Roof damage is often caused by severe weather or other natural causes. Occasionally it could be caused by human error or lapse in judgment which could have you looking for professional roofing assistance.

These preventable mistakes often create a larger problem and unexpected, additional costs for homeowners. To ensure you do not create a larger problem, below are some roofing problems you should avoid doing yourself.

Walking on your roof (unless it’s absolutely necessary)

You should always think before putting up your ladder and climbing onto your roof. Aside from the potential of falling off. When walking on your asphalt shingles you can leave the shingles bare. Which will dislodge them or create gaps which could increase the potential for leaks. While it is recommended that you stay off of your roof as much as possible. Unavoidable incidents may make that difficult. If you are forced to climb on your roof to remove debris after a storm or to blow off piling leaves. Remember to wear shoes that will provide traction and sweep the leaves or debris as you walk to reveal any trapped moisture that may cause you to slip.

Patching a leak

There could be a few reasons as to why your roof could be leaking. One of the most common causes in West Texas is damage due to severe weather. These leaks only get worse over time. Which could be tempting for homeowners to try to patch it themselves. We would advise you to not attempt this. When a person with little to no experience climbs up to fix a roof, especially one that may be weather damaged. They are only increasing the chance of an accident occurring. Additionally, they may not be getting to the real root of the problem, which could make it worse. A roof leak could be the result of a number of issues. These issues include cracked flashing, broken shingles, valleys that are not properly sealed, rusted nails and clogged gutters.

Letting mold and mildew build up

Remember it is not about what you do to your roof, but what you do not do. The rain and wind that Lubbock regularly experiences could lead to mold and mildew on your roof. In addition to being aesthetically displeasing, the mold and mildew could also weaken the integrity of your roof. To protect your shingles and help prevent future growth, you should hire a professional company that offers roof washing services to do the job for you. When using the EPA certified algaecide and fungicide it will prevent roof discoloration.

If you find yourself needing any help with your roofing problems, please contact ABF Roofing & Foam or visit our website at abfroofinglubbock.com. We are here to help you and protect your investment.