Which Roofing Materials are Best for Western U.S. Roofs?

By Quarrix. 

How to decide which roof materials can handle the heat and moisture the Western U.S. faces. 

The Western United States has a lot to offer for those who like the outdoors. You can spend the day at the warm beach or go for a lovely hike in the dewy mountains. But the always-changing weather patterns in these areas create challenges for homeowners’ roofs. If you live in the West and are starting a roofing project, it can be difficult to understand which materials are best equipped to handle these frequently changing weather patterns. Here’s what Quarrix recommends when deciding on materials: 

Roofing for any weather 

The Western United States is home to several microclimates that together make up the region’s diverse environment. In the Pacific Northwest, the seemingly ever-present rain means a lot of moisture in the air. If your roof isn’t ventilated properly, this can lead to issues with mold, rotting attic beams or damaged shingles. And if you live in an area that sees summer temperatures climb into the triple digits, this extreme heat is an even bigger concern. That’s because just like excess moisture, excessive heat can get trapped in your attic if it’s not properly ventilated, causing problems with your roof and making it much more difficult to cool your home. And if you live in more mountainous areas, driving snow can creep into poorly designed vents, causing water damage and other problems. 

In talking about serious weather events in the Western U.S., we also have to mention wildfires which are unfortunately becoming increasingly common, especially in California. State and local municipalities place strict building codes on roofs and require the use of a Class A building system in some areas. This means using materials that won’t transfer fire down and into your attic if they start burning up above. 

Ventilation that’s just as versatile 

With so many factors that can impact roofs in the Western U.S., homeowners and contractors have a lot to consider. Thankfully, when it comes to finding the right ventilation product to withstand the western climate, look no further than Quarrix StormStop Ridge Vent. Within the ridge vent is a weather blocker membrane designed to ensure you’re protected from driving snow, rain and excess heat. This system is the most tested and certified ridge vent on the market and it can create the balanced ventilation system you need to keep your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer and free of costly problems.

To assist in meeting Class A building codes, we developed a simple installation guide your contractor can follow when installing Quarrix StormStop Ridge Vent. This means builders and homeowners can stay both compliant and protected when working in areas prone to wildfires.

Builders tend to favor traditional asphalt shingles in the northern part of the region, while homeowners in parts of California are more likely to use wooden shakes, concrete or clay tiles. Thankfully, Quarrix StormStop Ridge Vent works with all of these products, so you get the ventilation you need while achieving the curb appeal you really want. In a region with such diverse conditions, it’s important to have a ventilation product that’s just as flexible. 

Looking for roofing materials outside of the West? Check out our blog posts on roofing materials for other regions of the U.S., including the Northeast, Southwest, Southeast and Midwest.

Have a question? AskARoofer.

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

Original article source: Quarrix