The roof of a house is an essential part of its structure because it protects the occupants and interior from the elements. It prevents rainwater from entering the house and damaging the walls or foundation. It protects everything inside from harmful UV rays as well and a good roof also helps keep the interiors cool during hot summers and insulated during cold winters.
This is why it’s important to do some research before you commit to a particular roofing material in Vancouver, WA. After all, it is a feature that both protects your home and impacts the value of your property for years to come.
There are several types of roofing materials available in the market today. Each material has its pros and cons, depending on your budget, availability of resources nearby, and other factors.
In this article, we will cover the details of different types of roofing so you can make the best decision.
Composition Shingles
The most efficient and effective roofing material for the Pacific Northwest is asphalt composition shingles. They have a “lifetime” warranty, come in various colors to match any home style, and have durable underlayment protection.
Here are more reasons why composition shingles are the best roofing material for Vancouver, WA.
They Are Fire-Resistant
Composition shingles have a Class A fire rating. This means they are resistant to fire damage, protecting your home should a neighboring building catch on fire or a wildfire sweep through your area and drop embers on your home.
They Are Durable
Because of the synthetic materials they’re made of, composition shingles are very durable. They come in different grades depending on the harsh weather conditions where you live. The higher-grade composition shingle will provide better protection against hail and high winds than a lower-grade variety. Consult with a residential roofing company, such as Interstate Roofing, to ensure the right grade is used for your Vancouver home.
They Are Low Maintenance
Composition shingles come with warranties of up to 50 years. They are also made with a protective coating designed not to fade over time. This will keep your roof looking sharp throughout its life. No shingle is free of maintenance, but composition shingles are certainly one of the easiest to maintain.
They Are Versatile
There are many textures, shapes, and colors of composition shingles, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your home and aesthetic. Moreover, composition shingles can be installed on just about any home. Whether you want something classic-looking or more modern and sleek, composition shingles have you covered.
They Are Environment Friendly
Composition shingles are a sustainable choice for any homeowner who wants to lessen their carbon footprint. They produce no VOCs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), formaldehyde, nitrous oxide, methane gas, or sulfur dioxide emissions. Installation of some composition shingles may even improve air quality since they trap particulates before releasing them back into the atmosphere.
Plus, they are available in a light color that will reflect heat rather than absorb it as dark roofs do, so the surface stays cooler during the summer months. This means composition shingles can help keep your home cooler and reduce the need to run your air conditioner. This is becoming even more essential in Vancouver, WA, as our summers grow warmer.
Other Roofing Types for Vancouver Washington
Even though the best roofing material for your home is composition shingles, there are other types of roofing to choose from if composition shingles are not a good fit for your needs.
Cedar Roofs
Cedar shakes are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a classic look for their roofs. Not only are they beautiful, but they also provide excellent insulation for homes—up to six times more effective at preventing heat loss than asphalt roofing.
However, they can get very hot inside and may not be the best choice if you live in a warm area. They also tend to be expensive and can be challenging to install. It’s sad to say, but the installation of cedar shingles and shakes is a dying art.
Concrete or Clay Roofing Tiles
Tile roofing is a very sturdy and durable material that can last a long time if installed correctly. Tile roofing is usually made of clay, but can also be made from concrete, slate, or other materials.
Concrete tiles have been around since the early 1900s. They are low-maintenance and can last for 50 years. They offer a seamless look that blends well with architectural styles. The biggest downfall is how heavy concrete tiles are compared to other types of roofing.
Nevertheless, they are a great choice for some home designs.
Install Composition Shingles With Interstate Roofing Vancouver WA
If you are considering installing a new roof or want to upgrade your current one, remember to consult with a professional. Interstate Roofing is one of Washington’s leading roofers and offers expert installation of all types of roofs. With decades of experience in business, we provide comprehensive customer service to ensure your needs are met.
Call Interstate today at (503) 684-5611 and schedule a free consultation to find out if composition shingles are the right roofing material for your Vancouver, WA, home. Our expert team of roofers will come to your home and provide a free estimate for the installation of these versatile, eco-friendly roofs.