The roof is arguably the most important part of the home and often the most neglected when it comes to maintenance. The Pacific Northwest climate is particularly harsh on all types of roofs. Rain, snow and wind are hard enough but the biggest threat is actually moss. Moss, if allowed to build can turn a 25 year roof into a 15 year roof. That loss can amount to thousands of dollars. The roots of moss are very tiny and they wedge into the smallest crack and over time force the crack open. Moss can build under the edges of the shingle, lifting it and leaving it vulnerable to the wind. On shake roofs moss can clog the cracks and stop the roof from “breathing”.
Here are some tips on maintaining your roof to give it the best shot at reaching its rated life. If you need further information, give me a call and I can help.
I not only help you put a roof over your head, I help you keep it there.
Roof Maintenance
(Composition Shingles)
MOSS REMOVAL
If you have a moss build up the first step is to kill it. Using the right product can kill the moss to the root allowing it to release the moss mat with minimal force. Trying to remove actively growing moss can damage the roof.
· Pressure washing. Never use a pressure washer; it can ruin the roof by removing the protective granules.
· Air pressure. Using a leaf blower or pressure nozzle can work well to dislodge chemically killed moss. Be careful to blow with the grain of the roof. Blowing against the edge of the shingle can lift and destroy. Gentleness with repeated effort works best.
· Broom. A stiff bristled broad broom can be used to gently dislodge moss without harming the granules.
· Chemicals. Most moss killers use zinc or copper oxide. They can be applied in powder or liquid form. The best time to apply it is just before the rain begins. Follow the instruction on the product. Products that kill moss in lawns should not be used on roofs and visa-versa. Allow plenty of time for the product to work before trying to remove the moss manually.
· Moss Stains. A product called Wet and Forget is very effective in removing moss and mildew stains but it needs to be applied when the roof is dry and will remain dry for 48 hours.
SHINGLE CARE
· Annual application of moss killing chemicals can go a long way to increase the life of your roof.
· Applying Tide laundry detergent may seem like an inexpensive alternative but don’t be fooled, Tide can make the roof look better and bleach the moss but it doesn’t effectively kill moss. (great for shirts though)
· Inspect the roof annually. Identify and repair loose or lifted shingles. Use mastic to re-seal lifted shingles.
· Check for exposed fasteners (nails) and cover with roof mastic.
INSIDE THE ROOF
Improperly vented attic spaces can seriously harm the life of the roof. Summertime temperatures can climb to temperatures that can harm asphalt shingles. Check to ensure that roof vents and soffit vents are unobstructed so air can properly circulate throughout the space. Adding power venting may seem like a good solution but it can actually interrupt the proper circulation patterns provided by soffit venting. Check with a professional before adding gable vents.
FLASHINGS, JACKS, VENTS
All roof penetrations for plumbing vents or air vents need the proper boot or ‘jack’. Many jacks are made of rubber, and over time, rubber can crack and leak. Inspect the jacks for cracking and make sure they appear properly installed. Whenever a fastener is used to secure a jack, that fastener is a potential leak. Use mastic to cover all nail heads.
*CAUTION. Be sure to use all appropriate safety precautions when climbing on the roof. Use proper tie-offs and harness. If you prefer to hire a licensed, bonded and insured professional please contact me for a referral.
Courtesy of Linnea Jones – Windermere Real Estate / Northeast, Inc. 425-765-2211
