Top 5 Roofing Mistakes Homeowners in NJ and PA Should Avoid

Being a homeowner in New Jersey or Pennsylvania comes with many benefits and a significant amount of responsibility, including maintaining your roof. It’s the home’s first line of defense against the elements whether it’s dealing with the heavy rains during the spring, the intense sunshine and heat during the summer, or heavy snow storms. The fluctuating temperatures and often consistently changing weather conditions mean it’s even more important to choose your roof carefully and maintain it well throughout its life.

Choosing Materials By Price

Some homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania want to save a bit of money by opting for the most affordable roofing materials. It’s understandable, considering how expensive some areas are to live in. However, choosing the cheapest roofing material isn’t ideal. It’s natural to want to save money whenever possible, but this decision could cost you more in the long run.

A roof’s lifespan depends on various factors, such as how well it’s maintained, the material it’s made from, and the quality of the installation. Cheaper roofing materials often come with reduced durability and less resistance to the fluctuating weather conditions common throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Low-cost materials may also be less energy efficient, resulting in higher monthly utility bills.

Choosing roofing materials should balance quality, durability, functionality, and longevity with your budget and preferred roofing style. It might require a more considerable upfront investment, but it could pay off over time as it provides your home with better protection against high winds, heavy rain, scorching UV rays, and piles of snow.

One of our roofers can help you decide which roofing material can withstand the weather conditions in your area but also complement your preferred aesthetic. Let us know your budget, and we can advise you on what materials would be ideal for your needs and the size of your roof.

Skipping Roof Inspections

Homeowners should have a roof inspection done at least once a year. However, scheduling a roof inspection after a severe storm can also be beneficial, especially if you suspect you have roof damage.

Roof inspections are essential to home maintenance, yet many New Jersey and Pennsylvania homeowners only schedule them when there’s an issue. Minor issues can quickly develop into major problems, resulting in serious situations such as leaks. Our roofers can easily identify weaknesses, such as worn-out flashing or loose shingles.

The ideal time to schedule your annual inspection is mid-to-late fall, so your roof is ready for the typical harsh winter conditions. Schedule your appointment as far in advance as possible so you can choose a date and time that works with your schedule.

Not Trimming Trees

New Jersey and Pennsylvania are filled with trees. They add beauty and value to a property but can cause serious roofing issues when they’re too close to your home. Branches hanging over your roof pose several risks, especially during storms when strong winds can cause them to break and fall, potentially damaging your entire roof. In the worst-case scenario, a branch that’s heavy enough can go through your roof.

Both states are no stranger to severe storms and heavy snow. Having arborists trim your trees, even if it affects their beauty, is crucial for helping to protect your roof. Have this done in the autumn after the leaves fall off so that an arborist can get a better idea of how the trees in your yard affect your roof. Check the condition of your trees after a severe storm in any season to ensure you don’t need to call an arborist for an emergency appointment for damaged branches.

Attempting DIY Roof Repairs

The numerous online tutorials are fantastic in many ways but not when it comes to DIY roofing repairs. More homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and trying to fix roofing issues that should be left to the professionals.

Many DIY home projects can be satisfying and cost-effective, but attempting to repair your roof without the proper tools, knowledge, or experience is a huge mistake. It could cost you a huge amount of money in the short term or long term and worsen the current roof damage, making the task even more expensive when you eventually need to call a professional anyway. Roofing is a complex job that requires a thorough understanding of everything, from safety precautions to utilizing the proper techniques.

Attempting a DIY roofing repair can also be dangerous. You could either fall off the ladder or slide off the roof, both of which could cause you significant injuries or even result in death. You could hurt someone else standing too close to your home as well if you accidentally knock tools or roofing material off while you’re working.

Another safety issue can stem from the repairs. You may think you successfully fixed the problem, but if the repair wasn’t done correctly and your roof caves in from heavy snow or a leak causes your ceiling to collapse, it could injure you, your pets, or any other people underneath the fallen debris.

Not Cleaning Gutters Year-Round

The gutters protect your roof and home from water damage by directing rainwater and melting snow away from the foundation and roof. Unfortunately, many homeowners only do this task during fall, not realizing that debris accumulates in them year-round. Birds drop twigs in them, leaves fly around during every season, and various other types of debris can create clogs and prevent the draining water from flowing freely. This can cause the water to pool on your roof and back up underneath the material, potentially leading to mold growth, leaks, rotting, and other costly problems.

While it’s essential to check your gutters frequently during autumn due to the falling leaves, make sure you’re also checking your gutters and cleaning them out year-round. This plays a significant role in preventing damage and extending the lifespan of your roof. Installing gutter guards can be a worthwhile investment if you notice a consistent debris buildup.

Not Checking the Roof Regularly

While you should evaluate your roof after a storm, it’s also vital that you check it regularly regardless of the weather. Many homeowners only do it after a severe storm or occasionally glance up at it. Checking it from ground level at least a few times per week can help you notice if something seems wrong, such as if the shingles are discolored.

Call us as soon as you notice a change so that we can inspect the roof, diagnose the issue, and determine if you need roof repair or replacement services. It’s much more cost-efficient to notice a roofing problem in its early stages than when it’s in the later stages. At this point, repair costs can soar.

Help your roof last as long as possible. Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding in Alpha, NJ, provides roofing, siding, and gutter services, giving you access to a company you can trust for your home’s exterior needs. Call us from Monday through Saturday for more information.