Redwood Estates roofs under the redwood canopy

How do the needles and debris build up?

Redwood needles are fine and mat easily, and they block the gutters and collect in the valleys. The mat holds water against the covering and the sheathing, and the wet can persist for days after the rain has passed.

The gutters and valleys are cleared by hand, the outlets are tested and any run that holds a pool is re-pitched.

A redwood roof also needs its valleys looked at after each storm, since the needles that pack into a valley hold water against the metal. The valley is cleared by hand, the metal is checked for rust and the flow is tested before the crew leaves the lot.

What does the shade do to the covering?

Shade keeps the roof wet, and moss and dark staining grow on the north faces first. The moss is cleaned gently, since a hard brush or a strong jet strips the granules.

The sheathing beneath the worst areas is checked from the attic, and any soft board is replaced before the covering is repaired.

What about the trees over the roof?

Tall trees over a roof can drop limbs in a storm, and a limb that touches the covering can crack a tile or lift a shingle. The technician records the contact points and recommends an arborist.

The roof crew does not cut trees. The owner keeps the arborist's assessment with the roof file, so the work is planned in order.

How is a forest roof's valley and eave handled?

The valleys and eaves of a forest roof collect needles and damp, and the metal and the wood beneath them wear sooner than on an open roof. The technician clears each valley, tests it with water and renews any metal that has begun to rust.

The eave trim is probed for soft wood, since the damp that the canopy holds works into the board from behind. Soft trim is replaced and primed on every face.

How is a gutter under a redwood canopy kept from freezing or sagging?

A gutter under heavy shade stays wet through the cool months and collects a dense mat of needles. The weight of that mat sags the run, and the sagging run holds water that wets the fascia.

The technician clears the run, re-hangs any sagging section into a solid backing and sets a guard where the owner wants one, while checking the guard does not hide a blocked outlet beneath it.

The technician records the shaded faces and the damp readings, so the owner can see which faces the canopy is affecting most.