D. Spencer - Bellevue Kirkland Home Inspection - Seattle, WA's Blog

#1 Roof Issuse is still found on new built homes today!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:06:13 -0800

Kickout flashing, also known as diverter flashing, is a special type of flashing that diverts rainwater away from the cladding and into the gutter. When installed properly, they provide excellent protection against the penetration of water into the building envelope.

Several factors can lead to rainwater intrusion, but a missing kickout flashing, in particular, often results in concentrated areas of water accumulation and potentially severe damage to exterior walls. Water penetration into the cladding can occasionally be observed on the exterior wall in the form of vertical water stains, although inspectors should not rely on visual identification. There may be severe damage with little or no visible evidence.

Inspectors may observe the following problems associated with kickout flashing:

The kickout was never installed.

The need for kickout flashing developed fairly recently and the builder may not have been aware that one was required. The increased amount of insulation and building wrap that is used in modern construction makes buildings less breathable and more likely to sustain water damage. Kickout flashing prevents rainwater from being absorbed into the wall and is more essential than ever.

The following are locations where kickout flashing is critical:

anywhere a roof and exterior wall intersect, where the wall continues past the lower roof-edge and gutter. If a kickout flashing is absent in this location, large amounts of water may miss the gutter, penetrate the siding, and become trapped inside the wall; and
where gutters terminate at the side of a chimney.

The kickout was improperly installed.

The bottom seam of the flashing must be watertight. If it is not, water will leak through the seam and may penetrate the cladding.
The angle of the diverter should never be less than 110 degrees.

The kick-out was modified by the homeowner.

Homeowners who do not understand the importance of kickouts may choose to alter them because they are unsightly. A common way this is done is to shorten their height to less than the standard six inches (although some manufacturers permit four inches), which will greatly reduce their effectiveness. Kickout flashings should be the same height as the side wall flashings.
Homeowners may also make kickout flashings less conspicuous by cutting them flush with the wall.

In summary, kickout flashing should be present and properly installed in order to direct rainwater away from the cladding.

Ten tips to speed up the Home Inspection process

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:01:39 -0800

Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.

Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home, better yet get a pet sitter.
Replace burned-out light bulbs!!!! to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely. Leave a couple behind for new owner.
Remove stored items, debris and wood from the foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites. Also away for detached buildings as well.
Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawlspaces.
Unlock areas the inspector must access: attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawlspaces.
Trim tree limbs to 10 feet from the roof, and shrubs from the house, to allow access.Clean gutters as well.
Attend to broken or missing items such as doorknobs, locks and latches, windowpanes, screens and locks, gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you. Order our Pre-Sale inspection to insure your home is in the best viewing conditon before any buyers have the oppertunity 1st. Call 425.608.9553 Today!

Collar Ties vs. Rafter Ties

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:53:09 -0800

Collar ties and rafter ties are both horizontal roof-framing members, each with different purposes and requirements and uses used in residential construction.

Collar Ties

Collar ties are designed to tie together the tops of opposing rafters. This helps brace the roof framing against uplift caused by wind. Collar ties must be placed in the upper third of the roof to be properly used.

Rafter Ties

Rafter ties are designed to tie together the bottoms of opposing rafters of a roof system. This helps keep walls from spreading due to the weight of the roof and snow loads. When the walls spread, the ridge will sag. A sagging ridge is one clue that the home may lack adequate rafter ties. Rafter ties form the bottom chord of a simple triangular roof truss. They should be placed as low as possible in the roof framing for overall best support.

Basicly, collar ties and rafter ties perform different functions but are both essential to residential home roof-framing members.

203k Home Inspectors

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:11:08 -0800

When it comes to getting your 203k loan call our office to schedule the required inspection. Our inspectors are experienced and have the resources that it take to move the process along. Like more information on what a 203k loan can do for you? Send us an email and we will get all the information needed for you to proceed forward with your loan process.

We also have a great lender we do business with that can move it along fast, connect you with experienced contractors and get the project done saving you money.

Contact us for our next Home Owner 203k Office meeting wher you can have all your questions ansewed by a loan officer, Top Agent and an 203 Inspector!

