Asphalt Roof Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect maintenance is just as bad as outright neglecting to maintain your roof. What are some of the common mistakes you should avoid when maintaining an asphalt shingle roof?

Timberland Exteriors, your trusted vinyl siding installation and residential roofing contractor, list them below:

Using a Pressure Washer

Pressure washers help make cleaning more efficient, but they can also damage your roof. High-pressure water can dislodge the granules embedded in the top layer of asphalt shingles. These granules are responsible for protecting your roof against ultraviolet rays. Without them, your roof becomes more vulnerable to premature aging.

Important note: a certain degree of granule loss is expected over the course of an asphalt shingle’s lifespan. Fortunately, this won’t impact your asphalt roof’s durability, as manufacturers embedded up to 40% more granules.

Keep in mind the granules’ adhesion to the top surface of your shingle weakens as it ages. If bald patches start to appear on your roof, you should contact your residential roofing and vinyl window installation contractor. Bald patches, exposed patches are usually a sign you will need to replace your roof soon.

Pulling Shingles to Check for Leaks

Locating the source of a leak is trickier than it seems. Since water follows the path of least resistance, the exact entry point for rainwater might be farther from the location of ceiling stains. To locate the check for leaks, some homeowners try pulling on asphalt shingles. However, doing so only exacerbates pre-existing roof damage. If there’s a leak in your roof, it’s best to let experienced roofers handle the inspections and repairs.

Timberland Exteriors, a company with nearly two decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including roof replacement and storm damage restoration services. To get a free estimate, call us at (651) 439-1760 or (218) 849-6675. You can also fill out this form. We serve homeowners in St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as the surrounding MN communities.