By The Coffee Shops® 

Learn which warning signs may indicate a roof leak, why prompt repairs matter and what to expect from a professional inspection. 

Steady rain can put intense pressure on a building’s roofing system. Property owners may notice small signs of trouble but delay getting help until the damage grows. However according to this article by Fields Roof Service, reaching out early can help prevent more extensive damage. 

Five hidden signs of water damage 

Roof damage is not always obvious from the ground. Missing shingles or broken tiles may be easy to spot, but many problems remain hidden. In fact, water can cause significant damage before a drip appears inside the building. Warning signs of an active leak may include: 

1 – Yellow or brown water stains spreading across ceilings. 
 2 – Peeling or bubbling paint near the upper corners of rooms. 
 3 – Musty smells lingering in the attic or upper hallways. 
 4 – Swollen baseboards or warped drywall panels. 
 5 – Small dark spots that resemble early mold growth. 

Ignoring these signs can lead to costly repairs. Trapped moisture may rot the wooden supports that help hold a building together. Wet insulation can also lose its ability to keep the property comfortable. 

Calling a specialist can stop the damage from spreading and help protect the property. 

Common causes of roof leaks 

Weather and aging can challenge even strong roofing materials. Wind may blow branches and other debris onto flat or sloped roofs, puncturing protective layers and allowing water to enter. Repeated freezing and thawing can also expand small cracks in older shingles. 

Additionally, several roof components become vulnerable as they age. Rubber seals around plumbing vents may crack, while metal flashing near chimneys or skylights can rust or pull away from the surrounding materials. Because these areas manage moving water, they are common starting points for leaks. 

Finding the source of the water 

Locating a leak’s entry point can be difficult. Water may enter through a small opening, travel along pipes or structural materials and appear far from the original problem. 

A trained roof specialist understands how moisture moves through a building. During an evaluation, the inspector may examine the roof surface and interior attic space for blocked drains, cracked vent seals, damaged flashing and other potential trouble spots. 

Why avoid do-it-yourself repairs 

Attempting to repair a damaged roof without professional training may create additional risks. Cheap sealants and temporary patches can break down after continued rainfall. They may also leave rotting wood or damaged insulation unaddressed beneath the surface. 

Climbing onto a wet or mossy roof is also dangerous. Untrained property owners may fall, step on weakened areas or cause further material damage. Roofing professionals bring the training and safety equipment needed to evaluate the problem securely. 

To learn more about evaluation roof damage, read the full article.

AAR Expert Brittany Wimbish says sustainability is about not wasting what you have, while also being realistic about its condition.

When we talk about sustainability in roofing, it doesn’t always mean starting over with a brand-new roof. Sometimes it means getting more life out of the roof you already have. That’s where coatings can be a really good option.

If a commercial roof is still in good, serviceable condition, a coating system can extend the life of that roof without tearing everything off and sending it to the landfill. There’s less waste, fewer new materials needed and typically less disruption for the building owner and tenants.

But coatings have their place. You can’t take a roof that is already failing, coat over it and expect the problems to go away.

We need to know what we’re working with first. Is the insulation dry? Are there active leaks? How much deterioration is there? What do the seams, penetrations and perimeter details look like? Those are the things that help determine whether a roof is actually a good candidate for a coating.

If we’re covering wet insulation or a roof system that has reached the end of its useful life, we haven’t accomplished much. We’ve delayed the replacement and potentially made the problem more expensive down the road.

And sometimes replacement is simply the right call. A full replacement allows us to remove wet or damaged materials, inspect and repair the roof deck where needed, address insulation and start over with a roofing system that makes sense for that building.

To me, sustainability is really about not wasting what you have, while also being realistic about its condition. If we can responsibly get more years out of an existing roof, we should look at that option. If the roof is done, it’s done. Putting more material over a failing system just to avoid a tear-off isn’t necessarily sustainable either. It starts with a good roof inspection and an honest conversation about what makes sense long-term. Sometimes that’s a coating. Sometimes that’s a replacement.

The goal should be to make the right decision for the building and get as much useful life out of the roofing system as we reasonably can.

With cedar shake disintegrating, this homeowner was looking for advice about putting a new roof on. 