Upon attendance your will get member access to our members section with Tips on what not to do!!

Call Today!

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group

13256 Northup Way

Suite 12

Bellevue, Wa 98005

425.608.9553

http://www.PNWIG.com

Short Sale Inspections

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:59:52 -0800

I am on my third short sale inspection just this week alone. Buyers are now more informative than ever on the importance of a professional home inspector. With over 20years in the building industry my clients know the report they recieve will give them the knowlege needed to make the move forward.

One home was passed by three buyers due to inspection, if your were to see the other comapnies report you would then understand that the current license requirement is in need of being stiffened. The hands on construction backgrougd you recieve from Pacific Northwest Inspections Group can not be match by any text book inspector. This year we have a new report system that could save you thousands in having the home properly inspected. Give us a call Today before your next purchase 425.608.9553 or toll free 1.866.981.MOLD.

Our website http://www.PNWIG.com or direct http://www.PacificNorthWestInspections.com

Like to learn more about our services please call to set up an appointent at our Bellevue office and we will hand on show you why we make the choice in hiring a professional Licensed inspector easy. Open 7 days a week.

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group, LLC

13256 Northup Way

Suite 12

Bellevue, WA 98005

425.608.9553

Tempered Glass

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:31:29 -0800

...another home found with windows all the way to floor and owner used stanard double strngth glass to make his own windows.

What is the issue you ask?

For one:

Mainly because the process of tampering increases the strength of glass thereby reducing it's risk of breakage.

Most importantly:

In the unlikely event of a breakage, one type of tampered glass shatters into many small fragments to reduce the risk of injury and damage to other property. Another type breaks into linear fragments that may still remain safely in frame.

Tempered glass saves lives.

How to tell if glass is tempered:

Most all tempered glass will have a lower corner stamped that it is tempered. Another way to tell is to wear polarized glasses, which you can see a tempered pattern when viwed at an angle.

Now you know...now inspect your window and door glass and get it changed if it is low to floor or placed in a storm door.

If a window meets all four of the following criteria the glass needs to be tempered.
a. Exposed area of an individual pane is greater than 9 sq. ft.
b. The bottom edge is less than 18” above the floor.
c. The top edge of the same piece of glass is 36” or more above the floor.
d. If one or more walking surfaces are within 36” horizontally of the glazing.

What are air leaks doing to your furnace?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:36:32 -0800

Check for Leaks

Weatherstripping and caulking is probably the least expensive, simplest, most effective way to cut down on energy waste in the winter. Improperly sealed homes can waste 10 to 15 percent of the homeowner's heating dollars. Take these steps:

Check around doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Add weather-stripping and caulk any holes you see that allow heat to escape. Make sure doors seal properly.

If your windows leak really badly, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient ones. Keep in mind, however, that replacing windows can be expensive - it could take you quite awhile to recover your costs from the energy savings alone. But new windows also provide other benefits, such as improved appearance and comfort.

Every duct, wire or pipe that penetrates the wall or ceiling or floor has the potential to waste energy. Plumbing vents can be especially bad, since they begin below the floor and go all the way through the roof. Seal them all with caulking or weather-stripping.

Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in. Purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.

Don't forget to close the damper on your fireplace. Of course the damper needs to be open if a fire is burning; but if the damper is open when you're not using the fireplace, your chimney functions as a large open window that draws warm air out of the room and creates a draft. Close that damper - it's an effective energy-saving tip that costs you nothing!

Examine your house's heating ducts for leaks. Think of your ductwork as huge hoses, bringing hot air instead of water into your house. Mostly out of sight, ducts can leak for years without you knowing it. They can become torn or crushed and flattened. Old duct tape - the worse thing to use to seal ductwork, by the way - will dry up and fall away over time, allowing junctions and splices to open, spilling heated air into your attic or under the house. It's wasteful. According to field research performed by the California Energy Commission, you can save roughly 10 percent of your heating bill by preventing leaky ducts.

These leaks cost your Furnace effiency. If you have 10% leakage then you 90 plus furnace is now an 80% effeniency.

