Roofing Subjects

I was able to see my original roof go on my home in 1988. Top rated AAA quality shingles with, what I think the label said, 30 year life. In 2003 I added an addition/dormer on the North side of the of the house and that roof came off to add the new room. At 24 years the shakes looked great...on the inside. Ton's of wood fiber with minimal erosion. I found myself pressed to investigate how to make it last to the 30 year promise [ a client of mine in the shake lumber business told me several years ago that these shakes can last 40 years and more if cared for properly]. I also was told by a "roof salesman that these shakes won't last another year, but then again he sells shakes...right?

The shaded parts of the roof were getting moss/lichen collection and that will accelerate deterioration faster than anything. I had consulted some friends in home construction and they advised against the following steps. Don't power wash, don't go up on the roof in the summer [dry shakes crack and add to leaks] and only use Hi pressure air to clean the moss/lichen. They suggested a 3 stage process to help the roof reach it's full life.

1. Hi pressure air clean.
2. Apply anti-moss formula to the roof shakes [spray on].
3. after 6 months re-clean and apply an oil for shakes.
4. Repeat in 5-7 years.

This method is the one suggested to me from people I trust. I have used Legacy Roofing in the past and paid about $1000 for step 1&2 and then again $1000 step 3. Each step involved replacing broken and eroded shakes and most of the ridge.
I have had a leak over a small roof over the kitchen area in the back but this roof has a very shallow slope and therefore drainage is slower and stay wet in winter.

My advice is don't talk yourself into a new roof unless clear global failure is evident. Get advice from several sources and let them know what your goals are for your roof. If you want it to last you likely will hear feedback that involves maintenance but if you ask "do you think it needs replacement" you will likely only hear about replacement. I think it all depends on what you want to do. Anyone out there able to tell us what a new roof costs these days and who's a good contractor?
-ted


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External House Painting

Since posting information about a painter I used he has stopped painting as a career. In case you had not heard this news it's official. Eric no longer paints for a living.

That said I need good contacts for good affordable painters. Please contact me or do a posting yourselves on this blog.

RTQ Painting
425-922-3885
E. John Eikelman
"Eric"

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