In an aerial photo you can’t tell where your lawn ends and your roof begins!

There is more stuff growing on your roof than on your head!

You can play roof top bocce ball, or croquet!

The neighbor kids come by and ask if they can mow your roof!

You wake up in the morning to a herd of cows grazing-on your roof!

The PGA contacts you to see if they can use your roof for the 1st hole.

OR You have just received a quote to completely tear off and replace your entire roof because it’s too late too clean it -the damage is already done. And to make matters worse your roof lasted about 8 years less than it should have. OUCH!! That my friends is no laughing matter.

Here in the Pacific Northwest moss is a common enemy to homeowners. Moss is a plant that if not eradicated promptly will cause irreversible damage to your roof potentially costing you thousands in repairs.

The accumulation of moss and other flora on your roof can cause your roof tiles and shingles to deteriorate at a much faster rate than normal. Not only is moisture retained above the shingle it can cause moisture to form between your shingles and roof tiles resulting in the deterioration of the shingle and can even cause the growth of mildew and mold underneath the shingle.

The good news--a little prevention is worth a pallet of shingles. Safeguard will come to your home and remove the moss from your roof and apply a preventative treatment to protect it from future growth

Recently I was thumbing through a copy of a popular magazine when I happened across an article on chimney cleaning. The article was talking about common myths in chimney cleaning. Myths that are pretty widespread and bear repeating. Since I was getting an oil change and this particular publication was in the waiting room, I made a few notes to share with you here.

Myth-Focus on structural issues

NOT TRUE! Cracks can develop that can weaken the structure, birds and animals can build nests, (see previous blog for more information on this subject) dampers can rust. An annual inspection can catch small problems before they become big.

Myth-Unused chimneys don't need to be inspected

WRONG!!! Blockages and creosote buildup can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Dirty chimneys cause most chimney and flue fires.

Myth- Expect to pay $40 for a basic cleaning and inspection

WARNING! Once in your home a cheap sweep is likely to find something wrong with your chimney, whether there is or not! A basic inspection and cleaning can cost from $100-$150 for a 1-2 story length chimney and up to $300 if you have more stories or a steeply pitched roof for example.

Myth-Some good sweeps take only 10 minutes

REALITY CHECK!! A one story home is going to take about an hour maybe 45 minutes if it is a really basic cleaning. A good sweep is going to identify any structural damage as well as clean your chimney, and any repairs that need to be made will add time to your service call.

So as with anything else in life there are no real shortcuts and you get what you pay for. And that's the truth!