Best Types of Roofing for the Pacific Northwest
In discussing types of roofs, you could be talking about two different things. The term “roof type” can refer to the shape or style of your home’s roof or it can refer to the materials used to build your roof. Here, we will explore both meanings and talk about which of each is best for our rainy Pacific Northwest weather.
Roof Styles
First, let’s discuss some of the types of roof shapes for your home. While it is rarely a simple project to change the shape of your home, a skilled roofing contractor, especially a Portland roofing contractor, can help you change the shape of your roof to one that will hold up to our local weather conditions, if that’s what you need.
Two of the most common types of roof are the Gable roof and the Hipped roof. The key elements of the Gable roof are two same-sized roof surfaces, pitched at the same angle, that come together at the high point of the roof, making a ridge – like a wide upside-down “V” shape. Variations of the basic Gable, such as the Cross Gabled roof, feature additional ridges, but the same upside-down “V” shape in each section. The key elements of the Hipped roof are similar to the Gable, but a Hipped roof often has a lower-pitch than the Gable, and the standard Hipped roof features four sides, as opposed to the two sides of the standard Gable. The angle of the Hipped roof is set to meet with the top of the walls of the home.
Any of these roof types, when built by a qualified Portland, OR roofing contractor, is a good choice for the rainy conditions of the Pacific Northwest. The sloping of these roof types allows snow, rain, and debris to easily run down the roof and off the sides. One important thing to remember is that with our climate, regardless of the style of roof you choose, you will likely want to avoid flat sections of any kind. Unless designed very meticulously, flat roofs are extremely susceptible to pooled water and thus, decomposition, water damage, or mold and mildew growth. Again, a seasoned roofing company in Portland will be able to help you with these decisions.
Roofing Materials
When it comes to roofing materials, there are a few options that will tolerate our rainy weather. The most common material is asphalt shingles because they are inexpensive, flexible (meaning they can be used with most roof shapes), and are available in many colors and textures. Most asphalt shingles are constructed to last for a fair amount of time; typically 20 to 30 years under the best conditions. Additionally, since asphalt shingles are so popular, it is easy to find repair materials and a qualified Portland roofing company to assist you with any needed maintenance. Asphalt shingles, which are inherently durable but still porous and thus susceptible to mold and mildew growth, can be specially treated to be less absorbent and more resistant to mold and mildew over time.
Another popular choice is wood shingles, which are available in a variety of wood types, allowing you to choose a texture and color that will blend in with other homes in your neighborhood. The look of a wood shingled home is very desirable throughout the country. Over time, the color of the shingles will shift, bringing out even more character and style to your home. Despite their popularity, wood shingles can be rather high maintenance, especially in wetter climates, and require regular cleanings and treatments to discourage mold and mildew growth.
Lastly, metal shingles and roofing materials are extremely water-resistant and have recently made leaps and bounds in the style department. Perhaps you are picturing a corrugated metal roof? Wipe that image out of your mind. Metal shingles are now available in style and colors designed to mimic other materials, such as cedar or slate. While the life span of a metal roof varies by the specific material you choose and the roof type you have, a properly installed metal roof is estimated to last 50 years. Ask any Portland, OR roofing company and they will tell you, if you are willing to consider a non-traditional option, a metal roof may be an excellent choice for our rainy climate.
[ photo by frame.fusion ]
