Top 5 New Roof Types to Install in the Pacific Northwest

Updated 05/2024.

When your roof is doing its job, it’s easy to take it for granted. But if it is damaged during a storm or degrades over time, you’re faced with the cost of repairing or replacing it. It can be hard knowing where to begin. Should you go with recycled materials or consider another type of roof?

A new roof is a common upgrade for those wanting to sell because it adds value to the home. A fresh roof with clean lines and gutters can dramatically increase curb appeal for homes that are worn down or potentially scary-looking to a homebuyer. Also, most lenders require a roof that does not leak and is in reasonable shape before funding a homebuyer’s loan.

As a bonus, we also include a few of the latest cutting-edge roofing solutions growing in popularity. We will likely see more of them on homes in the future!

What Makes Pacific Northwest Roofs Unique?

The Pacific Northwest has several climate considerations worth factoring in when choosing a roofing material. Ongoing moisture from frequent rain means you benefit from a material that can withstand mold and mildew. The material should also accommodate the heavy weight of snow and gusty winds.

Not all options are created equal. If any of the materials listed below are more suitable for your area’s weather conditions, you will benefit from lower roof costs and less maintenance.

Factors that Figure Into Roofing Costs

When reviewing the costs per square foot, remember that pricing will vary depending on the type and complexity of your roof and the kind of material. Each roofing material also has its own market value that rises and falls over time.

Labor can make up as much as 60% of the total, so you will benefit from getting multiple bids when hiring a company to do the work. Labor costs are also seasonal; they rise in the spring and summer months when roofing companies are booked out in advance. Even though installing a new roof in the fall or winter rainy season costs less, it is often impossible or at least risky. Lean on professional advice and direction; always obtain multiple bids before choosing a roofing contractor.

Now, let’s take a look at the top 5 materials worth considering for new roofs in the Pacific Northwest.

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofs in the Pacific Northwest

Asphalt (aka three-tab) is the most common type of roofing around Portland. It is the baseline standard most everyone is familiar with and is very effective in many scenarios and settings.

Asphalt Roofing Cost

Asphalt shingles cost from $2.50 to $4 per square foot when professionally installed. Note that a quarter or third of the price is labor, which is lower than other materials but makes sense because of the ease of installation.

Asphalt Roof Pros

The least expensive type of roofing
Easy to source and install
More recyclable now than in the past
Effective in standing up to the elements
Comes in a variety of colors and styles
Individual shingles can be replaced

Asphalt Roof Cons

High winds can cause damage
The porous surface holds moisture
Can mildew easily (especially in the PNW climate)
Not the most energy-efficient
Not the most durable
Some still made from petroleum products
Shorter life span of 15-30 years
Shorter warranties ranging from 5 to 20 years

2. Metal Roofs in the Pacific Northwest

Love the sound of rain pattering overhead? A metal roof might be for you. While this roofing material is an investment, there are plenty of reasons to consider it. The most common metal roofing material found in Portland is zinc-coated steel. Metal is a common choice in the PNW, where there is heavy snowfall or tall trees hanging over the top of the roof.

Metal Roofing Cost

Metal is a high-end option that costs anywhere from $89 to $18 per square foot. Pricing varies based on where you buy and the type of materials you use. Prices range from lowest to highest are steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper.

Metal Roof Pros

An ideal material for Portland’s climate
Durable, resistant to climate conditions
Keeps homes cool in summer, making them energy-efficient
Durable option for huge PNW trees that hang over the roof, dropping heavy limbs and debris
Works well at shedding water
Limits moss and algae growth
Stylish, many attractive options are available
Steel comes in galvanized, weathering, and galvalume
More environmentally friendly than asphalt
Copper is extremely long-lasting and has a low melting temperature
Zinc is extremely long-lasting and resistant to corrosion
Aluminum is long-lasting and resistant to corrosion
Metal roofs are recyclable
Metal roofs often last 40 to 70 years.

Metal Roof Cons

Can be more expensive than other types of roofing
Copper can develop a patina
Can dent easily, leading to leaks
Can be too noisy for some

3. Tile Roofs in the Pacific Northwest: Clay, Concrete, or Slate

Tile roofs can make an aesthetic statement and come in clay, concrete, and slate. These tiles come curved, flat, fluted, or interlocking. In Portland, you’ll see primarily concrete tile roofs with clay here and there.

Slate is the least common because of its high cost, but it lasts up to 100 years, making it a smart choice if you live in the home for a long time. Reclaimed materials are relatively easy to find. An alternative to natural slate is composite slate. The tiles are cheaper and lighter.

Clay, Concrete, or Slate Tile Cost

In terms of pricing, concrete comes in at $8 to $20 per square foot. Clay is second at $10 to $15 per square foot. Slate leads the pack at $22-$43 per square foot. The high range for slate is due to the type of slate used. Natural slate is the most expensive, while hybrid and synthetic slate costs less.

Clay, Concrete, or Slate Tile Pros

Attractive, earthy appearance
Resistant to fire, water, mold, and fungus
Environmentally friendly
Reclaimed tiles are relatively easy to find
Long life expectancy, often 50 to 100 years or more

Clay, Concrete, or Slate Tile Cons

Heavy! Roof tiles can crack homes and foundations not designed for them (I’ve seen it)
More expensive materials and installation, maintenance, and repair
Many have poor installation (be sure to hire a professional)
Can easily break (HVAC and other workers can break tiles while walking on the roof)
Tiles come in lots that are hard to match later if a few get broken

5. Cedar Shake Shingle Roofs in the Pacific Northwest

Beautiful and earthy, wood shake shingles are made from cedar and add a pleasing aesthetic to your home’s curb appeal. However, they have notable downsides that have led some Oregon cities to limit their usage.

Cedar Roof Cost

A cedar roof will cost you somewhere between $10 to $14 per square foot. Remember that cedar and other wood styles require more frequent maintenance and repairs than other materials on this list.

Cedar Roof Pros

Beautiful, natural appearance that fits well with Oregon’s home designs and nature
Easier to install yourself than some other materials
Long life span, 30 to 50 years or more
Energy-efficient
Environmentally friendly

Cedar Roof Cons

Costly to install and maintain
High maintenance is required to prevent leaks and damage
Deteriorate quickly
Require additional insect- and mold-resistant treatments
They are prone to fire, so some cities don’t allow them.

New Advancements in Roofing

The five roofing options listed above are the most popular. Still, newer roofing options are growing in popularity thanks to the functionality and sustainability of properties. They work as eco solutions and still hold up to the climate of the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a look at these newer solutions:

Solar tiles: These tiles resemble existing tile materials but have the added benefit of generating clean energy for your home. Tesla makes a version at around $63 per square foot.

Green roofs: These are made of vegetation that offers excellent insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and adds to local urban biodiversity. They are truly a “green” option. They cost between $10 and $25 per square foot. To reduce maintenance, opt for an “extensive” green roof. It is self-sustaining and lightweight.

Cool Roofs: These roofs come in materials listed in our top 5 or resemble them closely. They are also green. They reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs, keeping energy bills down. They can be done as tiles resembling the abovementioned materials or as protective coatings on existing roofs (for instance, flat roofs). Shingles can be expensive (as high as $60 per square foot), but coatings can be as low as $0.75 to $3.00.

Thinking of Replacing Your Roof Before Selling a Home?

It can be a big help to talk with an experienced, licensed real estate agent to get advice about how much value a new roof will add to your home and whether it is necessary to replace a roof before going on the real estate market. Call us today at 503-714-1111 or chat with the bot on our site. Our top 1% seller’s agents look forward to talking with you!