Stephane, a homeowner from British Columbia, Canada, recently reached out to our experts with the following question: 

My geodesic dome cabin in the woods (I did not build it) has been roofed with cedar and tar paper for forty years without issues. But the cedar shakes are now disintegrating. I will be reroofing with a self adhesive underlay (breathable) and Enviroshakes composites. The 35x35x35” triangles are sheathed with 3/8 plywood.

Should I add another layer of plywood before putting membrane and roofing on? Sheathing feels solid and in great shape. I am concerned with how little purchase there is for the roofing nails.

We had a couple of our experts weigh in on Stephane's situation. One was Jim from RoofSmart, who said:

Short answer: Yes, add the plywood. Enviroshake's own installation guide calls for 5/8" plywood, and specifically says 1/2". You're at 3/8". Their field shakes take minimum four 1-1/4" ring-shank nails a piece — through 3/8" ply. That's almost an inch of nail hanging out the underside. If your deck is over anything tender, like wires, that's going to do some damage. Another 1/2" over your existing 3/8" gets you to 7/8"...solid, and your fasteners stay where they belong.

There are two things I'd sort out before you buy anything, though. First, slope. Enviroshake is rated 2/12 and up, with a separate procedure below 3/12. A dome doesn't hold its pitch — the facets flatten as you climb toward the crown, and somewhere up there you fall out of spec entirely. That's a call-the-manufacturer-first question, not a figure-it-out-on-the-roof question. You might end up with a yarmulke up there, adding a torchdown or PVC membrane cap.

Second, drying. This is the one that I worry about on domes. Your dome has lasted forty years because it could dry — felt shake liner is permeable and cedar is basically a screen door. The new plan is an unvented deck sealed with a self-adhered membrane. Enviroshake's Gold warranty requires their Enviroshield peel-and-stick over the entire deck, and that's not vapor-open. So if you go breathable, check what it does to your warranty. On a dome you absolutely want the warranty. Most products fail on domes. And either way — the synthetic shake breathing doesn't save you. Whatever is stuck to the plywood is what controls vapor, and it's the one holding the line. When a roof can't dry, you eventually meet Mr. Condensation. He's not a fun house guest.

None of this is a no. It just means the assembly needs to be designed rather than assembled. Domes are a genuinely fun problem. One smart option is to add a layer of 3" polyISO foam before you add the top sheet of plywood. That will be a huge buffer against condensation — like a beer coozy for your house.

Another response came from Brittany of Fields Roof Service. She had this to say: 

Yes, I would recommend adding another layer of plywood before installing the new roofing system.

While the existing 3/8" plywood may still feel solid and be in good condition, the concern is exactly what you mentioned: There simply isn't enough material for the roofing fasteners to get adequate purchase. Enviroshake requires a minimum 5/8" plywood sheathing for proper attachment of their product.

With a unique roof structure like a geodesic dome, proper attachment is especially important. I would bring the roof deck up to the manufacturer's required thickness before installing the underlayment and Enviroshake. That gives the fasteners the substrate they need and helps ensure the new roofing system is installed according to the manufacturer's requirements.

It's great that the existing sheathing is still in good shape after 40 years. In this case, adding the additional sheathing isn't necessarily about replacing a failed deck, it's about creating the proper substrate for the new roofing material and its attachment requirements.

Continue the conversation in our Forum.

Keeping water moving and addressing small issues early can extend a roof’s lifespan.

If you’ve been in roofing in Western Washington long enough, you know our weather likes to keep us on our toes. We don't necessarily deal with the extreme conditions other parts of the country see, but we do deal with a lot of water. Add wind, falling branches, clogged drains, freezing temperatures and the occasional snowstorm, and our roofs still take a beating.

The biggest thing we tell people is this: the storm usually isn't where the problem started. A loose piece of flashing, an aging sealant joint, debris collecting around a drain or a few damaged shingles might not cause an active leak today. But add one of our Pacific Northwest wind and rainstorms, and suddenly you have a problem. That's why I'm such a big believer in preventative maintenance.

In Western Washington, keeping water moving is huge. Gutters, downspouts, drains and scuppers need to be clear and functioning properly. On commercial roofs especially, leaves, pine needles and debris can build up quickly. When the heavy rain comes, you don't want to find out your drainage system isn't doing its job.

