5 Tips to prolong the life of your Roof
Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest face unique challenges to roof upkeep due to the heavy amounts of rain and snow that the region experiences each year. The wet, shady conditions can lead to moss, mold, and water damage; all of which can reduce the lifespan of your roof. Proper maintenance is important to protect your investment and prolong the life of your roof. Additionally, the cost to maintain your roof is less than 10% of replacing it. Below are five roof maintenance tips for Pacific Northwest homeowners.
1. Cut back trees that are hanging over or near the roof
When trees hang over a roof, the chances of storm and water damage increase. During winter storms, trees or individual branches may fall, causing considerable damage to your roof. Additionally, debris from trees, such as needles from Evergreen trees, can collect on your roof, preventing proper drainage and causing mold and water damage.
2. Schedule a Roof Cleaning
A roof cleaning is important to clear your roof of debris and to remove any moss that may be growing on your roof. Moss thrives in wet dark environments, making the Pacific Northwest it’s ideal climate to thrive. As moss grows it can lift shingles, leading to mold, leaks, and wood rot. Our roof cleaning methods include air systems for low pressure, soft washing, and hand brushing of moss on all types of roofs. These methods allow us to ensure the lowest impact possible impact on the customer’s roof, while providing a thorough cleaning.
3. Repair shingles or patches
If your roof has suffered damage, repairing shingles or patching your roof is important in order to reduce the chances of further deterioration. Winter storms can cause shingles to lift or be completely removed from your home. Additionally, moss and algae can lift shingles, or lead to water damage that ultimately requires a roof to be patched. If you suspect your roof is in need of shingle repair or a patch, it is important to schedule this maintenance as soon as possible to protect the integrity of the roof and avoid the cost of a complete roof replacement.
4. Clean out gutters/downspouts
Each year, the Pacific Northwest experiences heavy rains and snowfall. Thus, it is essential that water is able to run off your roof and away from your house through gutters and downspouts. When gutters or downspouts are clogged by debris, water may collect on or around your roof, causing water damage, and supporting the growth of mold and moss. Improper drainage can also threaten your home’s siding and foundation. Our team uses hand-tools and blowers to ensure our customers’ gutters and downspouts are free and clear.
5. Protect your roof with a preventative treatment
Removing moss from your roof is a great first step in roof maintenance; however, the environmental conditions of the Pacific Northwest will allow moss to regrow on your recently cleaned roof. Instead of just removing moss and allowing it to regrow, you can further protect your roof by applying a preventive treatment. A preventative treatment creates a barrier on your roof that fights and prevents the growth of algae, lichen, moss, and more. Our preventive treatment uses non-toxic products and can be applied to all types of roofs: cedar, composite, tile, etc.
NW Surface Cleaner has been maintaining roofs in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 40 years. In addition to protecting our customers’ investments, we are protecting our customers by following current state-recommended COVID-19 guidelines. Our crew wears masks, keeps their hands sanitized, and maintains a safe social-distance with customers at all times. We also do not enter our customers’ homes at any time during estimation or while performing services.