Whether you’re a homeowner looking to replace your home’s roof or you’re planning a new build in Vancouver, WA, you have a lot to decisisions to make. Any building’s roof is crucial for health, safety, and structural integrity. The choices homeowners make about their roof will affect their life for decades to come (or at least until you sell your property.) However, when in doubt, contact a local roofing professional such as the contractors at Elite Home Exteriors Northwest here in Vancouver, Washington.
We’ve provided a guide on the different roof types and their advantages and disadvantages in a Pacific Northwestern climate.
Flat Roofs
Generally speaking, flat roofs aren’t suitable for the Pacific Northwest due to the amount of rainfall each year. However, a properly installed and constructed flat roof may be the best choice for some commercial buildings in the area. Keep in mind, though, that a flat roof may work well for your home and last for years depending on its design, installation, and construction.
Flat roofs aren’t actually flat. They have a slight pitch to allow for water drainage. If your roofer knows what they’re doing, your flat roof should drain water well without any pooling. Here’s a look at a couple of the advantages and disadvantages of flat roofs here in Portland.
Advantages of Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are great for industrial and commercial buildings because their increased surface areas allow for extra storage space and the installation of HVAC units. Flat roofs also provide residential structures sucha s modern homes with an edgy look. Additionally, flat roofs offer homes an additional outdoor living space for a patio or a garden. Flat roofs require less money up front when compared to pitched roofs due to less building materials required.
Disadvantages of Flat Roofs
Flat roofs tend to have issues with water leakage due to their low pitch. Flat roofs work best when they’re constructed with a seamless material such as PVC, TPO, and rubber membranes. While flat roofs tend to cost less upfront, their lifetime costs are more than other types of roofs’ lifetime costs due to ongoing maintenance and potential issues that may arise. This fact is especially true in high rainfall areas such as here in Portland.
Pitched Roofs
Pitched roofs are generally better for the PNW climate, but an experienced roofer can give you the roof of your dreams, no matter the design! Call Elite Home Exteriors NW today!
Advantages of Pitched Roofs
Pitched roofs drain water well, which is great for the rainy Pacific Northwest. The pitch of the roof also prevents water and other debris from hitting the home’s siding. Pitched roofs tend to be more durable than low-pitch or flat roofs, which decreases their lifetime cost due to lower maintenance costs.
Disadvantages of Pitched Roofs
Pitched roofs cost more at installation due to an increase in materials needed. Pitched roofs don’t work well for tall buildings or elaborate building plans, as pitched roofs don’t lend themselves well to some architectural designs.
When trying to decide on the type of roof for your home or commercial property, it’s best to go straight to the experts. After getting advice about the kind of roof that’s best for your home, make sure you ask some of these questions as well to ensure you have the right roofing company for the job.
Are You Licensed?
Ensure that your roofer is licensed, and that license is up to date before allowing them to do any work on your home.
Do You Have Worker’s Compensation Insurance?
The law requires roofing companies to have workman’s comp insurance, but it’s good to make sure anyway. For example, if a worker gets hurt on your property, you may be held liable for the medical expenses. Avoid that by being prepared beforehand.
Can You Direct Me Toward Past Customer Reviews?
It’s a great idea to read past customer reviews when choosing a roofing company. Look out for reviews that indicate poor workmanship, unprofessionalism, and other problems.
Do You Have Any Roofing Jobs In Progress?
This question is great because you can take a look at the roofing company on the job. Keep a lookout for proper safety measures and professional workers.
With years of experience providing Vancouver, WA with the most comprehensive exterior services, including siding installation and roofing repairs, it’s no question why Elite Home Exteriors NW is your top choice for all your home’s exterior needs. We use only high-quality materials and hire the most experienced and skilled contractors for all of our projects. Here at Elite Home Exteriors NW, we have a reputation for giving our customers top-notch service. If you need help with a roof replacement or roof repair, call the experts today and set up a consultation!