Let us give your home a Energy Rating and give you the information needed to kepp you home as effenient as possible.

Calll 425.608.9553

or visit our website http://www.PNWIG.com

Before Winter hits...

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:26:02 -0800

Tips:

Check Your Insulation

Insulate your attic. In an older home, that can be the most cost-efficient way to cut home heating costs. Before energy efficiency standards, homes were often built with little or no insulation. As a result, large amounts of heat can be lost through walls, floors and - since heat rises - especially ceilings.

How much insulation should you install? Typical framed homes now being built in California's Central Valley must meet insulation requirements of R-38 insulation in ceilings and R-19 for walls and floors.

Weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping out the top of your house.

Seal holes in the attic that lead down into the house, such as open wall tops and duct, plumbing, or electrical runs. Any hole that leads from a basement or crawlspace to an attic is a big energy waster. Cover and seal them with spray foam and rigid foam board if necessary.

Check Your Heating System

Get a routine maintenance and inspection of your heating system each autumn to make sure it is in good working order.

Replace your heater's air filter monthly. Your heating system will work less hard, use less energy and last longer as a result. Most homeowners can replace filters and do such simple tasks as cleaning and removing dust from vents or along baseboard heaters.

If your heating system is old, you might consider updating it. ]]. That means only half of the fuel used by the furnace actually reaches your home as heat. Modern gas furnaces, on the other hand, achieve efficiency ratings as high as 97 percent. By replacing an old heating system with one of the most efficient models, you can cut your natural gas use nearly in half!

Use your set-back thermostat. California houses built today must have them. If you have an older home, consider installing one. A set-back thermostat allows you to automatically turn down the heat when you're away at work or when you're sleeping at night, and then boost the temperature to a comfortable level when you need it. Remember - it takes less energy to warm a cool home than to maintain a warm temperature all day long. Properly using your set-back thermostat could cut your heating costs from 20 to 75 percent.

Reverse the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward, toward the ceiling. Ceiling fans are a great idea in the summer, when air blowing downward can improve circulation and make a room feel four degrees cooler. A cooling draft is a poor idea when it's cold, however. By reversing the fan's direction, the blades move air upward in winter. This is especially valuable in high ceiling rooms, where heat that naturally rises is forced back down into the room.

Make sure all hearing vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or other items. This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed through the home.

Leaky Ducts and what is the importance? "Next Tips Blog"

We can help with our Complete Home Energy Audit Call 425-608-9553 or stop by our office for a Free Energy Guide!

More Tips to Follow!

Just Moved! New office location..

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:11:22 -0800

..we are still located in Belleuve, Wa and have moved into a new office located just off of 520. We offer drop off services for our clients; mold, asbestos and water samples. Questions about dropping off lab sample please call us, also for properl collection methods. We also can supply you with steril collection bottles, swabs, etc..

We are also State licensed inspectors with partnership with Energy Star proving professional home energy audits. Our inspections use the latest equipment. Some FAQ's

Q. How long does an Audit take.

A. 4-6 hours

Q. Some home inspectoors claim to do an audit for under $300.00 is this possible?

A. Most likely they are not trained and are not using a blower door and duct blaster equipment. They are in and out in 2-3 hours and give you little information that is needed to conduct a true audit. We use licensed auditing software and home model software.

Q. Want is a blower door?

A. Being a professional company we can show you hands on in our office and educate you all about home energy audits. We are State verifiers and work closley with Energy Star and Home Builders. Call us and stop by our new office in Belllevue. 425.608.9553

All inspectors are State Licensed and Certified. All Asbestos samples are collected by a Certified AHERA inspector. Mold samples are taken by our IAQ Certified Specialist.