Wind is another big one. Perimeter flashing, shingles, rooftop equipment and previous repair areas should all be checked before storm season. Trees around the building matter too. We've seen plenty of roofing damage that didn't technically come from the weather, it came from the branch the weather put through the roof.

Then we get our occasional snow and freezing temperatures. Western Washington isn't always prepared for snow because we don't see significant accumulation every winter. But when we do, roofs have to handle the additional weight, and drainage needs to work when everything starts melting.

The best preparation is pretty simple: know your roof before the weather tests it. Have it inspected. Keep up with maintenance. Know its age and repair history. If you have a manufacturer-warranted commercial roof, understand your maintenance requirements and document those inspections. And after a major weather event, have someone take another look.

You can't prevent every leak or predict what Mother Nature is going to throw at us. That's roofing. But you can know the condition of your roof and have a relationship with a roofing contractor you trust before you need one. Because finding a roofer during the first big wind and rainstorm of the season is a lot harder than already having their number before it starts.

By The Coffee Shops. 

Stay on top of your summer roof maintenance with Fields Roof Service. 

With temperatures heating up, flat roofs face increased stress, and small spring issues can become expensive summer problems. A roof that looks fine early in the season can develop blisters, cracks or lifted edges later if minor damage is not addressed. Fields Roof Service provides a simple guide for building owners to help monitor the condition of their flat roof.  

The primary factors contributing to summer-time roof deterioration are poor drainage and UV exposure. Poor drainage exacerbates any existing issues by adding stress to the roof membrane. UV exposure can, over time, make roofing materials brittle and less resilient against foot traffic.  

Building owners can detect early warning signs before small issues become big problems. Soft or spongy parts of the roof can indicate moisture trapped under the membrane. Raised bubbles, also called blisters, are an additional indicator of trapped moisture or air. Another sign of trouble brewing is cracking or peeling around walls, curbs and pipes. This is a potential indicator of seal failure. 

If any of these signs are present, the article strongly recommends that building owners call a professional instead of walking on the roof themselves as this can worsen damage and create safety risks. 

Additionally, preventive maintenance is one of the best defenses. Drainage areas need attention after spring storms and wind events. Debris around drains and scuppers can block water flow, which causes ponding and increases the risk of damage. On top of this, HVAC traffic can wear down the roof surface. Because summer is busy for HVAC service, walkway pads should be checked to make sure they are properly in place and not cracked or shifting.   

Keeping a seasonal maintenance log and scheduling professional inspections can help identify wear patterns, track repairs and support warranty claims. To prevent minor wear becoming a major headache, schedule a professional roof evaluation with Fields Roof Service.  

Learn more the importance of flat roof maintenance.

AskARoofer Expert Brittany Wimbish says it's less expensive to maintain a roof than it is to react to a failure in the system.

When I think about commercial roofing, one thing always comes to mind: it's almost always less expensive to maintain a roof than it is to react to a failure in the system.

As a roofing contractor, we often get calls after a leak has already disrupted a business or affected tenants. At that point, we're focused on stopping the immediate problem, but many of those situations could have been prevented with regular inspections and maintenance. Roof systems naturally age. Sealants dry out, flashing loosens, drains clog and weather takes its toll. None of those issues happen overnight, which is why routine maintenance is so valuable.

One of the biggest benefits of preventative maintenance is the ability to plan instead of react. Rather than being surprised by an emergency leak during a storm, property owners and managers can budget for repairs over time and make informed decisions about when it's time to replace a roof. That not only protects the building, but also helps avoid unexpected expenses and interruptions for tenants or business operations.

I also believe there is real value in having a trusted roofing partner instead of simply calling the first contractor available when something goes wrong. A good roofing company learns your buildings, understands their history, keeps records of previous repairs and provides honest recommendations; not just the most expensive solution. Sometimes a repair is the right answer. Sometimes a maintenance program can add years to the life of a roof. And sometimes it's time to start budgeting for replacement. Having someone you trust to guide those decisions makes all the difference.

