HOME CARE · ROOF, GUTTERS & MOSS
Roof, Gutters & Moss
Gutters and moss are Portland’s two highest-impact maintenance items for roofs, and both are skipped far more often than they should be. Clean gutters are the first line of defense against wet basements and foundation problems. Moss left on a roof is not cosmetic; it is active structural damage unfolding slowly. Two cleanings and two moss treatments per year, plus a periodic professional inspection, are the non-negotiable baseline.
General guidance for typical Portland-area homes. Your home’s systems, age, and site may differ. When in doubt, ask.
TASK SCHEDULE
| TASK | FREQUENCY |
|---|---|
| Clean gutters & downspouts | Twice yearly minimum (spring + after leaf drop); quarterly under conifers |
| Moss treatment (zinc/moss control per label) | Twice yearly: spring + fall |
| Visual roof inspection (ground level, binoculars) | Twice yearly + after major storms |
| Professional roof inspection | Every 2–3 years, and before listing |
| Composition shingle roof lifespan here | Roughly 20–30 years (architectural grade toward the high end); shaded, moss-prone slopes age faster |
| Metal roof lifespan | 40+ years with maintained fasteners/sealants |
WHY THIS MATTERS IN THE PNW
Never pressure-wash composition shingles, as it strips the granules that are the roof’s armor. Moss is not cosmetic: it lifts shingle edges and holds water against the roof. Gutter overflow is a foundation problem wearing a roof costume: most PNW ‘wet basement’ stories start at a clogged gutter.
WHEN TO CALL A PRO
Roofing work above the first story belongs to a licensed roofing contractor. Use binoculars for your own inspection from the ground. Electrical, gas, roofing work above the first story, and sewer repairs belong to licensed professionals. Nathan is not a licensed professional engineer; his observations are informational, drawn from his 23-year career in structural engineering. Formal evaluations are performed by the licensed inspectors and engineers he helps coordinate.
Buying a home and want to know what the roof is telling you? Nathan reads every showing at the structural level.