The Pacific Northwest weather is not easy. We have cold, wet winters and mild, dry summers. We’ve had a few years of drought in the past, too. So it’s no wonder that so many homeowners are asking themselves what the best roof for PNW weather is. That’s why we put together this helpful guide on the pros and cons of different types of roofs and how they hold up against the four seasons in the PNW – summer, winter, spring, and fall. This article will help you decide which type of roof is best for your house in the Northwest. From metal, to tile, to clay, to asphalt shingles.
Roof Types
There are many different types of roofs for the Pacific Northwest. One of the most popular is an asphalt shingle roof. This type of roof has a long lifespan and is less expensive than other options. The downside to this type is that it doesn’t protect your home as well from moisture, since it only has one layer.
Another popular option for PNW homeowners is metal panels. This type of roof does offer protection against moisture and will last a really long time, but it’s more expensive than asphalt shingles.
The next most popular option in the Northwest is clay tiles or clay shake roofs. You can have a tile roof installed with two layers – an inner layer to protect against moisture and an outer layer to protect against heat, which makes these roofs perfect for cold winters and hot summers alike.
The Best Roof for PNW Weather
The Pacific Northwest has four seasons: summer, winter, spring, and fall. It can get incredibly cold in winter, with temperatures easily dropping below freezing. However, it’s not uncommon to experience temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The region also experiences heavy rainfall during the winter months and more sunshine in the summer.
Metal roofs are one of the most popular roofs in PNW because they are durable and affordable. They are heavier than other types of roofs though. So if you have a heavy snow load on your roof, you may need to have a metal roof installed correctly by a professional to ensure against leaks.
Tile is another popular option for PNW homeowners because it’s lightweight and comes in many colors. Tile is less expensive than metal but doesn’t hold up well against extreme heat or cold, so it’s best for warmer climates or areas that don’t experience extreme weather fluctuations.
Clay shingles are another option for homeowners who want something that is lightweight and can withstand the elements; they also last longer than asphalt shingles, too (about twenty years versus ten years). Clay roof tiles also come in various colors, which you can use to customize your roof to fit your home’s aesthetic. The downside? Clay tiles are typically more expensive than other types of roofs, like asphalt shingles or tile.
The Benefits and Drawbacks to Different Roof Types
There are many types of roofs that can be installed on your house in the Pacific Northwest. You may not know which type to choose for your home.
Here are some benefits and drawbacks to different roofing material options in the northwest:
– Metal roofs are great for PNW weather because they’re economical and durable, but they need a little more maintenance than other types of roofs.
– Tile is one of the most popular types of roofing in the Pacific Northwest because it’s beautiful and durable, but it can be expensive.
– Clay tile roofs are a great option if you want the looks of a traditional tiled roof with an affordable price tag. Clay tiles are very hardy and require minimal upkeep, unlike other types of tile roofs.
– Asphalt shingle roofs are reasonably priced and easy to maintain, but they don’t last as long as other types of shingles. They also cause more runoff onto your property than other types of roofs.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs are a popular option among homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. This is because metal roofs can guard against all four seasons; insulating from rain, snow, and sun. They also last longer than most other types of roofing materials.
However, metal roofs are not without some drawbacks. Metal roofs cost more to install than alternatives because they require special tools for installation and have thicker material that needs to be installed with a higher nail count. It’s also important to note that metal roofs cannot be used with wood shake siding or any other composite shingle materials.
Tile roofs
Tile roofs are very common in the Northwest. They’re durable, waterproof, and well insulated. Tile roofs do require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good, but they don’t attract moss-like other types of roofing material.
Clay roofs
Clay roofs are a good option for homes in the Pacific Northwest. These roofs are inexpensive, durable, and easy to install. Clay is a natural material that has excellent insulative properties and can withstand snow loads of up to 25 pounds per square foot. Unfortunately, clay roofs also need to be replaced every 20-30 years due to their propensity for water leakage.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are an affordable and lightweight roofing material. They’re easy to install and don’t require a lot of maintenance. They also offer the best wind resistance among other types of roofs, withstanding up to 150 mph winds.
However, they require more frequent replacement than other materials due to their reduced lifespan. This means you may need to replace your asphalt shingle roof more often, which can be an expensive venture. Asphalt shingles are also susceptible to leaking because water can slide underneath the shingles during heavy rains.
If you’re in the Greater Northwest, we’d love to serve you! Our professional roofing contractors serve all of NW Oregon & SW Washington.
