PACIFIC NORTHWEST ROOFING

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.