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The Pacific Northwest is truly four-weather season territory. With rain, snow, wind, sun, and ice – sometimes in the same week – our shingled roofs take a beating during the year. As the first line of protection against the elements, the roof plays an important role in the overall comfort of your home.
Roofing materials have come a long way from the 3-tab shingles that were so popular decades ago. Technological advances in composite shingles provide options for any budget while wood shake shingles continue to give any home a distinct look. Slate shingles and metal roofing materials could give your home 100 years of protection.
Almost any type of shingles or roofing material will give you decades of worry-free protection, so it comes down to what kind of roof you want. Warner Roofing and Construction carries a wide variety of roofing materials from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Here are a few examples of the most common roof types and how they handle the weather. With so many different types, designs, and styles of roof shingles and other roofing materials, you’re sure to find one that checks all of your boxes.
Architectural Shingles
A vast improvement over 3-tab shingles, these can be made in several different styles and colors. They also last much longer than 3-tab, up to 50 years in some cases. They are easy to maintain and are among the least expensive roof coverings on the market.
Also known as dimensional shingles, this material is perfect for starter homes that need an immediate upgrade or for more modest rental homes. Because of their versatility, they look great on almost any type of home and come in a variety of colors.
Cedar Shake
These wood shingles offer a very distinct look, ideal for a lakeside cabin and similar architectures. They are naturally strong and their look somehow manages to improve with age. They are more expensive than architectural shingles and not as easy to install, but there’s no denying the appeal of cedar.
However, it’s important to maintain your shake roof for maximum lifespan. Although the rough-hewn look is part of the appeal, they also invite moss, algae, and other growths – especially during the wetter months. Cedar shakes should be treated regularly to keep them clean and in tip-top shape.
Clay Tile Roofs
Lasting longer than asphalt or cedar shingles without as much maintenance, these tiles are made to handle the sun as well as sudden downpours. With a life expectancy of around 50 years, maintenance consists of the occasional power-washing to keep up their distinct appearance.
Clay tiles are much heavier than cedar shake, architectural, or types of asphalt shingles though. Your roof structure may need more support to handle the extra weight. Because of their rigidity, more care is needed during installation than with types of composition shingle installation.
Metal Roofing
You may think a metal roof is more at home on a warehouse, bus shelter, or other types of outbuildings. However, its classic look, durability, and low maintenance have made metal roofing popular for upscale residential uses during the past two decades. With different profiles – including cedar and slate – metal provides several options.
Metal is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market, but you’ll pay for that longevity. Although metal roofing comes in a variety of standard colors, there are hundreds of colors to choose from. Metal roofing is also environmentally friendly because of its ability to help keep your home cooler in the summer.
Slate Roofing
The Rolls Royce of roof covering, slate has a cool, classic feel and will last a century. Like metal roofing, that peace of mind comes at a cost. But, if you like the idea of low-maintenance, set-it-and-forget-it roofing material, slate roofing is one of the best.
Slate can be manufactured in many different designs, but no matter the look, it will be quite heavy. Where metal is the lightest roofing material on the market, slate can weigh two to three times as much as other materials. You’ll want to make sure your roofing structure can handle that extra weight.
Experience Matters
Whether it’s a re-roof, a complete roof replacement, or a roof for a new home, the material won’t matter if it’s installed incorrectly. That’s why it’s so important to hire a professional roofing contractor that understands the differences in materials. Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and slate tiles all require specific care.
Warner Roofing and Construction has been working in Clark County since 1992. No matter the season, we install, repair, and provide maintenance work on your roofing system. We also install skylights and solar tubes as well as providing gutter installation.
If it has anything to do with your roof, Warner Roofing and Construction can take care of it. Missing shingles after a big storm, experiencing ice dams, or does an upcoming home improvement job include a completely different roof style? Reach out for a free estimate and see how we can help.
