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 and
ice
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
Home Inspections throughout King,
Snohomish, and Pierce Counties