At Fields Roof Service, that's how we've always approached our relationships. We don't want to be the company you only call when your roof is leaking. We want to be the team you rely on to help protect one of your property's largest investments. Through regular inspections, maintenance, clear communication and long-term planning, we help our clients make smart decisions that save money and extend the life of their roofing systems.

To me, preventative maintenance isn't just about roofs, it's about building trust, creating partnerships and helping our clients stay one step ahead.

AAR Experts celebrates its continued commitment to helping home and building owners make confident roofing decisions. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning digital platforms where industries come together for technology, insight and everyday business, announces 2026 AskARoofer Experts.    

Each month, AskARoofer™ Experts share their insights on timely topics such as warranties, wildfire protection, ventilation and roof performance, commercial roof inspections, preparing for spring weather and more. Information is shared through interviews, videos and articles on AskARoofer.com. Representing all facets of the roofing, exteriors, metal and coatings industries, these Experts are also recognized in a dedicated section of the site. 

“At AskARoofer, we are committed to connecting owners with the trusted expertise they need when questions arise about their roofs,” shared Heidi J. Ellsworth, President and CEO of The Coffee Shops. “By bringing together not only our AskARoofer Experts but also more than 140 roofing companies across the country, we’re creating a powerful network that communicates directly with home and building owners — answering their questions, providing local expertise and helping them make smarter decisions that protect what matters most in their roofs and exteriors while building lasting confidence in the roofing process and the industry itself.” 

We are proud to announce the following 2026 Experts: 

• John Kenney – Cotney Consulting Group 
• Jerry Iselin – Metal Roof Specialties, Inc. 
• Mindy Dahlquist – TRA Snow and Sun
• Wendy Marvin – Matrix Roofing and Home Solutions
• Henry Staggs – The Arizona Roofer
• Brittany Wimbish – Fields Roof Service
• Rachel Garcia – Malarkey Roofing Products 
• Bridget Wilson – Cardinal Roofing 
• Emily and Paul Marshall – Mr. And Mrs. Post Frame 
• Will Lorenz – General Coatings 

Find more information on the 2026 AskARoofer Experts!

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four Coffee Shops, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and their sister site AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. The Coffee Shops also feature strong microsites with RoofersCoffeeShop.ca, RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and En Español. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn what immediate steps to take and how professional repair services prevent small leaks from becoming major structural problems. 

Roof leaks rarely stay contained. In climates shaped by steady rain and prolonged moisture, companies like Fields Roof Service regularly see how a single breach can quickly extend beyond the roof surface, reaching insulation, ceilings, walls and even nearby electrical systems. What starts as a minor drip can escalate within hours, making response time a defining factor in how much damage occurs and how costly repairs become. 

That reality places immediate pressure on the first steps property owners take. Interior containment, placing a bucket beneath the leak and clearing nearby furnishings, helps limit short-term damage. At the same time, attempting to access a wet roof introduces unnecessary safety risks. In most situations, the more effective path is to contact a licensed roofing professional equipped to locate the source and stabilize the issue without compounding the problem. 

The need for that expertise becomes clearer when considering how leaks develop. Over time, repeated exposure to rain, seasonal storms and sustained moisture begins to wear down roofing systems. Shingles can loosen or go missing, flashing around vents and chimneys may deteriorate and sealants at penetration points can crack. In other cases, aging materials or blocked drainage areas allow water to accumulate, increasing the likelihood of intrusion. 

Compounding the issue, leaks are not always immediately visible. Early indicators often appear gradually; water stains on ceilings or walls, intermittent dripping during storms, damp attic insulation or peeling paint near ceiling corners. In some cases, a persistent mildew odor may be the first sign of hidden moisture. Identifying these warning signals early allows for intervention before the damage progresses into structural components. 

When professionals arrive on-site, the focus shifts from symptom to source. A comprehensive inspection of both the roof and attic helps trace how water is moving through the system. If active weather conditions persist, temporary measures may be used to control intrusion and stabilize the interior. From there, technicians follow the water path back to its origin, which is often separate from where the leak becomes visible inside. 

Permanent repairs are then carried out with that full context in mind. Replacing damaged shingles, resealing flashing and vents, repairing underlayment or correcting drainage issues all work toward restoring the roof’s ability to shed water effectively. By addressing the root cause rather than the visible damage alone, the repair is designed to hold under future conditions. 

