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Maintenance

Fall Roof Care in Central Oregon

Fall-Winter banner

Proper roof care before winter is essential to prevent potential damage from snow, ice, and cold weather. Here are steps you can take to prepare your roof for winter:

1. Inspect the Roof

  • Check for Damage: Look for cracked, missing, or loose shingles. Replace damaged shingles to prevent leaks.
  • Examine Flashing: Ensure that the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is in good condition. Flashing seals these joints and can prevent water infiltration.
  • Look for Leaks: Inspect your attic for any signs of water stains, mold, or mildew, which can indicate a leak.

2. Clean the Gutters

  • Remove Debris: Clear leaves, sticks, and other debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which may lead to water damage.
  • Check Downspouts: Make sure downspouts are clear and direct water away from the foundation of your home.

3. Trim Overhanging Branches

  • Prevent Debris: Trimming back branches can reduce the amount of leaves and twigs that fall on your roof, reducing the likelihood of clogged gutters.
  • Prevent Damage: Overhanging branches can break under heavy snow or ice, potentially damaging the roof.

4. Check for Proper Ventilation

  • Inspect Attic Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup and reduces the risk of ice dams. Ensure vents are not blocked by insulation or debris.

5. Insulate the Attic

  • Add Insulation: Adequate insulation in your attic helps regulate temperature and prevents heat from escaping, reducing the likelihood of ice dams forming on your roof.

6. Repair Any Existing Leaks

  • Fix Leaks Promptly: If you notice any leaks or signs of water damage, repair them immediately before snow and ice accumulate.

7. Consider Installing Snow Guards

  • Snow Guards or Heating Cables: In areas prone to heavy snow, snow guards can help prevent snow from sliding off the roof, while heating cables can prevent ice dams from forming.

8. Schedule a Professional Inspection

  • Hire a Roofer: A professional can identify any issues that may be difficult for you to spot and ensure the roof is in good shape to handle winter weather.

9. Clean Moss and Algae

  • Remove Growth: Moss or algae can retain moisture, leading to roof damage. Use a moss-killing solution or hire a professional to clean it.

10. Check for Pests

  • Inspect for Animals: Ensure there are no signs of animals trying to nest or burrow in your roof or attic, as they can cause structural damage.

Taking these preventive measures will help protect your roof from winter weather and extend its lifespan.

Metal Roofing Advantages for Central Oregon

Metal roofing offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings. Northwest Quality Roofing actually manufacturers the metal panels right on site. We have our own standing Seam metal-roofing-rollformer machine. This makes our metal installs much more efficient. We can run panels to exact sizes with no constriction on length. We also manufacture all of our own custom flashings in-house with our computerized brake.

Ten Advantages of Metal Roofing for homes in Bend and Central Oregon:

1. Durability: Metal roofs are known for their longevity and durability. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, hail, and high winds. Metal roofing materials are resistant to cracking, warping, and other common issues associated with traditional roofing materials. A perfect material for Central Oregon.

2. Longevity: Metal roofs have a longer lifespan compared to many other roofing materials. With proper maintenance, a metal roof can last 50 years or more, which may make having to replace your roof unnecessary.

3. Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs are reflective and often coated with reflective pigments, helping to reflect the sun’s rays and reduce heat absorption. This can result in lower energy bills by keeping the building cooler in hot weather. Metal roofing may help to reduce your summer energy bills.

4. Lightweight: Metal roofing materials are typically lightweight compared to other roofing materials like concrete tiles or slate. This can reduce the overall load on the structure and may eliminate the need for additional structural support.

5. Resistant to Fire: Metal is non-combustible, making metal roofs resistant to fire. This can be a crucial advantage in areas prone to wildfires. This may be a critical advantage for homes in Central Oregon.

6. Low Maintenance: Metal roofs require minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. They are less susceptible to issues such as rotting, mold, and insect damage.

7. Recyclability: Metal roofing materials are often made from recycled metal, and they are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. This makes metal roofing an environmentally friendly option.

8. Aesthetic Variety: Metal roofs come in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes, providing homeowners and builders with design flexibility to match the architectural style of the building.

9. Weather Resistance: Metal roofing is highly resistant to weather elements, including snow, ice, and heavy rain. This resistance helps prevent water leakage and damage to the structure. You need not worry about winter ice dams with a metal roof.

10. Increased Property Value: The durability, longevity, and energy efficiency of metal roofing can contribute to an increase in the overall property value.

While metal roofing has numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider factors such as upfront cost, installation complexity, and regional climate conditions when deciding on the best roofing material for a specific project.

Spring Roof Maintenance

Here is some useful information about inspecting your roof in the Spring. After a long cold winter it is a good idea to inspect your roof. You roof is an investment in your home and its condition is vital!

Hail Damage Inspection Marking

1. Schedule an Inspection. Northwest Quality Roofing will perform a roof inspection to give you the piece of mind that all is OK or determine if there are roof problems that can be corrected. Your roof protects your home so its worth the time to have it inspected for any damage.

2. Mold or Algea. Since moisture can collect on your roof throughout the winter, it is pretty common to find some mold or algae growth. While you are inspecting your shingles, be on the lookout for these issues. There are DIY treatment options for mold removal on your roof, but talk to us at Northwest Quality Roofing before you start pouring any chemicals or taking any severe action.

3. Shingle Inspection. Check for any shingles that are missing, curling, or worn down. If you aren’t comfortable getting up on your roof, you can do a partial visual inspection from the ground or contact us for an inspection. Also look for loose nails or shingles with cracks . If you notice large areas of damaged shingles, it may be time for a roof repair or replacement this spring.

4. Clean your Gutters. During the winter months your gutters and downspouts can accumulate leaves, dirt and pine needles. Keeping you gutters clean will allow rainwater to flow off your roof and drain down away from your foundation. If you experienced any ice dams during the winter you will also want to inspect the gutters for any damage.