Residential Roofing

In Washington state, where the climate is generally wet and mild, roofing materials that can withstand moisture and provide good insulation are preferred. Asphalt composite shingles for normal or high sloped roofs and TPO for flat or low slope roofs are popular choices due to their durability, weather resistance, and relatively low maintenance requirements.

The lifespan of a roof in Washington state largely depends on the material used. Older asphalt shingles typically last 20-30 years, while the newer shingles with embedded granules can last 50 years or more. In fact, the new Warranty offer from Owens Corning is: Life Time with a Non-prorated 50 Year, Transferrable Warranty. This will recover better equity when it comes time to sell your home. It's still essential to have regular roof inspections and maintenance to prolong your roof's life.

In some cases, depending on the city requirements, a permit may be required for re-roofing projects in Washington state. However, local regulations and requirements can vary, so it's essential to check with your local building department before starting any roofing work.

The cost of a new roof in Washington state varies depending on the materials, size of the roof, and labor costs. It's important to get multiple quotes from roofing contractors to get the best price for your specific project. Some companies have high overhead while others, like Rainblock Roofing work to keep costs down and prices down.

Darker-colored roofs tend to fade over time due to sun exposure, while lighter-colored roofs are more resistant to fading. Light-colored roofs also reflect more sunlight, which can help prolong the life of the roofing material by reducing heat buildup. However, Owens Corning developed fiberglass and incorporates fiberglass granules in the shingle, which holds color better in all their color options. The embedded granule also makes it easier to clean and refresh the shingle after many years of being a catch all to leaves, moss, and dirt in the air.

The strongest roof for a house depends on the materials used, the design, and the quality of installation. Some of the most durable and resilient roofing materials include clay or concrete tiles, thicker composite shingles, and slate. However, the market in the pacific Northwest is moving away from tile as it becomes discolored, can crack and not be in production to get a match. More weight and more expense moves more people to composite shingle.

Light-colored roofs, such as white, light gray, or beige, can create the illusion of a larger house by reflecting light and making the overall structure appear more spacious.

In hot climates, light-colored roofs are preferred because they reflect sunlight and help reduce heat buildup in the home. White, light gray, or beige roofs are excellent choices for hot climates. In areas of mild or cooler climates the dark colors may offer aesthetic contrast to a lighter home, and perhaps a bit of solar warmth in the winter. However, with proper attic insulation and roof venting its best when the attic is within 5-10 degrees of the outside temperature. This reduces overheating in the summer and condensation in the winter.

Roofs made from materials with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties help keep a house cool by reflecting sunlight and emitting heat. Light-colored roofs, especially those made from cool roofing materials like cool asphalt shingles or cool metal roofing, are the best choices for maintaining a cooler home.

The safest roof material is one that is durable, fire-resistant, and able to withstand severe weather conditions. Some roofs are low slope and easier to walk on when necessary, so a composite granule shingle provides some non-slip benefits. Some of the safest roofing materials include clay or concrete tiles, slate, and composite shingles. These materials are less likely to ignite in the event of a fire and can provide better protection against high winds and heavy rain.

Light-colored roofs, such as white, light gray, or beige, do not absorb heat as much as darker-colored roofs. These lighter colors reflect sunlight and help reduce heat buildup in the home, making them an energy-efficient choice for roofing.