ROOFING 101:

Asphalt Shingles
by Scooter Lowrimore

Water happens in Seattle. You knew that when you bought your home. So be smart and stay on top of things. This newsletter edition is intended to minimize roof related issues after you are all settled into your home, and three years later forgot all about the protection above your head.

If you are buying a home (preferably through myself and Ken) pay attention to your inspector, whom, you will note, is super concerned with wood destroying organisms (critters and whatnot) that love wet wood.

Pounding rain, sleet, even sunshine - they are all enemies of what should be your homes top priority, because everything inside your home is subject to damages if your roof should fail. Invariably homeowners wait until they have a leak before they realize their roof is shot, and much more damage has actually occurred. The plywood below the shingles has delaminated. The Insulation is wet. Black mold is festering. Soppy drywall has plopped down on your dining room table. Your dog eats it and starts coughing up chalk. It’s scary.

Safety First: Yes, I know, boring, but it’s true. If you don’t know how to walk on a roof, don’t walk on it. You can get hurt and so can your roof. All roofs can get mossy, thus slippery, and there goes your tailbone. No fun. So call the professionals!

Gutters: Backed up downspouts, drains, and gutters are the cause of huge water entry problems and can easily be controlled by keeping them clear. If you can easily reach your gutters, scoop the leaves and debris out. You can also install screens to prevent the downspouts from clogging up. If the gutters are out of reach, you’ll need to call a professional also.

Ventilation: Cross circulation of air is critical to maintaining a healthy, long-lasting roof.
A licensed, bonded roofing contractor knows the proper formula for venting your roof. Your house will breathe easier, keep moisture and mildew at bay, and help your attic from become overheated in the summer. Without proper ventilation your warranty may be voided.

Maintenance: Homeowners sometimes try to pressure wash their shingles to remove staining caused by algae. If the pressure is too high, the protective granules can be removed. Some shingles are made with copper granules to help prevent algae stains.

The best way to keep moss from growing is to keep debris and dirt off the shingles.

If your roofing shingles are 10 years old or more, it’s probably time to get a professional on it. Set up an annual (or biannual) checkup after the fall leaves have fallen, or after a major storm. Check out our recommendation of roofing firms on our Referral Network.

All this upkeep might seem a bit overwhelming, but really all you need to do is call a few roofing firms for an evaluation and get on a maintenance schedule. A little preventive care will keep you, your roof, and even your dog, happy and healthy.

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