The right roofing material for your home depends on your roof design, slope, budget, desired appearance, expected lifespan, and the conditions your roof needs to withstand. Different roofing systems are designed for different applications, so the best option isn’t necessarily the same for every home.

For most residential roofing projects, the primary options include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and TPO or other low-slope roofing systems. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for traditionally sloped residential roofs and are available in different levels of quality, appearance, and performance. Metal roofing offers a longer expected service life and can provide a distinctive look, while TPO is commonly used on low-slope or flat sections where shingles aren’t an appropriate option.

Western Washington’s climate is another important consideration. Frequent rainfall, prolonged moisture, wind, moss and algae growth, and seasonal temperature changes can all affect how a roofing system performs over time. Proper material selection, drainage, ventilation, flashing, and installation are particularly important for helping protect a home in our wet climate.

Your roof may also require more than one type of roofing system. For example, a home may have asphalt shingles on its primary pitched roof and TPO on a low-slope addition. Metal components may also be incorporated around areas such as valleys, walls, chimneys, skylights, and other roof penetrations.

The visible roofing material is only one part of a complete roofing system. Underlayment, ice and water protection, flashing, ventilation, drainage, and proper installation all play an important role in how well your roof performs and how long it lasts.

Your ROOF BOSS estimator can evaluate your home’s roof and help you understand which roofing systems are appropriate for your particular home. We’ll explain the differences in cost, appearance, performance, maintenance, and expected lifespan so you can make an informed decision about your new roof.