Don’t want to spend thousands on roof repairs that could have been prevented?
You’re not alone. Most homeowners neglect their roof completely until something goes wrong. Then it’s too late.
According to one Hanover Insurance Group survey, more than 62% of homeowners surveyed didn’t look for problems on their roof over the last year.
The good news?
None of these expensive repairs are necessary. Understanding these common roof maintenance mistakes is the first step towards protecting your roof AND your wallet.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why Roof Cleaning and Moss Removal Is Important
- Top Roof Maintenance Mistakes That Lead to Expensive Repairs
- Tips to Avoid Expensive Roof Repair Bills
Why Roof Cleaning Moss Removal Is Important
Roof cleaning and moss removal is one of the most neglected aspects of home maintenance. It’s also what holds everything else together.
Sure, a little moss isn’t going to hurt anything. It’s just growing on your roof!
Except it’s not.
Moss traps moisture on your roof. That causes rot, mold, and deterioration of the shingles over time. Parts of the Pacific Northwest are notorious for this because of the perfect moss-growing weather: cool, damp, and shaded.
And it doesn’t stop there…
As moss grows, its roots dig underneath the roofing shingles. This causes them to lift up and allows water to pool underneath. When that water works its way into your home you’re looking at leaks, wood rot, and expensive structural damage.
Chances are your local Roofing Contractor in Puyallup has seen it all too many times. Neglected moss is easily preventable and one of the leading causes of premature roof replacement up here.
Don’t pressure wash your roof either. You might think you’re helping by power washing away all that build-up. But high-pressure water removes the protective granules found on most asphalt shingles. Run your hand across a shingle before and after pressure washing and you’ll see what that means. Roof cleaning in more detail below.
Without regular roof cleaning and moss removal your roof’s lifespan can be cut drastically. Even a new roof.
Biggest Roof Maintenance Mistakes Homeowners Make
Time to dive into these common roof mistakes. Below you’ll find the errors that cost homeowners the most money in unnecessary roof repairs. Read through each one and hopefully none of them apply to you.
If they do…well, now you know!
Ignoring Moss and Algae Growth on Roof
You’ve already learned about how damaging moss can be for roofing shingles. So let’s talk about algae.
Algae grows in the same warm, dark dampness that moss loves. Roof cleaning removes both. It’s that easy.
But many homeowners ignore small patches of algae on their roof and hope it goes away. It won’t.
In fact, algae growth can severely discolour your roof’s shingles. Imagine having a gorgeous dark roof that looks stained or dingy.
Don’t let it happen to you. Keep up with regular roof cleanings and remove algae and moss as soon as you see it.
Waiting on Annual Roof Inspections
Roof inspections are one of the biggest chores that homeowners hate but need.
When was the last time you got on your roof and actually inspected it for damage?
Roof inspections should be done at least twice per year by a professional contractor. Spring and fall are the best times to check for cracked, loose, or missing shingles.
DIY inspections are likely to miss moss growth, algae patches, and improperly drained gutters.
Gutters Clogged with Debris
Speaking of gutters, cleaning them is just as important as the roofing itself.
Clogged gutters cause a plethora of issues for roofs. Water not draining properly causes build-up under roof edges. That results in fascia damage, compromised soffits, and even foundation problems.
Not to mention, debris left in your gutters all season is a breeding ground for moss!
Don’t skip cleaning your gutters. They’re critical to proper roof drainage and overall health.
Power Washing the Roof Too Often
As mentioned above, pressure washing is terrible for roofs.
A simple wash and scrub with a roof-safe solution is the best way to clean your roof. You want to avoid stripping away shingle granules while washing away moss.
Your safest bet? Hire a professional roofing company to do it for you. That way you know your roof is getting quality care.
Allowing Branches to Overhang Too Close
Trees are awesome. Who doesn’t love shady spots to sit outside and enjoy the weather?
But overhanging branches are not good for roofs.
Branches hang low and drop twigs, leaves, and all sorts of creepy crawlies on your roof. This excess debris holds in moisture and creates shade. Shade equals moss.
Trim back any branches that hang over the house within 6 feet. It will save you a ton of cleanup and limit moss growth potential.
Not Repairing Small Issues Immediately
The last mistake on this list is also the cheapest to remedy.
It costs next to nothing to repair small issues as they come up. You should take care of roof maintenance problems ASAP.
But homeowners often ignore these small things.
A loose shingle here. A tiny leak there. Who cares?
Careful.
One loose shingle can lead to more shingles blowing off in the next big storm. Water damage from a small leak will spread every time it rains until you fix the problem.
All it takes is one large storm for these small problems to become huge headaches.
Using Wrong Cleaner Solution
Be careful which cleaners you use on your roof. Do your homework first.
You don’t want to wash away shingle granules or fade their colour. And you certainly don’t want to cause any chemical damage to the roofing material itself.
Stick to cleaners that are safe for roof washing and moss removal. Better yet, hire a professional roofer to do it for you.
Tips to Avoid Costly Roof Repair Bills
So how do you avoid costly repairs and roof replacements?
The answer is simple really. Stay on top of routine roof maintenance and address issues quickly.
Use this handy checklist as your quick guide:
- Roof inspections: twice per year
- Gutter cleanings: at least once in autumn
- Roof cleaning: at least once per year
- Trim back branches: within 6 feet of roof
- Address issues right away
- Hire professionals when needed. Don’t DIY roof work.
Once again. Prevention is the best medicine for your roof.
Homeowners who let their roof fall into disrepair are the ones who run into expensive repairs later on.
You’ve got this!
Wrapping It Up: Don’t Neglect Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance is something homeowners tend to neglect…until it’s too late.
Then they suddenly wish they would’ve paid more attention to shingle health.
No one wants to pay for expensive roof repairs that could have been prevented. With these tips on avoiding roof maintenance mistakes, you’re ready to protect your roof from costly damages.
Here’s your roof maintenance cheatsheet:
- Moss and algae growth is sneaky but preventable
- Get a professional roof inspection at least twice per year
- Don’t pressure wash your roof
- Catch small issues and repair them immediately
Take care of your roof and it’ll take care of you (and your wallet)!
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Mitchell Green has spent over two decades dedicated to the study and practical application of home fixture design. His career started in an architectural firm, providing him a strong foundation in the structural and aesthetic aspects of home interiors. Mitchell brought his comprehensive knowledge to our platform, where he has been an influential voice in our home fixtures and fittings section. Since 2018, he has been guiding our readers through the intricacies of selecting and installing fixtures, combining technical know-how with design flair. In his spare time, Mitchell is a keen photographer, capturing architectural details and design elements, an interest that complements his professional focus.
