Homeowners Beware

These few things can really cause damage to your roof and other parts of your home if not careful.

Pressure Washing:  Seems to be the new trend around here but be careful because too many washings with the highly pressurized water can cause your roof to erode and essentially become ineffective.

Not Regularly Cleaning Your Gutters:  Although it seems harmless, this is huge and can effect not only your roof but many other places in your home by causing water to seep in and rotting the wood structure or growing mold which can cause illness.  Have your gutters cleaned by a professional like William Penn Roofing.

Solar Panels:  They are a great solution to costly energy bills, however if installed improperly they can inhibit the integrity of your roof and cause potential leaks.  If you are planning to have them installed ask for them to use invisible brackets as these do not damage the roofing system.

Proper Pruning:  Often times homeowners overlook necessary pruning of larger trees on their property.  Trees that hang over your roof can potentially cause damage with falling debris or even cause moss or fungi to grow on the roof.  Have large trees professionally pruned by a licensed and insured tree climber. 

Satellite Dishes:  The screws used to install satellites to your home penetrate your roofs surface leaving it vulnerable to the harsh elements. You can prevent this by mounting the satellite on the side of your home where water or snow is less likely to lay and build up. 

Peeling Back Shingles:  DIY is great as long as you make sure you are not causing any harm first. Peeling back shingles to check for leaks can actually end up creating them. It is best to have a licensed and insured roofer like William Penn Roofing to come and inspect your roof for any leaks.

Walking on Your Roof:  Not only is it dangerous to walk on your roof without proper footwear and experience more damage can be done to the protective surface.  The granules can shed and gaps can be created between the shingles causing crevices where water can leech in and cause further damage.  Leave that for the pros.   

  

Rain Rain Go Away!

Your gutters are most likely the last thing you think about, however the job they perform for your home is crucial.  

Often times gutters are ineffective due to years of wear and tear, obstructions, or improper installation.  Many people are unaware that a wet basement or crawl space is most often the casualty of faulty gutters.  When rain hits your roof it is naturally drawn down by gravity, and, given you have a roof that is still functioning effectively, the water runs off the edges to be carried away from your home by the gutter system in place. 

When your gutter systems fail, you can end up with excess water around the perimeter of your home increasing your risk of water damage within your home.  When left untreated, mold can grow (at a surprisingly rapid rate) and any wood that is penetrated by the water is susceptible to rot.  Leaving these issues go can end up costing you a pretty penny in the long run.  It is best to have your gutters checked at least once a year to prevent any issues from forming.  Contact a professional like us at William Penn Roofing, we specialize in roofing and gutter services and can help address any issues making sure your gutter systems are running properly.  

Signs of faulty gutters include puddles around the base of your home, water dumping off the edge of your roof when it rains, pieces removed or missing, downspouts improperly placed, and clogged elbows.  Also, your gutter should be secured snugly to the side of your home that meets the edge of the roof, if they are not, your gutters are not doing their job.  A lot of times this happens during storms with high winds or heavy rains, or if excess weight is applied to the gutters from debris or ice and snow.

What lies beneath...

Many people do not know the signs of a failing roof and unfortunately end up replacing the roof after extensive damage has been done beneath the surface. 

Waiting until your roof looks like this...

Is too late and will cost you much more in the end.  This roof is in desperate need of replacement the shingles are cracked and flaking which leaves your roof vulnerable to moisture.  The homeowners unfortunately waited to call until they spotted a water stain on their ceiling, which resulted in extensive damage below the surface of the shingles and asphalt felt.

You can see the darker color of the plywood where the wood has become saturated from exposure to water and moisture.

  

The water can even rot out the wood joists, damage insulation, and even cause the gutters to pull away from your home's exterior.  All of which will need to be replaced before the new roof is installed.   Don't let this happen to you, inspect your roof in the fall and summer, or at least once a year to prevent this from happening.  Hire a professional if you are unable to get on your roof and in the attic to look for signs of wear or damage.  

William Penn Roofing services Bucks and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania and provides a professional service to come out and inspect your roof for any possible damage.  Free estimates are included and we aren't finished until you are satisfied.