Composite roofing is a natural choice for most homeowners: It’s long-lasting and cost effective, and as a result, it makes up more than 90 percent of the market.

Composite roofing is available in many colors, and most products are covered under warranty for 20 years. And some roofing products are covered for as long as 30 years, further increasing their attractiveness.

Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value” report estimates the average cost of roof replacement with composite fiberglass asphalt shingles to be just under $19,000; That estimate includes a 25-year warranty and 30 squares of 235-pound shingles with new underlayment, galvanized drip edge and mill-finish aluminum flashing, as well as custom flashing for two skylights.

Not All Composite Roofing Products Are Equal

Composite shingles are well suited for a variety of roof pitches and are easy to install yourself. They work well with most any flashing and edging products and don’t require special accessories for roof edges, chimneys or vents. 

However, be sure to shop around before you buy. Each product has its pluses and minuses. Somecomposite shingles are sturdier than others, but are also heavier to lug around; others are lighter and carry a better fire rating, but don’t perform as well in cold weather. 

Compare warranties, too. While a warranty might have a long lifespan, that doesn’t mean the shingles themselves won’t fail long before the warranty expires. Conduct online searches to determine whether the products you’re considering have been the target of homeowner complaints or dissatisfaction.

Like any other home modifications, roof replacement is an investment with numerous upfront and back-end costs. Besides the obvious cash that you must shell out, you must also consider the time and labor required (yes, these are costs). If you want to earn the highest possible return on this investment, you must factor in all three aspects of roof replacement prior to making any commitments.

Roof Replacement Material
Probably the single greatest expense is the actual material used. Typically, asphalt is the most affordable roofing material, costing anywhere from $50 to $150 per 100 square feet. Next up are metal, wood or concrete tiles (starting at $100 per 100 square feet). And at the upper end are ceramic, clay, and slate tiles that can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 per square 100 feet.

Roof Replacement Labor
Although replacing your roof on your own is probably the cheapest alternative monetarily, a professional contractor can save you energy and time; both of which have economic value. Unless you are extremely competent in roof replacement techniques, consider hiring someone else to do the job. It is important that you research contractors and ask for written estimates upfront, but the benefits of outsourcing the labor usually outweigh the financial costs of paying professional fees. Understand, however, that if existing tiles must be removed before new tiles can be installed, this will add to the overall cost, regardless of who handles the installation.

Durable Roof Replacement
As mentioned before, there are backend costs associated with roof replacement. Will your roof last for ten years? Twenty? Fifty? Obviously, the better the materials and craftsmanship, the less often you will have to pay for roof replacement. So even though a professional contractor installing slate shingles might be more expensive than if you installed your own asphalt shingles, you must factor in the lifetime value of any renovations.

Quality roofing is important no matter where you live, but in the Pacific NorthWest, the style and quality of your roofing material is especially important given the heavy precipitation and moisture from roofing in Oregon up through British Columbia. Because frequent roof repair and internal water damage can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, it pays to do research upfront to avoid any unexpected financial outlays on the backend.

Cedar and Redwood Shake Are Still Popular in the Pacific NorthWest
Cedar and redwood are two of the most common roofing materials in this region for a variety of reasons. Both types of wood are relatively abundant (owing to the numerous forests in the area), attractive, and durable, with some roofs lasting as long as fifty years. However, even with water-resistant treatment, these roofing materials are prone to rotting, moss, and algae, making maintenance and upkeep time-consuming and costly. Any homeowner interested in cedar or redwood shake must weigh the benefits of a rustic, natural-looking roof against the time and energy necessary to maintain that look.

Composite Roofing Materials in the Pacific NorthWest
Thanks to recent advances in synthetic roofing materials, composite roofing is actually more popular than organic shake. Designer shingles offer the look and feel of wood, ceramic, slate, and metal, but at a fraction of the cost. In addition, composite shingles offer a roof in Washington to BC additional protection since the material tends to be waterproof, heat resistant, and extra durable. However, again, homeowners must weigh the costs and benefits of composite materials. Future buyers often expect their roofs to have a natural, wood finish. If you plan on selling your home in the next several years, it is possible that a cedar roof can fetch you a higher price. On the other hand, if you intend to live in the same house for many years to come, composite roofing materials might be a better option.