Two Things You Should Never Do To A Roof – Advice From A South Carolina Roofing Company

Posted in South Carolina Roofing Blog on Thursday, February 02, 2012.

skylightsRoofs are viewed as part of a home's defense system. They effectively protect the furnishings and family from rain, wind, sun, debris and pests. Unfortunately, it's pretty easy to ruin a good roof if you are careless with it. Here are two things you should never to do your roof, compliments of your friendly South Carolina roofing contractor.

The South Carolina Roofing Contractor 1st Law - Don't Pressure Wash or Scrub brush Your Roof

Everyone loves a clean house, and that includes a clean roof. In South Carolina your roof can get covered in black algae due to our warm and humid climate. The temptation may be to get up and start scrubbing, brushing or pressure washing the black stuff away. However, that is the worst thing you could do. In fact, given the choice between a dirty roof and a roof that has been brushed clean, you should choose a dirty roof every time.

Scrubbing or pressure washing an asphalt shingle roof is a bad idea because the abrasive action removes mineral granules from the shingles. These granules are an important part of your shingles, because they provide protection from the sun, heat and impact. They also increase a your roof's resistance to fire.

Fewer granules means less protection and faster aging, which means a greater chance of water leaks and damage. Ultimately, the roof's life will be shorter and you'll be paying for a new roof sooner. So, don't scrub your roof. Instead, consider using a non-abrasive chemical roof cleaning method. Better yet, hire a roof cleaning specialist to do it and avoid the risks of working on your roof.

The South Carolina Roofing Contractor 2nd Law - Don't Cut Holes In Your Roof Unless You Can Install Flashing

There are many reasons for a homeowner to require holes to be cut out or drilled through his roof. Some of them are even good reasons, such as the addition of roof vents or skylights.

But you should be careful about who you allow to perform this type of work. Anyone with a saw and drill can punch a hole in your roof. But only a trained roofer can be trusted to open and repair roof penetrations properly.

A South Carolina roofing contractor understands that roof penetrations are high-risk areas for water leaks. He also knows that only a proper installation of flashing can effectively keep water from seeping in around roof openings.

Many fly-by-night installers and weekend handymen try to save time by using sealants in place of flashing, but a professional roofer knows that sealants are a temporary solution, at best.

So, if holes need to be cut in your roof for a home improvement job, make sure the company you hire brings a trained, professional roofer to work on the job. Otherwise, contact a South Carolina roofing company to perform your renovation project or help you find someone who can. In any case, you should make sure all roof work is covered by a solid warranty against roof leaks and other damage.

Free Roof Analysis By A Professional South Carolina Roofing Company

If you have any concerns about your existing roof or suspect that earlier renovations were done improperly, we encourage you to call us today.

We'll be happy to perform a free roof analysis to let you know if there are any problems or areas that need to be addressed, and we'll also give you a complete report on your roof's condition.

Findlay Roofing looks forward to helping all of our neighbors in Spartanburg and throughout South Carolina make sure they have solid roofs protecting their homes and their families.

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