Getting a Western Washington roof ready for the wet season

Why does fall matter for a Western Washington roof?

Our wet season brings months of steady rain, wind and falling leaves. Small problems that stay quiet in a dry summer, like a clogged gutter, a lifted flashing edge or a patch of moss, get tested every day once the rain arrives. Checking your roof in fall can help catch problems before they become more involved repairs.

What can I check from the ground?

You can spot some warning signs without climbing anything. Stay off the roof. Walk around the house, use binoculars if you have them, and look at the areas below. If something looks off, take a photo. It makes the first conversation with a contractor much more useful. A ground-level check cannot reveal every problem.

Gutters and downspouts. Look for visible leaf or needle buildup, sections pulling away from the house, and downspouts that empty right against the foundation. When it rains, water should run along the gutter and away from the house, not spill over the edge.

Moss and debris. Check the north-facing slopes and anywhere trees shade the roof. Moss and piled debris can hold moisture against the roof surface. Thick mats, or debris collecting in the valleys where two slopes meet, are worth a closer look.

Flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys. Flashing helps keep water out where roof surfaces meet walls or roof openings. From a safe viewpoint, look for visible gaps, lifted edges or staining near these areas. Some details will need a contractor's closer inspection.

The inside of the house. A roof often tells you something from the inside first. After a heavy rain, check ceilings on the top floor for new or growing stains. If you can safely look into the attic from its access point, look for damp insulation or water staining. Let a contractor investigate anything you cannot safely see.

When should I call a contractor instead of handling it myself?

Clearing debris with a suitable tool while standing safely on the ground may be manageable. Anything that means climbing onto the roof, staining on an inside ceiling, flashing that has pulled away, or moss heavy enough to lift the edges of shingles is worth having looked at. A professional visit costs less than a surprise in January.

What happens when John comes out to look?

You tell John what you've noticed and where the home is, and send photos if you have them. You talk through what's going on and what you're hoping for, then arrange an inspection. There's no charge for the initial roof inspection or conversation. If work makes sense, you get a written proposal describing the recommended work.

Stick & Stone offers a 20-year limited roofing workmanship warranty covering defects in the roofing installation we contract to perform. Product warranties are separate. Read the covered work and terms on the roofing warranty page.