Roofing

Living in the diverse climate of the Pacific Northwest makes choosing the right roof for the job all the more important. Your roof will protect you from the weather, insulate your home, and can even provide you with renewable energy. On top of that, you will need to decide on the type of material you will use for the roof and its environmental impact. If you aren’t planning on doing your own roofing, make sure to check out the contractors tab for some information on what to look for in a professional. Before making a decision, make sure you’ve done your homework and understand the effects your roof will have. The bottom layer, or sheathing, is usually made of a wood or wood composite. If you go with a fully wood sheathing make sure that the wood comes from a sustainably managed forest. Another option is to look into a paper fiber or alternative sheathing, which can come from 100% recycled materials. After the sheathing, choosing the right tiling or shingling can have a large environmental impact. These must be durable, and should be guaranteed for at least 30 or 40 years. Durability is the primary concern, but the more recycled content in your shingles and roofing materials, the better. Finally, for the roofer looking to go above and beyond, turn your roof into more than just the top of the building. Rooftop gardens add green space to your garden, take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and increase beauty. If you have a garden or green space on the ground, install a rainwater collection system to reduce water waste. Solar power is also becoming a more and more realistic option as the technology improves. Puget Sound Energy currently offers rebates for residents installing solar panels, though the initial cost is still significant and the system would take at least a decade to return the investment.