Spring is the perfect time to take care of your roof. Fall and winter of 2024/2025 have seen some of the worst wind storms to hit Whatcom County and Skagit County in years. Many properties suffered significant damages. Some required being rebuilt from the ground up some just needed to be patched and some homes have received damage that hasn’t even been noticed yet. These types of damages can be the biggest problem of all.
Do you live in an area with lots of trees?
Did your house shake in the wind?
Whether you are a DIYer or need to hire a professional this is the time to make sure your roof has not developed any issues that will lead to long term significant damage. Some of the things we see are
- Tree branch punctures in the roof. This can be a small branch and it may only create a small leak. So small you may not notice the damage for years. It can lead to wet insulation and microbial growth in your attic. The worst part of this is that it is very likely that your insurance will not cover a loss that has created long term damage.
- Roof shingles, vents or ridge caps torn off and missing. This can lead to slow leaks that don’t present right away.
- Moss and algae growth as well as build up of leaves and pine needles. Spring is a prime time for Moss and algae growth. By applying some moss and algae inhibitor in Spring you can really reduce the cost of roof cleaning. You may also have roof valleys or roof to wall connections that load up with leaves and needles. This can lead to water damming and allows water to get past all your flashings.
- While you are up there, make sure to clean out gutters and clear all your drains. Plugged up gutters will damage your roof fascia trim, roof sheathing and possibly your landscaping below.
If you don’t have the proper safety equipment or experience, we certainly recommend hiring a professional to perform your inspection, repairs and cleaning. As the weather gets nicer and the rain dissipates, we often overlook how important our roof systems are.
Save money and protect the health of your family and get your roof checked soon. Please remember if you find these damages now you will most likely still be able to file a claim with your insurance company.