It’s safe to say that our restoration experts have inspected thousands of roofs in the Cincinnati and Dayton area over the last few years. In that time, we’ve see a lot of DIY projects go horribly wrong on windows, doors, ventilation, siding, and, of course, roofing. In no particular order, we present the 7 worst roof repairs homeowners perform to a startling degree.

1. Reroofing by adding a new layer of shingles: We’ve torn off roofs with 3 layers of shingles before. The homeowners usually site that they just wanted a new color or that their roofer told them it was a totally okay money saver. All it takes is the old bottom layer to have an issue and the whole roofing system fails. The extra cost associated with the removal time and disposal is cringeworthy. This may be the worst thing we’ve seen particularly due to the wasted money spent on the short lived second and possible third layers. Of the worst roof repairs homeowners perform, this one can cost the most in the long run.
2. Trimming all parts of a tree except for those overhanging the roof: Perhaps the roof makes it too hard to reach branches with an extension trimmer or perhaps it’s just negligence. You never want branches hanging over your roof. This is asking for clogged gutters that fail and for moss growth on the shingles. Non-repairs equate to our second issue…
3. Power washing roofs to remove moss: Some homeowners take this a step further and sprinkle bleach on the affected area. Both these “cleaning” techniques are highly destructive to shingles… Not to mention unsafe!
4. Cleaning gutters from the ground: It’s easy to spot a gutter that was improperly cleaned with an extension poll or extension hose. Sludge is often built up thick in the worst points possible. It then takes just a few bits of debris to cause a A plugged-up gutter is heavy! It can literally snap, burst, or break free from the roof. In some cases, we’ve seen gutters take pieces of the roof with it when it collapses.
5. Pulling up shingles to look for leaks: Yes, most people wouldn’t do this but it’s been done before. We often see caulking and other repairs under shingles during tear-offs. This is just asking for more leaks!
6. Adding or repairing skylights: This is not a clever idea unless you do it for a living. Skylights are one of the leakiest components to a roof there is.
7. Doing anything to ports, vents, or chimneys. This follows skylights as being something left to a professional. Chimneys feel particularly safe to work near and on which is why the roofing around them tend to suffer. Tools, shifting around, debris, and damage to its flashing are common issues that can be worrisome.

There are a few rules to roof maintenance. They are constantly broken and end up costing homeowners more down the road. We hope you avoid the following:

• Walking on your roof – no matter the grade
• Power washing
• Patching leaks from the roof surface
• Ignoring overhanging foliage

We hope you avoid the mistakes we’ve shared here and seek a professional before combating your roofing issues.

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