Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Northwest Portland Roma Tile Powerwash

This 14 year old roma tile power wash we took on this week was in dire need of a cleaning.  The north face also had fir trees fairly close so it had heavy moss and debris as well.   With the heavy debris and moss we found that the valleys were packed with silt and debris and in need of a more thorough cleaning.  We spent time after cleaning to remove the sediment and silt out of the valleys to allow proper flow.  Failure to clean the valleys out properly will lead to leaks.  Once the valleys are totally clogged the water will divert around the valley flashing and drain off of the metal onto the felt under payment beneath.  We have seen a fair number of catastrophic leaks due to valley blockage.  Ideally the homeowner we would also have trimmed the tiles back to create a wider channel down the valley so debris would be less likely to block the valley and it would also facilitate cleaning in the future.  Long story short, this roof is now much less likely to have a leaky valley,  but we have strongly recommended treatment and blow offs more frequently.  We recommend every other year for treatment under normal circumstances and a blow off as needed to prevent the debris from blocking the valley and decomposing in the valley under the tiles. 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Northwest Portland - Shake blow off, repair and treat.

We completed the maintenance on these roofs last week and they are ready for another 4 years or so.  Proper maintenance can lead to a much longer life.  We've seen 15 year old shake roofs that are ready to be replaced and 25 year old shake roofs that could last another 10-15 years.  We recommend repair and treatment every four years to extend the life the longest. 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Lake Oswego Presidential Style Brush Off

This shot show one of our technicians brushing off a presidential style shingle roof.  Although they have a nicer look and typically a longer lifespan, presidential style shingles have lots and nooks and crannies for moss and debris to latch on to.  As we do not recommend power washing on composition roofs typically, brushing the moss from these roofs is a more time consuming process.  After we brush off the roof which removes about 90-95% of the moss,we blow down the loose debris and then treat it to kill any remaining moss and inhibit further growth.  Let us give you a no cost, no obligation quote!!
www.northwestroof.com
www.facebook.com/northwestroof
503-740-4808 Greater Portland
360-910-8938  Vancouver and SW Washington

Monday, May 20, 2013

Battle Ground flashing metal retro-fit

This home was roofed without drip edge on the gutter to roof intersections and t-metal on the gable ends of any dormers.  We recommend metal flashing on all edges on any new roof installation and also recommend a retro-fit on any roof that was originally installed without.  Gutter seams will also leak over time as the gutters on this home were beginning to do.  We installed the appropriate metal flashing and sealed the leaking joints in the gutter to prevent fascia and under eave damage.  Let us take care of your roof needs! 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Velux skylight install

Our technicians are skilled in most skylight installs.  This specific skylight replacement was in Vancouver, WA and is a little different.  Velux skylights have own specific flashing kits depending in the roof type.  Have us install your replacement skylight and you won't be disappointed.  Call us for a free estimate today!

503-740-4808 Portland Metro
360-910-8938  Southwest WA
www.northwestroof.com
www.Facebook.com/northwestroof

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Lake Oswego Cedar Shake

This week one of the projects we undertook was this Lake Oswego Cedar shake roof.  The roof is about 20 years old and has a good number of years left.  We power washed this particular roof, but power washing is not always necessary depending on debris and moss levels and condition of the roof.  The advantage of power washing is that it restores the color of the shake roof.  If preserving the roof is the most important function of any maintenance, we suggest  repairs and treatment as the power washing is much more expensive and does put a little more strain on the roof. 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Beaverton Shake Home

Shake roofs can have a very unique, rustic appearance and can add character to any home.  Properly maintained they can have a very long life expectancy as well, but they are expensive to install and maintain.  More frequent, less costly maintenance on your shake roof can prevent much more costly maintenance or even premature replacement costs due to roof failure.  The photos shown are of a small, ranch style, shake roof in the Beaverton area that has been sorely neglected.  The moss build up in between the shakes and in the leading edge of the shakes can retain water which may cause the felt paper beneath the shakes to rot.  If the paper rots then leaks are sure to come.  Don't let this happen to one of the biggest investments you make in your home!  Take care of your roof.