Home Energy Audits in Seattle,WA

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:14:30 -0700

There are many ways in which a building loses energy in Seattle area. Some ways are easier to find and correct than others. Most people, when asked us how their homes lose heat, automatically respond "doors and windows". While doors and windows do contribute to heat losses in the home, they are minimal compared to the heat loss which you do not see. Our inspectors find the sources of building leakage and give you the information needed to correct them, you could save a considerable amount of energy. T

One of the major contributors to heat loss in the home is created by what is known as "stack effect". Because warmer air is more buoyant than colder air the heat rises through the house and exits through hidden leaks. At the same time that the warm air is exiting the leaks in the upper level, the lower level of the home becomes negatively pressurized and pulls colder outdoor air into the home. This is unconditioned, cold air which now must be conditioned. The opposite occurs in the hot, humid summer weather and the cooling system must operate more to cool and de-humidify the warm, humid air being pulled into the home.

Understanding Differences in ou Home Energy Audits

Our services range from home energy tune-up services to complete diagnose of the building and it's integrated components. If you are purchasing a home, the basic Home Energy Scan may best fit your needs. If you own the home and want to find the most cost effective retrofits in your home, the later is likely to be your best choice. The important thing to remember is that not all energy assessments or audits are created equal.

Energy audits for Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell. Kent, Tacoma.. King County and.....

Energy Audit

HERS Audit

Inspector Realtor Referred?

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:49:36 -0800

WAC 308-124C-050 Home inspector referrals. Each licensed designated broker will establish a written office policy that includes a procedure for referring home inspectors to buyers or sellers. The policy will address the consumer’s right to freely pick a home inspectors of the buyers’ or seller’s choice and prevent any collusion between the home inspector and a real estate licensee.

If a licensee refers a home inspector to a buyer or seller with whom they have or have had a relationship including, but not limited to, a business or familial relationship, then full disclosure of the relations must be provided in writing prior to the buyer or seller using the services of the home inspector.

So as a Realtor how has this changed your methods of inspections?

Mold..that time of year again. What can you do?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:29:44 -0800

Mold is growing all around. How do you keep your home protected?

Stay tuned for our DIY mold advise that is the Mold Pros best kept secrets! Bleach the myth.. Bleach kills mold. FALSE Back Mold is Toxic... FALSE - Not all black mold is toxic. The quicker you address the problem, the less extensive the damage will be since it may only take 24-48 hours for toxic black mold to germinate and grow. Prompt remediation of contaminated areas and materials should be the primary response to water intrusion and indoor fungal growth. If you have experienced severe flooding or a water leak, then you want to remove or pump out the standing water, followed by drying the area. If the area is really wet, you will want to use fans and dehumidifiers. You may also want to move wet items away from walls and off floors. You should also turn off the HVAC system before cleaning Mold. Don't Spread it around your Home or Business. If the surface(s) you are cleaning are dry, or mostly dry, you should lightly mist them with water before cleaning the mold. If the mold is too dry, then the mold spores will have a much better chance of becoming airborne while being disturbed during the cleaning process. Is a mask needed when cleaning mold? Can I really do it myself? Will your preinspection help us? All this Information and more is now on our site now for all of our clients.

Know how to protect your next remodel project?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:23:38 -0800

Replacing a roof? Having a new home built? Remodeling a bathroom? Adding a deck?

We'll make sure your contractor does it right! Have one of our local, independent, certified inspectors stop by and check to see that the work is being done properly, before its too late. Our inspectors can also approve the completed job before you make the final payment to the contractor.

Reasonable rates:

No more than a few hundred dollars per visit to have a third-party, certified inspector look at your project. We offer a variety of services:

Project and contractor oversight.
New construction phase inspections.
Final walk-through inspections.
1 year builder warranty inspections.
Annual inspections for home and commercial property owners.
Investor consulting.
Pre-listing, seller inspections.
Foreclosure inspections.
Insurance inspections.
Home inspections.

Certified Inspectors.

Energy Audits performed by others, What different?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:16:12 -0800

When calling for a professional audit here are some key questions to ask.

1. Does your report give cost of items in need of repair?

2. Does your report show how long before I get a return in my investment?

3. Do you use thermal imaging?

4. Are you an Energy Star accredited inspector?

5. How long before I get my report?

6. Does your company belong to an EPA approved trainer?

With the cost of thermal technology dropping in cost many home inspectors get a camera and think they can perform an energy audit. Thing to watch for from the inexperienced. Proper training is not cheap for this industry yet it is not required, many skip it and use low prices to lure you in.

