Your home is a significant investment, one that needs constant protection from the elements. The best defense is a strong and reliable roofing system. Without it, homes can undergo substantial damage, which can lead to all sorts of unforeseen problems down the line.
Roofs are durable enough to protect your home from common debris like small branches, stones and sleet, but in some cases, unexpected objects could make a crash landing on your roofing system. If you’re not sure what your roof is up against or you ignore damage, far more significant issues can affect your home. While it’s possible to conduct your own routine checks to gauge the integrity of your roof, a proper inspection from a roofing specialist is typically needed to address problems.
In today’s article, one of the leading roofing companies in Orlando, Next Level Roofers shares the six most damaging types of debris when it comes to your roof and why you should consider eliminating debris.
- Hail
Severe hailstorms can cause extreme damage on roofs such as shingle cracks and punctures, allowing water to freely seep through your shingles and into your foundation. Additionally, they can wear down your roof’s material, which can result in premature deterioration. When a hailstorm occurs in your area, it’s smart to schedule a roofing inspection immediately to catch small problems before they become more serious.
- Man-Made Objects
Man-made items that soar through the air can also cause damage to your shingles. Remote-control planes and drones are just some of the flying objects that can dangerously land on your roof. Shards of glass, pieces of masonry and other household items thrown by the wind are also some of the most damaging debris your roof may catch.
- Fallen Leaves
While they may seem harmless at first, fallen leaves can accumulate over time and begin clogging your gutters. When this happens, water may overflow to your siding and eventually penetrate your walls and ceiling and may lead to roof replacement.
- Tree Branches
If there are trees around your property that are growing too close to your home, you should consider trimming them immediately. Strong winds can tear large tree branches and can land on your roof. Even if a branch does not get blown onto your roof, mild winds can still cause them to sway and rub against your roof and other parts of your home.
- Pine Needles Straw
When layers of pine needles have accumulated on the roof it causes gutter clogging and gap infiltration. When moisture becomes trapped, it creates a favorable environment for mold and moss growth. Not only can this pose a health hazard to you and your family, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your roof over time.
- Ice Dams
Ice dams are a result of ice buildup that deserves a deeper look. Ice dams form on the edge of your roof, which can prevent melting snow from properly draining off of your home.
Ice dam removal can be a careful process, as many techniques have the potential to damage your home. A professional ice dam removal service is often needed to safely eliminate ice ridges that form on your roof. Many roofing companies implement more advanced methods that protect the integrity of your roof and home.
Importance of Removing Debris from Your Roof
- To Make it Easier for Inspection and Repair
The debris has to be removed from your roof before the inspection is done. This way, it is easier for you to view and check if some parts need replacement or repair. If the roof is clean, you will easily determine if there are missing shingles or some loose parts that need some attention. A roof inspection company can help you do this job efficiently.
- To Avoid Clogged Gutters
When twigs and leaves start to pile up on the roof, your gutters will inevitably suffer. All the debris will eventually weigh down the drain and will cause clogging. In this case, the water may overflow to the side of the house and may affect the other parts of your property. During winter, even the milder ones, this problem can cause more serious damage to the roof that may lead to roof replacement.
- Helps You Save Money
If you keep on ignoring the debris on your roof, you will eventually spend more money on repairs and replacements that could have been easily avoided. Leaves and branches may not look dangerous, but the moment they cause clogging and conceal some damaged parts, you could experience a bigger problem. Cleaning the roof regularly is one preventive measure that can help you save money in the future.
How to Safely Remove Debris from a Roof
- Make Sure to Do it Safely
If you plan on clearing debris from your own roof, safety must be your top priority. You should wear slip-resistant shoes and have someone hold the ladder to help make sure that you don’t fall and injure yourself. Avoid stepping on the roof in order to avoid damaging your shingles.
- Choose the Right Day
Ideally, you’ll want to pick a day where the weather is relatively cool and overcast. Furthermore, make sure that there’s no chance of rain on that day.
- Using the Leaf Blower
A leaf blower is the best tool for completing this task because it can reach the parts of the roof that you can’t reach yourself from the ladder. Be careful not to point the leaf blower directly at the shingles to avoid damaging them or any other potentially vulnerable part of or opening on your roof.
- Don’t Forget the Gutters
As part of your roof cleaning routine, you should take the time to clean your gutters as well. If you’re not comfortable cleaning your home’s gutters yourself, you can always call professional roofers to handle this for you.
- Preventing Algae Growth
For starters, there are products you can buy at your local home improvement or hardware store that are specifically designed to help protect your roof from staining and discoloration.
Eliminating debris and cleaning your roof is not an easy task. You will surely need a team of expert roofers for this. If you want to make sure that the roof is clean and you also need assistance in checking if some parts need repair, you should get professional help.
Next Level Roofers was created to deliver quality roofing to homeowners across Central Florida. We are an Orlando roofing company where both office staff and roof installers honed their craft. Our team has a combined experience of over 39 years in the roofing industry and we are dedicated to delivering a high standard of customer service. With our professional crew and top-tier roofing services, we’ll make sure your home is always safe and damage-free from the elements, all year round.
Call us today at (407) 993-6139 or fill out this contact form to schedule your roof evaluation. We’d love to hear from you!
