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. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how rain, wind and moisture reveal early signs of roof damage. 

Winter places steady pressure on residential roofing systems and Fields Roof Service emphasizes that heavy rain, strong winds and extended periods of damp conditions can expose weak points, increasing the risk of leaks and structural deterioration. Recognizing what winter roof damage looks like allows homeowners to respond early and limit repair costs. Even without heavy snow, constant moisture can penetrate vulnerable areas, loosen shingles and stress flashing around vents and chimneys. Over time, prolonged dampness accelerates wear and reduces the effectiveness of roofing materials. 

Exterior warning signs often appear first. Loose or missing shingles can expose underlying layers to water intrusion. Cracked or brittle roofing materials may signal premature aging caused by moisture and temperature fluctuations. Bent or displaced flashing around skylights, vents and roof edges can create entry points for water. Clogged gutters and downspouts may cause overflow that damages fascia and roof edges, while sagging sections of the roof deck can indicate more serious structural concerns. 

Interior symptoms frequently follow. Water stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint or wallpaper and persistent mold or mildew growth can all point to hidden leaks. Wet insulation may reduce energy efficiency, leading to colder indoor temperatures and higher utility bills. In more advanced cases, homeowners may notice dripping water or pooling in attics or near roof penetrations. 

Common winter roofing problems include water intrusion, shingle deterioration, roof deck stress and drainage issues caused by blocked gutters. Vents, chimneys and skylights are especially vulnerable if seals deteriorate. When signs of damage appear, contacting a professional roofing service promptly can prevent minor issues from escalating and help ensure the roof remains structurally sound throughout the winter season. 

Learn more about how Fields Roof Service can inspect your roof, identify winter damage early and help protect your home from costly repairs!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Durable metal systems help homeowners manage moisture, energy performance and long-term winter protection. 

As winter approaches, homeowners increasingly evaluate roofing upgrades that deliver reliability during heavy rain, wind and cold. Fields Roof Service works with local property owners seeking long-term protection that performs through seasonal stress. Metal roof installation has gained attention for durability, moisture control and consistent performance across changing conditions. When installed correctly, metal systems create a resilient barrier that prepares homes before winter weather intensifies. 

The harsh weather conditions in winter can challenge roofing materials with steady rainfall, moisture saturation and periodic storms. Luckily, metal panels do not absorb water, which helps prevent sagging, rot and surface deterioration that traditional roofing materials face. Smooth finishes encourage rapid drainage so snow and rain shed efficiently instead of pooling. Tight fastening systems also support wind resistance, which is critical during seasonal gusts that test roof edges and transitions. 

Longevity remains a primary advantage. Metal roofing commonly delivers service lives measured in decades when properly installed and maintained, where traditional materials offer lifespans of only 10-20 years in contrast. Metal panels also resist cracking, shrinking and warping as temperatures fluctuate, which helps preserve structural integrity. That durability supports predictable ownership costs and reduces replacement frequency compared to many traditional materials. 

Energy performance further strengthens the case for metal. Reflective surfaces manage heat movement, helping homes retain warmth during colder months while limiting excess heat in the summer. Stable indoor temperatures reduce system strain and contribute to manageable utility expenses.  

Moisture management remains essential in a wet climate. Non-porous metal materials shed water quickly, limiting pathways for mold, mildew and rot. Reduced moisture exposure protects roof assemblies and supports healthier indoor air. Fire resistance and low maintenance demands add practical safety and convenience advantages valued by homeowners who are planning ahead. 

Learn more about metal roof installation services from Fields Roof Service!

By Fields Roof Service. 

Roof condition, materials and hail size all affect how well a roof performs. 

Hailstorms can leave homeowners questioning whether their roof held up or suffered hidden damage. Even brief storms can impact roofing systems in different ways depending on hail size, wind speed and roofing materials. At Fields Roof Service, we routinely evaluate roofs after severe weather and want homeowners to understand which hail conditions are most likely to cause damage and how to reduce the risk before the next storm hits. 

The size of the hail 

Hailstones range in size from small pellets (around 1/4 inch in diameter) to massive stones as large as softballs (over 4 inches in diameter). Typically, hail needs to be at least 1 inch in diameter, about the size of a quarter, to cause noticeable damage to asphalt shingles or other roofing materials. Larger hailstones can dent, crack or even puncture roofing systems, leaving them vulnerable to water intrusion. 

The material of your roof 

The material of your roof significantly influences how it responds to hail. 

• Asphalt shingles: The most common roofing material, but vulnerable to granule loss. When granules are dislodged, shingles lose their UV protection and age faster. 
• Metal roofing: Durable but may sustain cosmetic dents. 
• Tile roofing: Strong but brittle when struck by large hailstones, making cracks a common issue. 

Each roofing material reacts differently to hail impacts, which also determines the type and extent of repairs required. 

Impact velocity and angle 

Hailstones don’t always fall straight down. Strong winds can propel them at an angle, increasing the force of impact. Combined with velocity, angled hail strikes can significantly worsen roof damage. Larger hailstones driven by high winds are especially destructive. 

The condition of your roof 

The age and condition of your roof play a major role in its ability to withstand hail. A well-maintained, newer roof is more resilient, while older or neglected roofs are far more likely to sustain severe damage. Routine inspections and timely repairs extend your roof’s durability and reduce its vulnerability during hailstorms. 

Preventative measures and immediate action 

To safeguard your home, schedule regular roof inspections and address any vulnerabilities before storm season. After a hailstorm, don’t wait. Inspect your roof or contact a roofing professional. Early detection of damage can prevent costly repairs and protect your home from water infiltration. 

Original article and photo source: Fields Roof Service