1. Low prices.

2. FREE inspection with purchase. ( the time it takes to get all need data for a profession inspection could never be FREE)

3. Thermal scan only.

4. Not an Energy Star approve inspector (visit EnergyStar and check your inspector)

5. Not using Energy Audit software.

So check around and then when you need a professional give us a call.

425.608.9553

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group,LLC

Energy Audits and more..

Home Energy Audits for Seattle area Residents

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:52:55 -0800

With energy cost on the rise your home efficiency is key to saving the green. With out expert energy home audits we can determine what your home needs to be more efficient and what repairs are to costly where the return investment is no viable. We use our own exclusive reporting system with cost data and thermal imaging to give you the expert report your family demands. Call us today or visit our home energy site www.EnergyAuditSeattle.com

Did you know a low consumption shower head save you $47.00 a year?

Learn more from our website.

Air test..What is in your air?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:47:17 -0800

When it comes to VOC air testing Pacific Northwest Inspections Group,LLC stands out above the rest. Offering complete aire test for both Mold spores and toxic air quaility also know as VOC Air sampling. Our reporting system stands up in court and is now more detailed and back by a certified lab. To order a professioanl IAQ test call us today or visit our website. Serving Seatlle,WA area. Questions let us know!

NOTE: Know the difference in air testing Mold is not the same as VOC

Seattle area Home Energy Audits save owners money

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:51:53 -0800

We are currently conducting home energy inspection audits for Seattle,WA area residents with reports that save home owners money and give the home owner the home comfort edge. Our home energy technology is advanced as it gets. Thermal imaging combined with optional boor blowers and computerized sensors give the best home energy audit available in the Seattle area. Call us today to order your home energy audit inspection or call our office to schedule an appointment. Our energy audit inspection are available 7 days a week! Also serving the Bellevue, Kirkland, Tacoma, Redmond, Bothell, Puget Sound areas!!

Seattle Bellevue area commercial building inspection

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:32:29 -0700

After just completing another commercial complex inspection and finding issues that should have been addressed by the owner prior to listing I ask myself.... Are sellers just wanting delays?

This goes for residential as well.

To shorten this up... Get a Pre-Inspection 1st !

Lead Paint Testing, Inspection

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:12:08 -0700

Some real estate transactions require Lead Paint inspections, Pacific Northwest Inspections Group, LLC offers complete Lead inspections services all throughout the Seattle,Wa area. Testing lead is an important factor and health issue for families moving into older homes. Not only is the paint in older homes a concern but also the soil. Kids and pets can all be in harms way of Lead in the Yard and in the home. Call us for a complete home inspection of Lead concerns from Paint, Soil, Plumbing and your water. 425.608.9553

Licensed, Bonded, Certified and Insured inspections seven days a week.

Identifying Homeowners Insurance Problems

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:05:35 -0700

Insurance agents require a different type of inspection than a standard home inspection. Pacific Northwest Inspections Group has worked closely with insurance companies and developed our Insurance Inspection Report around the needs of these type inspection.

Questions of "insurability" is a concern for every agent involved in a real estate transaction. Many home inspectors will at least comment verbally on conditions they suspect will likely make coverage difficult or expensive, real estate agents would prefer that insurance costs or availability not crop up as unexpected problems, lenders won't close without insurance, and some insurance agents and attorneys - and most home inspection clients - feel they ought to be alerted by home inspectors if they find such problems.

More of an assessment than an inspection. Inspecting roofing systems for example: Our inspectors will determine the life remaining of the roof based on engineer training. Majority of home inspectors could only guess and are most likely not to even report on the life.

For all your insurance inspection needs call us @ 425.608.9553 or visit our website for more info.

Tacoma Preinspections

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:37:48 -0700

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group is now offering our marketing package for preinpsections to sellers of the Tacoma,Wa area. Get your home Move In Certified! Our reporting software is designed by us so we control the development of the report giving us the easiest to understand reporting system in the State. Our reports include video, sound and complete internet access 24/7 by both the owner and the agents. Easy login page gives complete access to your report and our resource library! Order an inspection today... and Welcome aboard!

