Working at height is dangerous in itself. A misplaced step or compromised structure can result in serious injury. Adding rooftop debris into the mix becomes even more dangerous. Knocked down limbs, falling leaves, construction materials — anything left on your rooftop has the potential to hurt you, cause damage to your home, and create big bills and expensive repairs.
In today’s article, one of the leading commercial and residential roofing companies in the Texas Hill Country area, STARR Roofing & Gutters, shares the six most damaging types of debris when it comes to your roof and why it’s important to remove debris.
If there are trees around your property that are growing too close to your home, you should consider trimming them immediately. Strong winds can tear large tree branches and can land on your roof. Even if a branch does not get blown onto your roof, mild winds can still cause them to sway and rub against your roof and other parts of your home.
Man-made items that soar through the air can also cause damage to your shingles. Remote-control planes and drones are just some of the flying objects that can dangerously land on your roof. Shards of glass, pieces of masonry and other household items that are thrown by the wind are also some of the most damaging debris to your roof.
While they may seem harmless at first, fallen leaves can accumulate over time and begin clogging your gutters. When this happens, water may overflow to your siding and eventually penetrate your walls and ceiling and may lead to roof replacement.
Severe hailstorms can cause extreme damage to your metal roofing such as shingle cracks and punctures, allowing water to freely seep through your shingles and into your foundation. Additionally, they can wear down your roof’s material, which can result in premature deterioration. When a hailstorm occurs in your area, it’s smart to schedule a roofing inspection immediately to catch small problems before they become more serious.
When layers of pine needles have accumulated on the roof it causes gutter clogging and gap infiltration. When moisture becomes trapped, it creates a favorable environment for mold and moss growth. Not only can this pose a health hazard to you and your family, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your roof over time.
Ice dams are a result of ice buildup that deserves a deeper look. Ice dams form on the edge of your roof, which can prevent melting snow from properly draining off of your home. A professional ice dam removal service is often needed to safely eliminate ice ridges that form on your roof. Many residential roofing companies implement more advanced methods that protect the integrity of your roof and home.
To remove debris from a roof, you’re going to need to get out on top of the roof. Begin by choosing the right day. You want to clear your roof of debris during daylight hours on a day that is not windy. Don’t try to remove debris when it’s raining, as the roof will be slippery.
Twigs, leaves and other light debris are usually removed from a roof through the use of a blower. A blower clears off the debris quickly without damage to the roof. But If you don’t have a leaf blower, you can use a broom to sweep debris off your roof. Be careful when sweeping, and be gentle with the shingles.
After you’ve cleaned up your roof and your gutters, consider a prevention treatment for algae. Algae can stain your roof and make it slippery and difficult to maintain. But there are products that you can spray on your roof to resist algae and keep your home looking great.
Roof inspections are part of this process before and after cleaning off debris. This gives you an opportunity to identify if there are any problems with the shingles and even the structure of the roof. If you spot any compromises, try to address them immediately. Bent or dented shingles will need straightening and any holes on the roof might need a professional to do the repair job.
Roof debris has to be removed regularly to avoid any problems. But how often you need to clear your roof of debris depends on your roof. Some people live in areas where debris accumulates quickly, while others don’t. Pay attention to your roof and the situation above your head – if you start to see the build-up, you should deal with it.
Removing debris is a regular part of maintenance for a roof, but it’s also often best left for a professional. While they deal with metal roofing debris, they can also check and maintain your gutters. Debris removal, as with anything to do with a roof, can be dangerous.
Many homeowners ignore debris on their roof surfaces because they assume roof debris will fall on their own. Cleaning and removing debris from your roof can bring you many benefits.
Keeping your roof in good condition is essential to ensure the protection of your home and family from the elements. After years of being exposed to damages, debris and weather, a roofing system can start to wear and break down, causing leaks and eventual structural damage to your home.
The professional roofers of STARR Roofing & Gutters provide a comprehensive roof inspection to determine the condition of your roof and make recommendations for repair to help prevent damage. When you rely on us for routine roof inspections, you can have peace of mind knowing we’ll always keep your roof in great shape.
Don’t let a worn or damaged roof permit damage to your home. Call STARR Roofing & Gutters to schedule a thorough, professional inspection of your roofing system. Call us today at (512) 736-6539 or fill out the online form to request more information and a free estimate.
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