Best Roof Types for Homes in Portland
Here in Portland, Oregon, it rains a lot. Lots of rain means lots of moisture, and lots of moisture can spell trouble for roofs. Luckily, we have tons of experience in roofing over here by the west coast, and we’ve put together a list of the best roof types for homes in the Pacific Northwest. If homeowners in Portland have leaks or other moisture-related issues with their roofs, they should contact a reputable roofing company to discuss repair or replacement options.
Moss Growth on Roofs
Other than leaks, moss growth is the biggest consequence of excess moisture on roofs. The climate in the Pacific Northwest is ideal for algae and moss. While algae and moss may look pretty, they hold excess moisture against the roof’s surface. Depending on the roof’s surface, this excess moisture causes complications such as cracking, fiber damage, or other deterioration. Don’t ignore moss issues on the roof. Moss, algae, and fungi can cause significant (and expensive) damage to the roof. Here are a few factors to consider when attempting to minimize moss growth on a home’s roof.
Shaded Areas
Shaded areas on the home’s roof grow more moss and algae than sunny areas because they stay wet longer. Ensure that all nearby tree branches are clear from the roof, as that also reduces the risk of structural damage from a fallen limb. Leaf litter and other debris from trees promote moss growth as well, so it’s just best to keep trees away from the roof.
Attic Ventilation
If the home has an attic, ensure that it ventilates properly. Poorly-ventilated attics add moisture to the roof which promotes moss growth. Consider contacting a roofing company to install a roof vent to improve the attic’s ventilation.
Maintenance
Roof maintenance should not be ignored in any climate, but ignoring regular maintenance can be a costly mistake for Portland, Oregon homeowners. Roofs should be cleaned periodically to clear them of debris and any accumulated growth of moss or algae. Do not attempt to clean the roof alone, as moss and algae can be quite slick. That do-it-yourself spirit should be saved for other, more manageable home improvement projects.
Roof Surface and Slope
The surface of the roof can contribute to how much moss or algae grows on it. Many roof materials are designed to resist moisture absorption, but moss and algae may grow anyway. Make sure to talk to the roofing contractor to determine the best type of roofing material for the home.
Steep-sloped roofs shed water easier than low slope or flat roofs. If homeowners in Portland have issues with their flat roofs, they should consider installing a steeper-sloped roof.
The Four Best Roof Materials for Portland, Oregon Homes
Roof materials have a significant effect on the amount of moisture the roof holds. Here are the four best roofing materials for the wet climate here in the Pacific Northwest.
1. Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles are an economically friendly option for a Portland home. However, make sure that any asphalt shingles installed are designed to be mold resistant. Asphalt shingles are porous by nature, and, as a result, hold moisture. Asphalt shingles have a bad reputation due to the old practice of sending any old asphalt roofs directly to the landfill. However, recent research suggests that mixing old asphalt shingles in with new asphalt mixes for roads improves roads! The use of asphalt shingles in road asphalt mix helps reduce the risk of the asphalt cracking or rutting.
Pros of Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles can withstand harsh weather, which makes them suitable for the instances of wind, snow, rain, and hail we see here in Oregon. Asphalt roofs are common, which means that it’s pretty easy to find materials when repairs are needed.
Cons of Asphalt Roofs
However, asphalt roofs also have a couple of downsides. First, they require more maintenance than other types of roofs. Secondly, they may not have as long of a warranty as other roofs. Most asphalt roof warranties are between 5 and 20 years.
2. Wood Roofs
Wood shingles are a popular choice in the Pacific Northwest. They fit well with the outdoorsy Portland aesthetic, but it’s critical to keep up with routine maintenance. However, make sure to review local ordinances before getting too attached to a wood roof. Wood roofs are not fire-resistant and some cities don’t allow their installation.
3. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are expensive, but they’re almost perfect for the Portland climate. Metal roofs reflect sunlight, so they keep the home cool in the summer. Metal roofs are slick, so they shed water easily and don’t allow for moss or algae growth. Also, metal roofs don’t require much maintenance and last as long as fifty years. Even further, metal roofs are recyclable, which makes them an environmentally-friendly option. If a metal roof is within the budget, it’s the best bet for a Portland home.
4. Reclaimed Slate Tile Roofs
Slate tile roofs are attractive, but they are expensive! Fortunately, finding reclaimed and repurposed roofing materials is easier today than it used to be. Reclaimed slate tile is a fire-resistant, attractive option for a Portland home. Slate roofs are heavy, however, so make sure to contact a professional roofer to ensure the structure can withstand it. Slate tile roofs can last a century, so the investment may be well worth it if the family plans on staying in the home for a while. Consider composite slate roofing if the slate tile isn’t in the budget. Composite slate is also lighter, but not as environmentally friendly as using reclaimed material.
How Can We Help?
Our professional Portland roofing contractors at Dr. Roof, Inc. have decades of combined experience. We understand how important a reliable roof is here in the Pacific Northwest, and we aim to keep your family safe and dry all year round. We can cover all of your roof maintenance needs, including repair, maintenance, and replacement. We also install roofs on new builds. We also understand the importance of a budget, and we carefully plan to ensure that we will get our projects done on time. Call today for a free estimate and superior customer service!