Asphalt Shingle Maintenance: 4 Things You Should NOT Do

Your asphalt shingle roof might be a sturdy structure, but it takes the brunt of the damage from the elements. It can wear out quickly as a result, especially when the weather turns for the worse. As a homeowner, you must take the necessary steps to ensure it remains intact. When it comes to maintenance, there are things you need to avoid doing so you can extend its life span and ensure it protects you and your family from the elements.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaner

Cleaning your roof preserves its appearance and keeps your home looking beautiful when seen from the curb. As such, you must only use the appropriate cleaner for it. Some cleaners are too harsh, affecting the asphalt shingles’ protective coating and causing them to wear out faster than they should. Also, using a pressure washer is not recommended because the strong water jet can dislodge the granules off the shingles’ surface. Instead, use a sprayer attached to a garden hose that’s filled with equal parts chlorine bleach and water.

2. Not Removing Debris

Be sure to remove debris that may accumulate on the rooftop. See to it that the gutters and downspouts are free of clogs as well so water runoff can flow freely away from your property. With a clog-free gutter system, you can rest easy knowing that water won’t back up your shingles and cause leaks.

3. Putting off Repairs or Replacements for Too Long

A visual inspection should clue you in on anything that might indicate asphalt shingle damage. If you notice anything out of the ordinary on your roof, get in touch with your local roofing contractor for a thorough inspection right away. Delaying this further will only make matters worse, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

4. Not Conducting Professional Inspections at Least Once a Year

Scheduling regular inspections is ideal to ensure your asphalt shingle roof is in good shape and ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it. It is usually scheduled at least once a year, but you may have to do so after a particularly severe weather event.

For your residential roofing needs, turn to Timberland Exteriors. We provide the highest quality products and factory-trained crews to protect and enhance your home with the right roofing system. As an Owens Corning® Preferred Contractor, we take pride in our high standards and excellent work we provide our clients in the local area. To get started, give us a call at (651) 439-1760 (Maplewood, MN) or (218) 849-6675 (Detroit Lakes, MN). You may also fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.