A seasonal roof care calendar for Seattle homes

Roofs in a wet climate work hard. Steady rain, damp air, moss and the occasional windstorm all wear on shingles, flashing and the wood underneath. The good news is that small habits through the year can catch problems while they are still small.

This calendar is simple on purpose. Do what you can safely do from the ground, and leave work on the roof itself to a qualified provider. Wet roofs are slippery, and a fall is a worse problem than a leak.

Fall: get ready before the rains settle in

Fall is the time to prepare.

• Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and needles so water can drain.
• Look at the roof from the ground with binoculars. Note missing, curled or cracked shingles.
• Check that flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights looks tight and unbent.
• Trim branches that hang over the roof or could break in wind.
• Look in the attic for daylight, stains or damp insulation.

If you find something, write it down with a photo and date. That record helps when you talk to a provider.

Winter: watch, and stay safe

During the wet months, your job is to notice, not to climb. After a heavy storm or a windy night, walk around the house and look for shingles on the ground or debris on the roof.

Inside, check ceilings and the attic for new stains, drips or a musty smell. Also look at the crawl space and its vents if you can do so safely, since damp air can build up under older wood-frame homes.

If water is getting in, a temporary cover may be needed until repairs can be done. Ask a provider what is realistic for your situation and the weather.

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Spring: see what the rain left behind

Spring is the time for a closer look.

• Check for moss, algae and dark streaks, especially on shaded sides.
• Clean gutters again, since winter storms drop a lot of debris.
• Look for lifted shingles, granules collecting at downspouts, and sagging spots.
• Check ceilings for stains that may have formed over winter.

If moss is thick, ask a provider how they remove it without damaging shingles. High-pressure washing is often discouraged because it can strip protective granules. Gentle methods are usually safer.

Summer: the dry-season window

Summer is when most roof work is easiest to schedule, because the weather is more reliable. If you have been noticing worn areas, this is a good time to get an inspection and plan any work before fall.

It is also a good moment to check attic ventilation. Good airflow helps keep moisture from building up under the roof deck. Ask a provider to look at vents and insulation while they are there.

If the roof is old, summer is the time to ask a hard question: is it worth patching again, or is a replacement the wiser plan? Get that answer before the wet season returns.

When upkeep is no longer enough

Maintenance can only do so much. Consider asking about replacement when:

• Shingles are curling, cracking or losing granules across large areas.
• Leaks keep returning after repairs.
• The deck feels soft or looks sagging.
• Moss keeps coming back and the roof surface is breaking down.

A replacement is a bigger decision, so take your time and compare written estimates. Availability of providers depends on your part of the Seattle area and the time of year.

Your next step

Pick the season you are in and do one item from its list this week. If what you find worries you, send a request and ask a provider to look closely.

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Keep reading

• Questions to ask a roofer before you hire, and red flags
• What a roof costs in Seattle: how estimates are built
• Roof Replacement