Roof Care Expertise
Fifteen-plus years of straight answers from real Portland roofs — what actually causes leaks, what's worth paying for, and what to check before you hire someone to work above your head.
Clean It or Replace It — The Call I Make Before I Ever Bid a Job
Some years I tell more homeowners they need a new roof than every other year combined. You can trust the answer because I don't sell new roofs — there's nothing in it for me either way.
Why I Don't Believe Zinc Strips Work to Kill Moss
Zinc strips get recommended online as a low-effort fix for roof moss. Jesse's been saying for years they don't do much of anything — here's the case, and what actually works instead.
Why Moss Is the First Thing to Break Down a Portland Roof
Moss on a roof looks like a cosmetic problem. It isn't — it's the same organism that breaks down a fallen log or a cracked sidewalk, and your shingles are next if nobody stops it.
Killing Moss at the Root, Not Just Scraping It Off
Anyone with a brush can knock moss off a roof for a season. Killing it at the root — so it doesn't just grow back — is a different job, and it's the one that actually protects your shingles.
What's Actually in JNR's Eco-Friendly Moss Treatment
"Eco-friendly" gets used as a marketing word by a lot of companies that don't explain what it means. Here's exactly what's in the product we use, what it replaced, and why we don't use zinc, bleach, or peroxide to get the job done.
When to Treat Your Roof for Moss (And When the Weather Decides for You)
Portland's wet season gives moss everything it needs, which means timing your treatment right matters more here than almost anywhere else. Here's the actual windows that work, and what happens if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Does Moss Removal Actually Help You Sell Your House?
Insurance companies flag it, home inspectors note it, and buyers see it before they see anything else about your roof. Here's what moss removal actually does for a home that's about to go on the market.
Hand Brushing vs. Low-Pressure: How We Pick the Method for Your Roof
Every roof tells us something different about which method it needs. Here's how Jesse decides between a hand brush, a low-pressure wash, and just leaving a roof alone to come clean gradually.
Why We Install Permanent Tie-Off Anchors on Steep Roofs
A permanent anchor costs more up front than clipping into a temporary line every visit. Jesse explains why he still won't work a steep roof without one — and won't let anyone else use his once it's installed.