When living in a region with lot of rain, your roof faces serious challenges. Windy days, gale force winds, rainstorms, and temperature fluctuations, especially during the winter months, a roofing system can really be tested. Choosing the right roofing materials for our Pacific Northwest climate is critical to ensuring that your roof can do what it’s designed for – protecting your home from the elements, preventing heat from escaping, and keeping cold air out.
The challenges roofs face in rainy climates.
When choosing roofing materials to protect your home, consider the following challenges a roof faces.
- Amount of rainfall – roof and gutters need to be able to handle the weight and volume of the runoff
- Frequency of rainfall – continuous days of rain don’t allow the roof time to dry before the next bout of rain
- Exposure to wind – windy days and active wind storms combined with rain can damage roofing shingles, particularly as the roof ages
- Temperature fluctuations – some types of roofing materials expand and contract more than others during temperature fluctuations
- Unusual weather patterns – sudden and unexpected weather events can cause water damage and/or major leaks
Factors to consider when choosing roofing materials.
When looking for a new or replacement roof for your home’s exterior, factors to consider include:
- Cost – some materials cost more than others; budgeting for a specific type of roofing material will help eliminate installation surprises
- Energy efficiency – an energy-efficient roof reduces heating/cooling costs
- Lifespan – the longer your roof lasts, you might not have to replace for as long as you own your home
- Durability – refers to the conditions under which it performs optimally
- Maintenance – low maintenance materials need less time, effort, and money to maintain
- Weight – ensure that your home cam structurally support the weight of the type of roofing material you select
Best roofing materials for the Pacific Northwest.
When replacing or installing a new roof, select materials that handle large volumes of water; are water and wind resistant; and can withstand temperature changes.
Asphalt Shingles
An asphalt roof is one of the most common types of roofing systems in the Pacific Northwest. Asphalt shingles are popular with homeowners because they are inexpensive compared to other kinds of roofing materials, lightweight, and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers.
Cedar Shakes
A cedar shake roof has a natural, rustic appearance. While both cedar shakes and cedar shingles are used as roofing materials, cedar shakes are thicker and stronger, offering more protection. A cedar roof is typically lightweight, eco-friendly, sustainable, energy-efficient, and ideal for any climate. While cedar naturally repels insects, cedar shakes require regular maintenance in order to prevent moss and mould growth and pest infestations.
Slate/Concrete/Clay Tiles
Slate, concrete or clay tiles are good choices for roofs in rainy climates because they are strong, durable (lifespans from 50 to 100 years), and environmentally friendly. However, all three roofing materials are heavy and need to be installed by professional roofing contractors. Since slate, concrete, or clay roofing materials add significant weight to a house, its structure needs to be able to support this type of roof.
Metal
Metal roofs are ideal for wet climates because they are molud, fungus, rot, and fire resistant. They are also more difficult for pests to infiltrate. They also are durable, long-lasting, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly.