Serving King and Snohomish Counties

A roof can be the costliest single item of a home to replace. Most roofs are expected to last 25-30 years depending on maintenance

Roof and gutter cleaning

The build up of moss on the roof and debris restricting the flow of water from the roof and gutters is a condition found frequently during home inspections.   Both the build up of moss and debris can result in roof leaks and reduce the life expectancy of the roofing. High pressure should never be used on a roof as it can significantly reduce the remaining life of the roofing

Build-up of moss and debris	Debris and moss in a gutter
Damage from pressure washing

Cedar Shake Roofs

. Prior to the early 2000’s, cedar shake roofs were considered to be a “higher end” product. Since then, the quality of cedar shakes has diminished and available higher grade composition roofs have become readily available.  Most neighborhoods that limited roofing to cedar shakes now allow 40 or 50 year architectural grade composition roofs. With those changes, it is very rare to find a cedar shake roof that is not nearing the end of its useful life expectancy.

Approximately 25 year old cedar shake roof

Homeowner repair of a shake roof

Ferns growing from an older cedar shake roof

Composition Roofs

 Most roofs are expected to last for 25-30 years.  Over time, the roof granules coverage will be worn off and the shingles will lose their adhesion from layer to layer. The lack of adhesion will make them more vulnerable to wind related damage

Wind damaged shingles

Metal Roofs

 Metal roofs are typically found on non subdivision type properties. They can create their own set of issues with slabs of snow and ice sliding down the roof

Broken plumbing vent stack

Gutter damaged from sliding snow

Roof Repairs and installation

Many roof repairs and installations are performed by homeowners or unqualified contractors. A typical repair is to apply as much tar as possible to seal a leak.  Proper flashings are also found to be missing or improperly installed

Trash bag used by a "home flipper" as a plumbing vent flashing	Metal can lid used s a roof patch
Moisture ant damage related to improper diverter flashing	Interior damage due to improper diverter flashing

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