Storm Damage Roof Inspection Checklist: Hillsboro OR Alert

With the recent atmospheric river patterns sweeping through Washington County, homeowners in Hillsboro need to be vigilant. The combination of high wind gusts and sustained rainfall creates the perfect conditions for roof failure, often in ways that aren't immediately visible from the ground.

Weather Alert: Severe Storm Front Heading for Hillsboro

Meteorological models indicate a significant low-pressure system moving into the Tualatin Valley this week. For residents in Hillsboro, particularly those near the open exposures of the Intel campus and the denser residential pockets of Orenco Station, this means preparing for wind gusts exceeding 40 mph and heavy precipitation.

Unlike the gentle drizzle typical of the Pacific Northwest, this system brings driving rain that can be forced under roofing materials. If your home has aging shingles or untreated moss growth, the risk of water intrusion increases exponentially during these events.

What This Means for Your Washington County Home

In our 500+ project experience across the region, we have observed that Hillsboro homes face unique challenges during these storms. The mix of new construction in areas like South Hillsboro and established properties in older neighborhoods creates a variety of risk factors.

The "Lift and Leak" Phenomenon

Wind is the primary antagonist here. When gusts hit your roof, they create negative pressure (uplift). If your shingles are old and the adhesive seal has failed, or if moss rhizoids have already lifted the tabs, the wind will pull the shingle up. Once lifted, the driving rain is blown underneath the protective layer, soaking the decking and felt paper below.

The Moss Factor

In the Pacific Northwest, moss is more than an eyesore; it is a structural threat. Moss acts like a sponge. During a heavy storm, a patch of moss can hold significant water weight against your shingles. Worse, the rhizoids (roots) grow into the asphalt, creating micro-fissures that expand during freeze-thaw cycles. If you haven't prioritized roof cleaning and moss removal recently, your roof is entering this storm at a disadvantage.

Action Steps: Your Storm Damage Roof Inspection Checklist

Once the immediate danger has passed and it is safe to step outside, perform this inspection. Do not climb on a wet or windy roof. Use binoculars from the ground or a ladder strictly for eave inspection.

1. Interior Ceiling Check

Before going outside, check your attic and upper-floor ceilings. Look for:

• Dark spots or yellowing rings (water stains).
• Damp insulation in the attic.
• Light showing through the roof boards in the attic.

2. The "Granule" Test

Check your downspout splash blocks. If you see a heavy accumulation of ceramic granules (the sandpaper-like grit from shingles), your roof has suffered significant wear. Heavy rain can scour these granules off, leaving the asphalt exposed to UV rays and future leaks.

3. Shingle & Flashing Inspection

Using binoculars, scan the roof surface for:

• Missing Shingles: "Zipper" patterns where a row has blown off.
• Creased Shingles: A dark horizontal line near the top of a shingle indicates it flapped in the wind and the fiberglass mat has broken.
• Flashing Gaps: Check around chimneys and vent pipes. This is a common failure point in the Orenco Station area's newer construction where settling may have occurred.

4. Gutter Performance

During the rain, watch your gutters. Are they overflowing? Gutter overflow solutions are critical because water spilling over the back of the gutter can rot your fascia boards and flood your foundation. Ensure your downspouts are diverting water at least 4-6 feet away from the home.

Emergency Service Available

If you identify missing shingles, heavy moss dams causing backups, or signs of leaks, immediate action is required to prevent interior damage. Delaying repairs in the wet season often leads to costly mold remediation later.

At All Seasons Cleaning Services, we specialize in exterior maintenance for the specific climate challenges of Hillsboro and the greater Portland metro area. Whether you need emergency debris clearance or a comprehensive gutter cleaning service to handle the storm volume, our team is ready.

We use professional-grade equipment, including ladder standoffs to protect your gutters and soft-wash systems to safely treat moss without damaging your roof's integrity. Don't let this storm compromise your biggest investment.

Get a Free Estimate for Post-Storm Roof Maintenance