In the Pacific Northwest, storm season is more than just a time for "heavy rain"; it challenges the very endurance of your home's exterior. Your roof is essentially the barrier separating your warm living room and an expensive overhaul when the area is hit by a combination of intense atmospheric river storms bringing incredible moisture to Whatcom County and 'Pineapple Express' winds with gusts over 50 mph.

Many people who own homes don't think about their roofs going into the wet season's prime time. Mostly, such thinking stems from the fact that there are no visible leaks at the moment. But by the time you notice a leak, it is already too late. Below, you will find some pretty obvious indications that one should call in a Bellingham roofing company ahead of the next storm.

The "Sand" in Your Downspouts Next time it rains, be sure to check the discharge from your downspouts. Do you notice a heavy build, up of gritty, sand, like particles? Those granules are asphalt granules.

·       Why it matters: Granules are the guard. They keep the shingles safe from ultraviolet radiation and fire. Besides, in the Pacific Northwest, granules actually facilitate water shedding.

·       The Storm Risk: When the granules have worn away completely, the underlying shingle becomes a "bald" one, thus less flexible and more brittle. Therefore, when exposed to freezing rain or wind, these slicers will eventually crack and snap, exposing your underlayment to the elements.

Moss: The Silent Water, Sponge

If you live in Bellingham, you probably know that moss is practically the city flower. However, on your roof, it is a structural threat.

·       The Sponge Effect: Moss is a sponge which means that it keeps on holding moisture against your shingles for a whole month.

·       The Storm Risk: After a heavy rain event, moss will become heavy, thus it can even lift your shingles' edges. As a result, wind, driven rain will be able to pass up and under the shingle and the water will then reach the wood deck below. Water frozen during a cold snap will expand and thus allow the furthest prying of your roof.

"Flickering" Shingle Edges

On a breezy day, come out to your yard and raise your eyes to the edges and ridges of your roof. Are you able to spot any shingle tabs fluttering or "flicking" in the wind?

·       Why it matters: The shingle pallets that you hold up with your hand are the only part (indicated here as) the sealant strip can fail completely the only adhesive that keeps the shingles together.

·       The Storm Risk: A failed seal does not limit the windstorm attacking your roof for peeling but to one of the possibility that it might be done by a typical home improvement tin's lid. A professional roofing company in Bellingham can often hand, seal these tabs if the shingles would simply be healthy.

Cracked or Rusted Flashing

·       Flashing is the thin metal installed around chimneys, skylights, and in the "valleys" where two roof planes meet.

·       The Warning Sign: Rusty metal, cracked caulking, or gaps where the metal has pulled away from the brick or siding are some things you should be looking for.

·       The Storm Risk: Leaks most times occur at the juncture between the outside and the inside at a single shingle rather than in the middle of a shingle. During a multi, day rain event, even a hairline crack in the flashing can funnel gallons of water into your wall cavities.

Hidden Clues in the Attic

·       The roof, attic interface needs to be viewed as the first sign of the roof getting damaged. During the forthcoming storm, have a flashlight and go to your attic.

·       Look for: The discoloration "bruising" of the wood rafters, dampness of the insulation or the presence of the musty smell of the paper.

·       Check for Light: In case you notice "stars" (daylight) coming through the roof boards, then it means the water can and it will get inside.

Is Your Home Ready?

Storm preparation in the North Sound is about proactive defense. If you've spotted any of these red flags, don't wait for the power to go out and the wind to howl to realize your roof is vulnerable.

Would you like me to help you draft an email to a local roofing company in Bellingham to request a priority "Storm-Ready" inspection?