With another Pacific Northwest winter of rain in prospect, is your roof up to it? You may have seen moss making its way over the shingles or a good deal of debris in the gutters. Then there is the question of whether something minor will require a costly repair when the deluge comes.
We at North Creek Roofing have been putting our 30 years of local experience to work for homeowners in the Puget Sound area since 1996. In King and Snohomish Counties you will find that autumn is the time to tend to your roof; after the rains put in an appearance, what was once a small matter is not only harder to see but pricier to remedy. We have made it our business to spare our clients the stress of that kind of situation with some forethought. For any concerns this fall, you can reach us at (425) 371-4134.
Below are a few of our recommendations to put your roof in order.
Clean Your Gutters Ahead of the Rain
Clogged gutters are the source of more avoidable damage than anything else in this part of the country. A build-up of leaves and needles means water has no outlet; it will back up under the shingles or run off the edge, potentially harming your foundation. Make an inspection of the following before the wet season is upon you:
- See that all the gutters are free of debris
- Run some water through the downspouts to be sure they are unobstructed
- Examine for loose fasteners or any sagging
- Ensure the water is being directed away from the house
- Check for rust, a crack or a seam that has come apart
Should the gutters be coming away from the house or otherwise worn, replacing them in the fall is wise so as not to let winter do the testing for you.
Moss and Algae
The dampness of our climate is ideal for moss, which is unsightly to say the least. But it also lifts shingles and keeps moisture on the roof, robbing your materials of their longevity. Green patches on the north side of the roof should be dealt with without delay.
Leave the treatment to a pro. One does not want to risk walking on a wet roof and cleaning techniques that are not done right can do harm to your shingles or put your warranty in jeopardy.
An Eye on Shingles and Flashing
A pair of binoculars from the ground will reveal much. Any shingle that is missing, cracked or curling is an early warning. The same goes for the flashing about the chimney, skylights and vents where leaks are wont to start. Some homeowners are only aware of a problem when they are mopping up in the attic, and the fix is then of a different magnitude and price. An inspection in the fall puts you in a position to nip things in the bud.
Attic Venting
This is important all year but especially in the cold and wet months. Adequate airflow will keep condensation from accumulating under the roof deck and manage the moisture. Damp insulation or a stuffy attic are indications the venting requires some attention.
Let a Professional Have a Look
There is no need to go climbing up to make an assessment of all this yourself. An inspection by a professional will tell you the state of your roof and what needs to be done before winter. From a vantage point we get a better view of what is missed from below:
- Soft spots in the deck or hidden leaks
- How the seals and flashing are holding up
- Incipient water intrusion or moss
- Wear on the vents and skylights
- What life is left in your roofing
North Creek Roofing is fully licensed and insured (#NORTHCR761L6) and we have an A+ with the BBB. We put in products from Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed and NU-RAY metal roofing and stand by them with a lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you are the homeowner. Our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee is just one way we put our money where our mouth is. If the roof is in need of more than a tune-up, financing can be arranged with GreenSky. We provide estimates at no charge.
Make Ready This Fall
You would not want to be caught unprepared by the first big storm. We are available Monday to Friday, 8:00am until 5:00pm to assist homeowners in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett and the rest of the Puget Sound. Put in a call to North Creek Roofing at (425) 371-4134 and set up an inspection so you can face the winter with confidence.
