Roof, Siding & Windows Articles
Articles on Roof, Siding & Windows from Russ Motyko, a Certified Master Inspector with 3,000+ inspections in Oregon and Washington.
Wasp Nests, Bird Nests and Gaps at the Eaves: What Russ Notes at the Roofline
Wasp nests under the soffits and open gaps at the eaves showed up in dozens of Russ's reports. What those openings mean and what to have sealed.
Apparent Mold at the Eaves: Why Exposed Roof Sheathing Turns Dark
Dark, mold-like growth on the roof sheathing at the eaves came up at 19 of Russ's inspections. The...
Two Layers of Shingles: What a Roof-Over Means for the Next Roof
Two or three layers of shingles came up at 9 of Russ's inspections. Why roofers lay over, what...
Flat and Low-Slope Roofs: Ponding, Open Seams, Blisters and Shingles Where They Don’t Belong
Flat roofs fail differently than shingle roofs: ponding, open seams, blisters and clogged drains. What Russ finds on...
Exposed Roof Nails, Pump Jack Holes and Other Shingle Installation Mistakes
Nails driven too low, holes left by siding crews, shingles laid too far apart. What Russ finds on...
Skylights: Leaks, Condensation, Fogged Glass and Stained Skylight Shafts
A stained skylight shaft can be a roof leak or condensation. How Russ tells them apart, plus fogged...
Buying a Stucco or EIFS House: What a Home Inspection Can and Can’t See
Stucco and EIFS hide their problems behind the finish. What Russ finds on stucco houses around Portland, why...
Pella ProLine Casement Window Rot: The Class Action, the Settlement, and What to Look For Now
Owners alleged water got behind the cladding on Pella ProLine casement windows made 1991 to 2009. The lawsuit,...
Moss on Your Roof in Portland: How Serious Is It?
Moss on a Portland roof is one of the most common inspection findings in the Pacific Northwest.
What Is Drip Edge and Why Do Inspectors Flag It So Often?
Drip edge shows up on inspection reports constantly and most buyers have never heard of it.