If you think you may have a problem on your home’s roof the first thought of many homeowners is that they should go on the roof and check things out. However, simply by walking on your home’s roof you may damage it. Not to mention you can fall from the roof and be seriously injured. Hiring a roofing contractor in Birmingham Michigan to go on the roof and inspect it is much, much better. And if there is a problem on the roof the roofing contractor can go ahead and repair the roof as well. Before you take it upon yourself to go on your roof and repair or inspect it, be sure to read the following problems you may be causing:
Does Walking on Your Roofing in Birmingham Michigan Damage It?
As we mentioned above, we don’t advise you to go on your home’s roof. With that being said, plenty of people walk on their roofs. From checking the shingles to enjoying the view, it is not necessarily frowned upon by many people to take a walk up there. However, how can you tell if your roof will be able to withstand this additional weight? The age and material of your roof make up a great deal of the integrity of its strength. For example, you would probably need to take caution while walking on a roof with broken shingles that is over 20 years old. The following will act as a guideline when deciding if your roof is safe enough to walk on:
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most common roofing materials used today, asphalt shingles affordable and effective when it comes to protecting your home. They are very durable to start out with, but they do have the tendency to weaken over time. This is a natural response that the shingles have due to the elements. After a couple of years, the shingles might become brittle and easy to crack. This means that the weight of a person on top of them would likely result in some cracks that leaks could form into.
If possible, avoid walking on asphalt shingles if it is unnecessary. Even if you do not cause any cracks or breakage in the tiles, the pressure of the added weight will expedite the aging process of your roof. If you need to examine your roof for damage, try propping up a ladder and doing a visual scan of the roof before you decide to walk around. This can save you money and the hassle of additional repairs.
Clay & Wood Tiles
Tiles are even more fragile than shingles. Roofs that are made with clay and wood tiles are great at withstanding different extreme weather conditions, but they are not made to hold much additional weight. Even without aging setting in, tile is very easy to break upon sudden or sharp impact. Think about it as if you were walking on your favorite dinner plates. When you break a tile, this will leave room for exposure in your roof. Your home won’t be fully protected, and it will likely cost you a lot of money to make these replacements.
While they are also a popular roofing material, it is cautioned that you should avoid walking on your roof at all costs. If you feel that you need help with something that requires going up onto a tile roof, your best decision would be to hire a contractor. With the proper equipment and knowledge about how to handle tiles, a contractor will be able to examine your roof without cracking it in the process.
Physical Dangers
Aside from the damage that you could do to your roof when you walk on it, there is also a huge risk of getting injured. No matter if your roof is sloped or flat, the same dangers of falling off are still present. In any situation, leaving the roof climbing to a professional roofer is going to be the smartest decision for your safety and your home.
It’s Best to Call a Roofing Contractor in Birmingham Michigan
If you’re concerned about your home’s roof be sure to call one of the top roofing contractors in Birmingham Michigan today for a roof inspection. Oakes Roofing is a fully licensed and insured roofing contractor and can inspect, repair, or replace your roof if needed. Call today at (586) 726-2300 for more details and to get a free quote.
