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. 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Happy Valley Tile Cleaning

This Roma tile roof in the Happy Valley area is around 36 years old.  Properly maintained it should last a good number more years.  Before cleaning the roof had some pretty dark staining and moss accumulation.  Note that some of the original color is left on portions of the tile. A good cleaning and treatment and this roof should be good to go for 1-2 years before we suggest treating again.  Let us take the worry out of owning a tile roof!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Hazel Dell Moss Removal

Moss, moss and more moss.  Roofs in the pacific northwest endure some of the toughest conditions in the nation.  Shade, moisture, wind, sun, freezing and more.  Routine maintenance is the only way to prevent costly repairs or even premature roof failure!  Shown is a ranch style home in the Hazel Dell area that has been neglected for a long while.  The roof still has some life, but years have been taken off of this roof due to neglect.  If your home has a layer of moss and/or debris, let us take care of it for you.  After cleaning we can set up a blow off and treatment schedule that will eliminate the need for another extensive cleaning again.  Call us for a free estimate!

www.northwestroof.com
www.facebook.com/northwestroof

360-910-8938 Vancouver and SW Washington
503-740-4808 Greater Portland Metro Area

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Downtown Vancouver - Moss removal and treatment

Are you neglecting your roof?  If that's the case then soon enough it WILL neglect you.  Moss left on a roof retains moisture, roots deep into the roofing material and shortens the life of your roof.  There is good news though.  If you get to it sooner than later the life of your roof can be prolonged.  Take the roof shown in the pictures.  It is about 13 years old and, with proper maintenance, should last 25-30 years depending on the material.  If the owner had left the roof in the condition it was in, who knows how long it would have held out.  After our experienced and well trained technicians removed the moss and treated the roof it looked great and ready to go.  Proper maintenance goes a long way, so don't neglect your roof until it gets a layer like the roof shown.  We recommend treating your roof every 1-2 years so a full clean would not be necessary again. 

www.northwestroof.com
www.facebook.com/northwestroof

360-910-8938 Vancouver and SW Washington
503-740-4808 Greater Portland Metro

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Vancouver Residential Home


Strangely enough, this 10-15 year old architectural roof is actually in serviceable condition. We brush cleaned and treated this roof on the 13th. Leaving this roof in this condition will shorten the life considerably.  The immediate cost of cleaning it off is far less than having to prematurely replace a roof that should have lasted another 7-10 years.  

360-910-8938 (Greater Vancouver Area/ SW Washington)
503-740-4808 (Greater Portland Area)
www.northwestroof.com
www.facebook.com/northwestroof

Friday, February 8, 2013

Improperly installed roof at the gable ends.

When this roof was installed the installers left little to no overhang over the siding and the flashing serves only to direct water directly under the shingles.  Over time the paper underneath failed and the owner experienced leaking in all 4 corners of the house.  Our well trained technicians removed the gable end courses of shingles, installed new underlayment, new t-metal along the gables and installed new best match architectural shingles properly.  When finished, the overhang is around 1.25 inches over the side wall and this will prevent further leakage into the corners of the house. 
Call us or visit us online to schedule a free estimate to repair your roof!
503-740-4808
360-910-8938
www.northwestroof.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Some problems with vents.

Improperly installed vents can, and will, leak overt time. A properly installed vent is fastened with no fasteners exposed to the elements. If fasteners must be exposed, gasket screws or caulking should be used to prevent leaking. We recommend not installing anything in a fashion that will lead to leaks down the road. Note the improperly placed fasteners in the photo.
Northwest Roof Maintenance
503-740-4808
360-910-8938
www.northwestroof.com
Improperly installed vents can, and will, leak overt time.  A properly installed vent is fastened with no fasteners exposed to the elements.  If fasteners must be exposed, gasket screws or caulking should be used to prevent leaking.  We recommend not installing anything in a fashion that will lead to leaks down the road.  Note the improperly placed fasteners in the photo.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Treat your moss right!

Remember: Dead moss looks bad, but live moss looks bad AND destroys your roof. Treat your moss to a helping of moss killer and fungicide. 

Portland 503-740-4808
Vancouver 360-910-8938

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Off season roof maintenance

Many people are of the mindset that the summer months are the only months good for effective roof maintenance procedures.  However, in many cases,  fall, winter and spring months are as good or better depending on the maintenance being done.  For example moss inhibiting treatments must be applied while the moss is growing to be most effective.  two cases where treatment is difficult are below freezing temperatures and any rainfall that amounts to more than a drizzle.  Other procedures including valley restoration, leak repairs and basic cleanings can also usually be performed during the fall, winter and spring months.  Additional advantages of having routine roof maintenance done in the non-peak season can include discounted rates and the possibility for quicker scheduling.

www.northwestroof.com

Portland Metro
(503) 740-4808
Vancouver and SW Washington
(360) 910-8938



Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Snow and roof problems


Don't let your white Christmas turn into wet new years. When snow accumulates on a roof and begins to melt, an ice dam can build up. Water collects behind the ice dam and can reveal deficiencies in your roof and installation. Make sure that heavy snow buildup is removed before it melts especially in valleys. Leaks caused by snow melt can be repaired and prevented by a trained professional.
 
 
503-740-4808  360-910-8938