Happiness is “like a room without a roof,” in the words of that ubiquitous hit song, “Happy.”

Happiness is also a home with a good roof, especially in the oft-soggy Pacific Northwest.

Every homeowner wants a roof that looks attractive, doesn’t leak, lasts for many years and doesn’t cost too much. But in these days of climate change and waste consciousness, a roof should also meet high environmental standards. Get to know more about us!

The Pros & Cons Of Different Roofing Materials

Tile Roofs

Pros

• Unique curb appeal – Tile roofs create an attractive look for adobo and other Southwestern-style homes.
• Built to last – Generally, a tile roof will last for years and years. Some claim to last 50 years, but you can find homes with tiles that are older.
• Fireproof – Unlike untreated wood roofs, tile roofs are fireproof. They also naturally resist mildew, algae, and insects.

Cons

• Heavyweight – Tiles are heavy. So heavy, in fact, that your roof will need enforcement to support the weight!
• High cost – It should be no surprise that heavy roofing materials — and roof reinforcements — come at a high cost financially.
• Fragile – Walking on a tile roof can cause cracks, breaks, and other damage. Any work that needs to be done on or around the roof should be performed by a skilled professional to avoid damage.
• Maintenance – While the tiles themselves require very little maintenance, the underlayment beneath them needs to be replaced every 8 to 20 years. This involves removing the tiles from the roof and repositioning them atop the new underlayment.

Cedar Roofs

Pros

• Exceptional beauty – It’s hard to beat the appearance of a cedar wood roof. Cedar has a natural beauty which ages well too.
• Durability – Cedar roofs are long-lasting, resistant to insects, and generally good with storms.
• Energy efficient – Cedar provides a natural insulation, which helps to keep home heating and cooling costs low.
• Eco-friendly – As mentioned, cedar is a renewable resource. It’s common for Cedar harvesters to replace every tree used with another.

Cons

• High cost – A cedar roof is a significant investment. Cedar shingles are more expensive to purchase and install compared to other roofing materials. The longevity of cedar, provided it’s properly maintained, can often provide a high return on investment.
• High maintenance – Cedar requires diligent maintenance. In addition to annual inspections and cleanings, cedar roofs need regular moss, mold, and mildew removal and prevention treatments.
• Can be flammable – Some building codes prohibit the use of cedar roofing materials due to their flammability. However, cedar shingles can be treated with fire retardants and chemical preservatives.

Composition Roofs

Pros

• Low upfront cost – Composition shingles are the most affordable roofing material in the short term (average lifespan is 12 to 17 years).
• Variety of styles – Choose from 3-tab, presidential, and architectural shingles with a range of colors and features.
• Relatively easy installation – Compared to other roofing materials, composition shingles are easy to install for any knowledgeable roofing contractor.

Cons

• Vulnerable to bad weather – Composition shingles can be dislodged during storms by strong winds. They can also crack or break from any strong impact such as hail stones or fallen tree branches.
• Vulnerable to heat – Asphalt shingles are not resistant to extreme heat, which may result in cracks and color loss. Also, extreme fluctuations in temperature can lead to expansion and contraction damages.
• Shorter lifespan – If you are planning on staying in your home for more than 20 years, a composition roof may not be the best investment.
• Not environmentally sustainable – Asphalt shingles are a petroleum-based product. The manufacturing process is not environmentally friendly, and the shingles often end up in landfills.

What Makes us Different!

• We DO NOT have any commissioned Salespeople. We hate sales pressure, so should you.
• We are here to help you. Many roofs can be fixed rather than replaced, we give you our expert opinion on your roof problem.
• No job is too small or large.
• We provide fast, COST EFFECTIVE solutions that fits your needs and budget.
• ALL or our work is guaranteed, we are manufacturer certified in many Brands.
• We emphasize high quality products and material and excellent workmanship as a team.
• We have a strong dedication to COMMUNICATION, in assessing the life left in your roof, and keep you up to date before, during and after your project.
• ALL of our teams have over 4x the average industry experience in installation, maintenance and repair.
• We are experts in all that we do, if its not something we can do we will refer someone else to help you.

Common roofing styles that slope include the gable roof and the hipped roof:

Gable

Gable roofing is V-shaped, with two surfaces pitched at the same angle that come together at the pinnacle. A variation on this style is the cross gabled roof which has additional ridges.

Hipped

Hipped roofing resembles the gable, but it typically has four sides instead of two with a lower pitch.

Best Northwest Roofing Materials

When it comes to roofing materials, Northwest homeowners have several options available. These options include:

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials as they offer flexibility (so they work on most roof shapes), are low cost, easy access to replacement materials, and a variety of color and texture options. Although they are made for durability and can last up to 20-30 years, they are also porous and can be susceptible to mold and mildew growth. To counteract these problems, ask your roofing company about special treatments to make your asphalt shingles less absorbent and more resistant to mold growth.

Wood shingles

Wood shingles are another popular option, as they come in several different wood types whose texture and color can be matched to the style of your home or neighborhood. These shingles change color over time and can add character and style to a home. As a result, their appearance is considered desirable throughout the country. In the rainy Northwest, however, wood shingles require more maintenance than asphalt, such as regular cleanings and treatments to prevent mold and mildew.

Metal shingles

Metal shingles offer a high level of water resistance, and thanks to engineering advancements they now come in a variety of colors and styles designed to mimic other types of roofing materials, including cedar or slate. The actual life span of a metal roof can vary, but in general a properly installed metal roof can last for an estimated 50 years.