One has to wonder if your roof is in any shape for an Oregon winter. You may have seen some water stains make their way across the ceiling, but are you aware of what all this rain is up to with the roof above you?
Those are questions that will give a homeowner pause and there is no need to feel alone in it; we see the same concerns from our neighbors in the Southern Willamette Valley come around each year. River Roofing has put in the work to shield people’s homes from 1971 to the present day so we know what the wet season is capable of. Should you be worried about your roof, (541) 782-7672 is our number.
The rain here does not just blow through in a storm and be done with it. It lingers for months and that sort of moisture is patient enough to exploit any weakness in a roof. We have put together a rundown of the trouble our rainy weather is wont to cause so one can be on the lookout.
Leaks and Water Intrusion
It is the most damaging problem for a reason. Day in and day out the rain will turn a minor gap into an open invitation for water. A shingle with a crack or some flashing that has seen better days is all it takes to get moisture into the attic and insulation and on into the house proper.
Then there is the matter of where a leak makes itself known. Water has a habit of running along the rafters and beams to drip down the ceiling, so the stain you see could be a good distance from the source. Best to put a stop to it early.
Moss and Algae Growth
Moss would have a field day in our damp climate. There is something to be said for the look of a green roof but in truth it is not good for it. Moss clings to the shingles and denies them the chance to dry, then works its way under the edges to do some loosening. The same goes for lichen and algae; dark streaks or patches are a sure sign the rain is fostering growth you do not want. In time moss will take years off a roof.
Clogged Gutters and Standing Water
Leaves and needles and other detritus from the rain end up in the gutters. Clog them and the water is left to back up and pool at the edge of the roof or run over the side. Consequences include:
- rot in the soffits and fascia boards
- damage to the foundation and siding from overflow
- rot under shingles from trapped moisture
- debris putting weight on the gutters until they come loose
- ice during a cold spell to compound matters
A clear gutter is an easy way to see the roof through the wet part of the year.
Damaged or Lifted Shingles
You can count on some wind to accompany the rain in Oregon and the combination will tear and lift shingles. Expose the barrier below and it is subject to the elements. This is a particular hazard with older composition or asphalt shingles that have grown brittle and are prone to cracking with the wetting and drying cycle. What was a sound roof last spring can be in trouble by the middle of winter.
Flashing Failures
Chimneys, skylights, vents and valleys are where you are apt to find a leak and the metal flashing that is supposed to seal those joints gets hammered in the rainy season. Corrosion will set in or the seal is lost. Given how much water is channeled in these areas, a little failure can mean a lot of intrusion. We come across it often on inspection.
Sagging and Structural Strain
When a roof has been taking in water for seasons on end it can start to sag. The decking is waterlogged and weak, and the structure is under stress. Do not overlook a sag as it is indicative of more than surface level damage.
Stay Ahead of the Rain
For the most part you can head these problems off. An inspection by a pro before the heavy rains are upon you will reveal small things before they become an expensive proposition. And if there is damage, tending to it promptly will contain it.
We are licensed and insured, with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau to show for it. Over 45,000 roofs in Lane County have been put in by us and we cover Springfield, Eugene, Cottage Grove, Junction City and the rest of the Southern Willamette Valley. Free estimates are available Monday to Friday from 7:30am till 4.
Let us keep the rain where it should be. Ring us at (541) 782-7672 rather than let the next storm tell you the roof needs help.
