When people think about improving curb appeal or boosting home value, their roof isn’t typically the first thing on their minds. But the reality is that your roof is such a crucial part of your home’s comfort and safety that neglecting it would be unwise, if not reckless. Whether you plan to stay in your home for awhile or you’re considering selling, taking care of your roof means money back in your pocket.

Avoid the cost of roof replacement and repairs by avoiding these 5 common mistakes that homeowners make.

Mistake #1: Neglecting Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters might not be the most appealing job, but when the seasons change, it can make or break the health of your roof. When gutters build up with leaves, dirt, and other debris, they become nesting grounds for pests and rodents, which can lead to a whole other host of problems in your home. Winter months, too, can lead to sitting water or ice dams in your gutters, which can cause the gutters to sag and droop, causing damage to the roof itself.

Our team at Indy Roof & Restoration recommends cleaning your gutters at least once in the spring and again in the fall, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them the rest of the year. Pay attention to how well water is running through the gutters and downspouts, and periodically check them to make sure there’s no buildup. This is one of the simplest ways you can avoid roof repair or replacement before its time!

Mistake #2: Powerwashing Your Shingles

Yes, cleaning your roof is important. No, power washing is not the best way to go. The intensity of power washing can cause granules to detach from the shingles’ top coating, leaving them vulnerable to other types of damage. Cleaning your roof requires a gentler approach—and really, it should be handled by a professional for safety reasons.

When a roofing contractor cleans your roof, they’ll use something like a leaf blower or broom to remove any debris, which helps maintain the integrity of the shingles. They’ll also have special equipment to remove more stubborn debris without damaging the roof itself.

Mistake #3: Failing to Check Ventilation

Believe it or not, poorly located ventilation can actually be a major contributor to roof deterioration in many homes. If, for example, you have a bathroom vent that leads directly to the attic, it’s likely to cause condensation on the beams that support your roof, weakening their sturdiness.

Unfortunately, this isn’t typically something you can determine on your own. But scheduling an inspection with your local roofing contractor may be worth it in the long run if it keeps you from having to spend money on a roof replacement sooner than later.

Mistake #4: Overlooking the Importance of Insulation

A lack of insulation in your attic or cathedral ceiling can change the way that snow melts on your roof. Typically, snow melts and drips off the roof; but if you have an uninsulated space that radiates heat, it can potentially cause melted snow to seep through nail holes and damage the decking.

If you know that you have an uninsulated area in your home that may be causing problems in the wintertime, we recommend scheduling an inspection with a trusted roofing contractor. They’ll be able to tell if there is deterioration happening, and can even install a protective membrane on specific areas of the roof to prevent water or moisture from seeping through.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Annual Inspections

Homeowners often avoid annual inspections because the idea of spending money when there’s not an obvious problem is, understandably, something most people want to avoid. However, annual inspections are incredibly important if you want to make your roof last as long as possible.

Unfortunately, if you wait until there is a clear problem before calling a roofing contractor, you’re far more likely to have to pay more for repairs because the damage has become large enough to cause bigger problems. Annual inspections help you prevent repairs by giving your contractor an opportunity to catch any minor concerns before they become big issues.

Paying for the meager inspection fee is a small investment to reduce the risk of paying for a major repair or replacement early on in the life of your roof.

Roofing Experts in Indianapolis

At Indy Roof & Restoration, we specialize in changing the roof replacement and repair experience for homeowners. As a locally owned business, we’re passionate about helping our neighbors make the most informed decision for their home. We offer friendly service, exceptional workmanship, and educated industry knowledge to help you navigate the roofing process.

If you would like to schedule an inspection or learn more about how to extend the lifespan of your Indianapolis home roof, contact our expert team today!

Aaron Christy

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