Delaying that process allows water to continue migrating through the structure, increasing the risk of mold growth, wood rot, electrical hazards and long-term deterioration. Because roofing systems function as integrated assemblies, effective repair depends on restoring performance across all connected components, not just the point where the leak first appears. 

Learn more about how to stop a roof leak before damage spreads and why acting quickly with professional repair can prevent costly structural damage!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how to spot early signs of roof damage and why timely inspections help prevent costly repairs. 

A roof is built to withstand constant exposure to rain, wind and temperature extremes, but no system is immune to wear over time. Even well-installed roofs, including those maintained by experienced providers like Fields Roof Service, can develop issues that, if left unaddressed, compromise performance and lead to more extensive damage. For homeowners, the ability to recognize early warning signs is essential to protecting both the structure and long-term value of the property. 

Among the most common concerns are leaks and water damage, which often begin subtly. A faint stain on a ceiling or wall may seem minor, but it can indicate moisture intrusion that has already reached insulation or structural components. These issues are frequently tied to damaged shingles, failing flashing or clogged drainage systems. Addressing leaks early helps contain the problem before it spreads beyond the initial point of entry. 

Shingle deterioration presents another clear risk. Over time, exposure to weather and natural aging can cause shingles to crack, curl or detach entirely. When this protective layer is compromised, the roof becomes increasingly vulnerable to water intrusion and wind-driven damage. Replacing affected areas promptly helps maintain the roof’s integrity and reduces the likelihood of secondary issues such as rot or mold. 

In many cases, the source of water intrusion is less visible. Flashing and sealant failures around chimneys, vents and skylights can create small but critical gaps. Because these areas are more difficult to inspect from the ground, damage often goes unnoticed until it progresses. Routine evaluations are key to identifying these vulnerabilities before they result in hidden structural deterioration. 

Ventilation is another factor that can influence roof performance. Without proper airflow, heat and moisture can accumulate in the attic, accelerating material degradation and increasing energy costs. Indicators such as condensation, mold or warped shingles often point to underlying ventilation problems that require correction. 

Finally, all roofing systems are subject to aging. As materials break down, the risk of leaks and structural weaknesses increases. Monitoring for signs such as curling shingles, discoloration or sagging sections can help determine when targeted repairs or full replacement may be necessary. 

Consistent maintenance and professional inspections remain the most effective way to manage these risks. Working with experienced contractors, including providers like Fields Roof Service, allows homeowners to identify issues early and take corrective action before they escalate. In the long term, that proactive approach helps extend the life of the roof and prevent avoidable repair costs. 

Learn more about how early roof inspections and routine maintenance from trusted contractors like Fields Roof Service can help prevent costly damage and extend the life of your roofing system!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Fields Roof Service earns 2026 Top 3 Roofing Contractor honors, reflecting the company’s consistent service and trusted performance in the local market. 

Fields Roof Service, Inc. has been named a Top 3 Roofing Contractor in Puyallup, Washington, for 2026 by BusinessRate, an honor driven by strong customer feedback and consistently high Google review ratings. The recognition highlights the company’s continued focus on quality workmanship and dependable service in a competitive regional market. 

Serving both residential and commercial clients, Fields Roof Service has built its reputation on reliability, clear communication and attention to detail. Online reviews frequently emphasize professionalism, responsiveness and the ability to deliver projects on time and within scope. This consistent performance has helped the company earn long-term trust throughout the local community. 

The team attributes the recognition to its ongoing commitment to improvement and customer satisfaction. “This recognition reflects the team’s commitment to quality workmanship, reliable service, and earning the trust of homeowners and businesses throughout the community,” the company shared in a Facebook post. That focus has translated into repeat business and strong word-of-mouth referrals, key drivers in today’s service-based economy. 

Fields Roof Service also acknowledged the role its customers play in its success. “Thank you to our amazing customers for your continued support and reviews. Your feedback helps us keep raising the bar every year.” 

As customer expectations continue to rise across the roofing industry, recognitions like this reinforce the importance of delivering consistent, high-quality results backed by strong communication and service. 

Learn more about Fields Roof Service and explore their customer reviews to see why they continue to stand out in the Puyallup market.