Seller protection?

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:52:31 -0800

Insured Inspector?

Selling a home? Most likely your buyer will have an inspection done and the question you need to ask your Realtor is "Are they Insured?" What happens if they fall off the roof, through the ceiling or get shocked by the service panel? Are they insured? Washington State does not require them to be. Protect yourself and demand an insured inspector.

Q: What does it mean if a home Inspector is insured and what kind of insurance are we talking about.

A: It means that the inspector is covered by General Liability Insurance and Errors and omission (E&O) Insurance. Liability Insurance covers the inspector for claims arising out of damage to the property being inspected. Errors and Omission Insurance covers the inspector against claims resulting from negligence in discovering and reporting significant discrepancies in the property being inspected. Protection against damage to self or property.

Is your Inspector Really Insured?

If you are a home buyer, simply ask your professional inspector if he/she carries Errors and Omission Insurance, and if so request a copy of the "Certificate of Insurance". If you are a home seller, be aware that accidents happen. For your own protection, you should insist that any inspector who is given access to your home be covered by Liability Insurance.

Our inspector ALL have our Certificate of Insurance with them 24/7 for you protection!

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group, LLC is a Licensed, Bonded, Certified and Insured company.

Protect yourself call us for all your inspection service needs 425.608.9553 7 day a week 7am-8pm

Puget Sound Commercial Roof Inspection

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:39:24 -0800

We take a detailed look at weathering, specifically hail and wind, as applied to commercial roofs. We examine manufacturing, installation procedures, and natural weathering for the primary commercial roofing types: built-up, modified bitumen, and EPDM. Our inspectors can differentiate between aging and hail, wind, or mechanical damage and common problems.

Our equipment is used both for commercial and residential roof inspections, can your inspector give a warranty estimate on your roof? Our professionally trained inspectors can!

Wood, metal, tile, SPF, fiber cement amd slate roofing assessments are also provided by our certified Washington State inspectors.

Insurance company claims please login our commercial area of the site.

General question visit our Ask the Inspector ! Engineer trained inspectors, not your standard "Text Book" inspectors!!

Demand the best, it's your money!

Commercial Inspection Professionals

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:57:51 -0800

Need a professional Commercial Inspection?

We offer ProLine Commercial Inspections to meet the needs of commercial investors

Complete inspection of Electrical, HVAC, Structural, Plumbing, Interior and Exterior.

All commercial inspection come standard with our Thermal Imaging Inspection. We have updated our IR cameras to the new 2008 Fusion technology! From condo units, Walmarts and Hospitals .... no prperty to small or too large.

Pacific Northwest InspectionsGroup, LLC

Roof Mold Moss on Cedar Shake Roof

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:55:46 -0800

You see all these new homes going up as fast as the sun sets and year later the process begins......moss finds a new home. Some owner just expect this cause all the neigbors are the same...so is this okay?

NO...moss will damage you roofing system and there is a soultion.

Can moss buildup cause my roof to leak?
Heavy moss can cause water to back up the roof enough to run over the top of the shingles. The buildup should be removed. Moss retains soil and moisture that could harm the wood over time.

The key to maintaining a cedar shake roof is to keep it dry. Yes, I realize that sounds funny. What I mean is that after a rainfall, a cedar roof needs to dry out as rapidly as possible. The shakes must be free of moss, fungus, debris (twigs, pine needles, leaves, etc.), or any other thing that can trap and hold moisture. Overhanging tree branches must be sufficiently high so as to provide good air circulation above the roof.

Chemical preservatives are available which can be applied to cedar shakes. These preservatives when applied to clean, dry cedar shakes can dramatically add years of life to a cedar roof. Most of these chemicals can be applied with a hand held sprayer. Professionals who treat cedar roofs for a living have pressurized machines that allow them to do large roof areas in a short amount of time.

Zinc or copper strips can also be nailed at the ridge cap to control moss for a limited number of courses. Reaction between rain and the zinc or copper forms a mild solution that is carried down sections of the roof for two or three feet.

This information is important to homeowners during a New Build Home Inspection.