Your Roof Needs TLC in February

Homeowners in the Mt. Hood Corridor are a lucky bunch. The area is plopped in the middle of a deciduous rainforest, with gorgeous scenery and a great local vibe. Homeowners’ and business owners’ roofs, however, have a tougher life.

The Mt. Hood Corridor sits in a transitional microclimate that bridges the gap between the lowlands of Oregon and the elevation of Mt. Hood. That means roofs have to endure harsh winds, rapidly changing temperatures, and unforeseen winter weather. 

Fortunately, you can take steps to ensure that your home’s roof stands up to the tough winter conditions of the Mt. Hood Corridor. Here are some of the most critical steps to ensure you’re not caught off guard.

Check Your Gutters

The first thing for a homeowner or business owner to inspect when looking at the state of their roof is the gutters. When the rain starts to fall (and it will), ensure that water is flowing through your downspout regularly. 

If the flow of water is stymied, you could have a clog in your gutters that’s preventing water from funneling away from your home.

Watch for Telltale Signs of an Ice Dam

If you’re in an environment where icicles form on your gutters — as is the case for many home and business owners in Government Camp, Zigzag, and the other elevated villages of Mt. Hood — be sure they aren’t dirty.

Dirty icicles might indicate that your gutters have formed an ice dam. These blockages can prove catastrophic for your gutters as they expand and contract with the weather even as they prevent water from streaming away from your home.

Beware the Wind

Whether the sun is shining or clouds are forming on the horizon, one thing you can be sure of is the wind. The hills and trees of the Mt. Hood Corridor cause the wind to whip through the heart of the area. When the wind picks up, if you can hear a light chatter on your roof, you could have loose shingles. Indeed, if you can hear them, it’s probably already too late. 

Fortunately, most of the wind in the Mt. Hood Corridor comes from the east, which makes it slightly easier to determine if your roof shingles are in need of repair or replacement.

Moss Treatment

Every roof in the Mt. Hood Corridor has a little bit of moss on it. It’s part and parcel of living in the area. While you might find the look of the moss to be charming, that vegetation is slowly working its way under your shingles and compromising the integrity of your roof. 

As eager as you may be to get rid of it, do not power wash the moss off your roof in February. At that time of year, the moss is swelled with water and clinging to your roof. Power washing the moss could cause damage to your roof. It’s best to wait.

Tree Trouble

Trees are a constant in the Mt. Hood Corridor; it’s one of the reasons most locals fall in love with the area. That said, as a homeowner or business owner, it’s important to understand how the different seasons impact your trees.

In the winter, for example, when the weather is darker, colder, and more moist, a tree branch that was suspended feet above your roof could sag until the branches scratch against your shingles. This is one of the primary ways that rodents and other pests find their way into homes in the winter.

Don’t Do It Yourself

Owning a home comes with built-in costs that can make homeowners reticent to hire a professional for routine checks. That’s a mistake. Not only will a professional roofer be able to spot the warning signs, they’ll keep you safe on the ground while they ply their trade.

Before the summer sun comes out to bake your roof for a few months straight, ensure your home or business is repaired and ready to handle the onslaught.