Winters in Seattle and Portland in the greater Pacific Northwest region can be tough. Sure, it’s fun to bundle inside during a heavy snowstorm, but the exterior of your home takes the harshest damage and you might not even realize. The snow and rainfall can add weight and moisture to your roof which will slowly damage and chip it away after many years of tough winters. Don’t worry, because Guardian Roofing is the best roofing repair and installation servicer in the Pacific Northwest. Our team is ready to help you and give your home a consultation on whether or not you need a new roof. We want to give you some guidance on the toll the winter weather might have on your roof. Here are some of the most common problems in winter leading to roofing damage:
- Algae
Algae is commonly found growing in moist, soggy areas and in places that do not get a lot of direct sunlight. During the winter this is very prevalent as the air is colder, wetter, and has little sun. The coastal air found in and around the Kitsap Peninsula is very conducive to the growth of algae, which can stain roof tiles. Algae growth is generally a cosmetic problem, but because it’s so obvious, the stains can negatively impact your home’s curb appeal. Algae can tarnish the look of your home and make it overall unappealing, especially throughout the changes of the seasons.
You can prevent algae from growing on your home by cutting back the branches and allowing sunlight to shine on the roof as much as possible. Pruning back trees also increases air circulation around the home, which can further prevent algae from growing on the roof.
During the winter, it might be extremely difficult to prevent the growth of algae on your roof so you may have to have your roof checked and cleaned periodically. The best way to get this done is to call a professional. Our team at Guardian Roofing is here for you all year-round, especially in the winter. Make sure you’re checking for algae and give us a call so we can check out your home’s situation.
- Moisture From Precipitation
During the winter, expect lots of rain, snow, and overall moisture around your home. A roof that stays wet on a regular basis may be prone to rot and leaking. Fortunately, you can do many things to protect your roof from moisture:
- Inspect your attic on a regular basis, looking for signs of water damage.
- Walk around the outside of your home, and look for problems like sagging beams and missing or damaged shingles.
- Have your roof examined by a roofing professional like Guardian Roofing on a regular basis.
- Get leaks repaired as soon as possible.
Make sure to stay on all these tips during the winter, as moisture and precipitation are some of the leading causes of severe roof damage. Have a professional roofing contractor, like our experts at Guardian Roofing, examine your roof every few years, and make recommendations for repair as needed.
- Salty Air
Expect lots of salty air during the winter time. You might not realize it, but salty air can damage a lot of home building materials, including some roofing materials. Installing a roof made of slate or clay is an excellent way to protect your roof from the sea air, as slate and clay are much less vulnerable to the effects of salt. If your home is not currently built to withstand the weight of a clay or slate roof, you may need to get your home retrofitted before installation.
A lightweight alternative is galvanized steel. The coating of zinc on the outside of the galvanized steel helps protect the roof from rusting. You’ll need to have a roofing contractor reapply the coating every two decades to ensure that the roof is protected. With proper maintenance and guidance from a roofing professional, your galvanized steel roof can last 60 years or more.
We hope these tips and guidance can better assist you in knowing what to look out for during the winter to better protect your roof. The wintertime can be strenuous to your home, and especially your roof, so it’s important to be proactive and know the warning signs on what to look out for. Our team at Guardian Roofing is dedicated to meeting all your roofing repair and installation needs, and it’s best to be on the lookout for roof damage and call a professional for a second opinion.
If you are looking for a roof repair contractor please call us today at 877-926-9966 or complete our online service request form.
