Find a roofing contractor in Seattle, WA who has opened up a house like yours

Age and pattern. Isolated staining traced to one penetration or a length of flashing is a repair. Granules collecting in the gutters, curling and lifting across whole slopes, or a covering already past twenty years in this climate points to replacement. A worthwhile inspection includes a look in the attic, because the underside of the sheathing tells you more than the surface does.

Shingle line and manufacturer, underlayment type, where self-adhered membrane goes at valleys and penetrations, whether flashings are new or reused, the system used on any low-slope area, ventilation at eaves and ridge, a unit rate for replacing sheathing, debris removal, and the warranty terms. Bids specified to that level can be compared. Bids that say tear off and replace cannot.

It is occasionally permitted and rarely wise on a house of this age. An overlay hides the deck, so nobody sees whether the boards are spaced or rotten, it adds weight, and it runs hotter. Most manufacturers will not warrant it. On an old Seattle house the deck condition is precisely the thing you are paying to find out about.

Gentle removal rather than pressure washing, which strips the granules and takes years off the roof. Follow it with a metal strip near the ridge so rain carries a trace of it down the slope, and cut back the overhanging branches keeping that side of the roof permanently damp. Without the branch work, it simply comes back.

Usually worth pricing, because the fascia is exposed and the crew is already up there, so the added labour is small. It matters more here than in drier places, since the volume of water coming off a roof through the wet half of the year is what keeps a foundation dry or does not.

Sudden damage from an identifiable wind event is often covered; gradual wear, moss deterioration and old flashing generally are not. Photograph everything with dates, get a written assessment from a registered contractor, and report it promptly. Be sceptical of anyone who turns up uninvited afterwards offering to handle the claim on your behalf.

Nothing whatsoever. Describing the roof and receiving quotes is free, and there is no fee to us if you go on to hire one of the roofers. The only payment involved is the one you agree with the contractor for the work.

Generally two to four, matched on the type of roof, the size of the job and whether they really work your neighbourhood. Only those few see your contact details. We do not resell enquiries and your information is not distributed any further.