Natural roof damage arises from strong wind, hailstorms, and various other acts of nature. Roof damage has also often occurred from human error or mistakes. Whether it is a result of distraction or just being dumb, people make the mistakes they may not know better.
It is important to point out these errors so that everyone may avoid them. That way, everyone gets to enjoy their roof living out its natural lifespan while keeping them dry and warm. The mistakes and errors of judgment include the following.
Undertaking Too Much Do It Yourself Operations
Many people climb onto their roofs to make their repairs. The mistake here is that a roof is not an ideal setting for new projects. A DIY could help one save money while learning something new. However, irresponsible people ignore the necessity of certain skills to do a good roof repair or installation job and remain safe while walking and working on a roof.
Such people are unaware that it is preferable to let licensed professionals undertake such jobs. The professionals do this every day for a living, use appropriate equipment and wear requisite safety gear. An irresponsible person forgets one could spend less money over time through hiring a professional. This is because they need not deal with damages avoided with professional assignments.
Satellite Dishes and Solar Panels
Another common DIY job mistake people undertake is installing satellite dishes on their rooftops. Improperly mounted satellite dishes turn out into ugly eyesores. Most important however is that the methods used in securing them and the nails used may cause roofing leaks. These, in turn, lead to expensive repairs.
Solar panels remain great additions to home properties. However, when they are mounted incorrectly, various forms of damage can result. They also increase traffic onto a roof over time. A proper way to do them is changing the roof structure when mounting them.
Walking On a Roof
Walking on your roof is a sure way for irresponsibly damaging it. Poorly mounted satellite dishes that require constant adjustments or realigning create a need for such walk about. This leads to shingle breakage and sliding off. Walking on a damaged roof leads to an unstable footing. A roof is a slippery slope, which is a dangerous place for an average homeowner to walk all over.
Holding a Party on a Flat Roof Top
For those people who own or live in a property with a flat roof, it could be quite tempting to use the space for entertainment. It is, however, critical to have such an area examined by a roofing professional before inviting forty friends over for a party there. The rooftop could be a weak structure unfit to hold such weight, or it may have attained damages preventing its suitability as a party venue.
Failure to Trim Overhanging Trees
Big trees near a property require regular trimming. That way, massive damage to homes is avoided during storms or strong wind incidences. Many people remain unaware that damage often arises from flying debris fueled by heavy precipitation and high winds. Trimming trees minimize risks of branches falling through or onto a roof.
Roof Cleaning
Mildew and mold eventually grow and eat into roofing when homeowners fail to clean them off in time. This leads to water leaking into their homes. However, inappropriate use of pressure washers to undertake this is irresponsible. Water under pressure directed at a spot on a roof erodes roofing material.
Allowing Gutters to Get Out Of Control
Many homeowners often forget a roof is just one piece of a big system. Fascia, soffit, gutters and roof all come together to stop water from diverting into the home. A roof works through directing water to gutters. As such, if gutters fall into disrepair, this water stops and pools around the roof. This leads to damages of the home through water seeping inside.
Gutters direct water from the roof and away from the building structure. When they fail to do this, water goes into areas it should not. It may go into structures supporting the roof resulting in their rotting away. This means your roof will no longer have adequate support, and this affords a lot of danger to your home and the safety of its occupants.
In Conclusion
One last act of irresponsibility lies in the failure to insure such a property. This also goes for failing to remain up to date on insurance cover payment installments.
Owning a home property is a powerful investment. It becomes an act of great irresponsibility if such an owner goes ahead and does or fails to do things to safeguard such an investment. Most of these failures arise because owners remain unaware of the damage they could be bringing to their property.
