making some of these common roofing mistakes:
Covering shingles instead of replacing them
When homeowners attempt to fix their roofs, they often just cover existing shingles rather than completely replacing them. This is also a common mistake by less experienced roofing contractors. While one of the benefits of asphalt shingles is that you can install a new layer on top of existing shingles, there is a hard limit to the number of times you can or should do this. If you find a covered layer of asphalt shingles when repairing your roof, talk to your roofing company about replacing the shingles. Stripping away old, rotting shingles so they can be replaced with new ones is often the key to higher quality roof repair. Additionally, it’s important to know that you should never install asphalt shingles on any roof that is sloped less than 2:12.
Not using safety gear
Even if you’re just taking a look at potential roofing damage, you need to make sure you’re wearing the necessary safety gear and have the additional protective equipment to prevent any serious injuries. You should also make sure you have at least one person nearby who knows you’re going on the roof just in case you do fall and need immediate help. Let a family member know or a neighbor to keep an eye on you just in case, but always wear your safety gear.
Trying to do everything yourself
Even if you do have all the right safety gear and possess some knowledge of roof maintenance, you still shouldn’t do everything yourself. There are high-quality residential roofers that are there for your assistance. Repairing your roof isn’t easy and you shouldn’t even attempt it if you don’t know what you’re doing. You can’t just read a few articles online and expect to understand how to perform successful roofing projects. If you’re not fully trained, don’t risk your life by going on the roof and potentially making any damage worse — consult with the pros.
If you are planning on repairing your roof but need professional assistance, contact roofing contractors in Indianapolis today at Richmond Exteriors!
