Preparing Your Patio for Summer: Essential Tips and Tricks

Roof shingles are the best choice for your new roof if you want an affordable option that offers a classic look and straightforward installation. They also provide a wide range of styles and colors, making it easier to match your home's design. According to the Lumber and Building Material Journal, out of all roofing materials used in the US, asphalt shingles account for 75% . This number indicates the extent to which homeowners trust shingles for both value and performance. You want a roof that not only shields your home but also adds curb appeal. Keep reading to learn why shingles are the right choice for your next roof project. Advantages of Roof Shingles Roof shingles offer practical benefits that make them a strong option for many homeowners. The following are the main advantages: Affordable One of the key benefits of new roofing is finding a material that balances cost and performance, and shingles do that well. They are less expensive than metal, tile, or slate, and installation is faster , which lowers labor costs. So, you can replace your roof without a substantial financial hit. Repairs are also budget-friendly since you can fix small sections instead of replacing the entire roof. Noise Reduction A new roof with shingles can make your home noticeably quieter. The layered design helps soften the sound of rain, which is common in Seattle and Tacoma. It also reduces outside noise from traffic or nearby activity. The extra peace indoors is a real benefit, especially when you're looking to relax or focus on something. Versatile Shingles are versatile, which makes them easy to fit into many home improvement ideas. They come in a wide range of options , giving you freedom to choose what works best for your home. You can pick from: Different colors Various shapes Textures that mimic wood or slate Such flexibility means your roof can protect your home while matching your style. Energy Efficient Most roof shingles are built to reflect sunlight , which helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Others are made with better insulation , reducing heat loss during colder months. Both features lower the strain on your heating and cooling systems. Over time, you get smaller utility bills and a more comfortable home. Choosing energy-efficient shingles is a smart way to save money long term. Disadvantages of Roof Shingles While shingles offer many strengths, they also come with certain drawbacks that homeowners should weigh carefully. Here are some disadvantages to consider: Limited Longevity In roof types comparison involving durability, shingles usually trail other options. Most shingles need replacement after 15 to 30 years . Other options last longer, including: Metal roofs last 40 to 50 years Tile roofs last 50 years or more Slate roofs last 75 to 100 years Choosing shingles means planning for another roof sooner compared to other materials. Weather Vulnerability Shingles are more likely to suffer damage during severe weather. Heavy rain, strong winds, and hail often loosen or crack them . In the Puget Sound region, strong windstorms can lift or tear shingles. Once water gets through, it can spread into the structure of your home. If those problems aren't fixed early, your roof replacement cost rises because minor repairs turn into major work. How Many Layers of Shingles on a New Roof? Most homes should only have one layer of shingles . Adding a second layer is sometimes allowed, but it often hides damage underneath and adds extra weight to your roof. In wet areas like Puget Sound, trapped moisture between layers can speed up rot and shorten the life of your roof. One of the best roof installation tips is to strip old shingles before adding new ones. Which Are the Longest-Lasting Shingles for a Roof? If you want a new roof that lasts, not all shingles perform the same. Asphalt shingles are the most common, but they usually last 15 to 30 years. Cedar shingles can last longer, often 30 to 40 years. However, they need regular maintenance in wet climates to prevent moss and rot. Metal and slate shingles stand out for durability , often protecting a home for 50 years or more when installed correctly. Choosing Shingles for Your New Roof Shingles remain a trusted option because they are affordable, reduce outside noise, offer design flexibility, and improve energy efficiency. On the other hand, they have a shorter lifespan than some materials and are more vulnerable in severe weather. Knowing these trade-offs helps you decide if shingles are the right choice for your new roof . At Tristate Roofing, we've been serving the community with trusted roofing solutions since 2004. Our A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau reflects proven trust and quality. Call us today to schedule your roofing project with confidence. FAQs About Roof Shingles How Can You Extend the Lifespan of Roof Shingles? You can extend the life of your shingles with regular upkeep. Keep the surface clear of moss, leaves, and other debris, since buildup traps moisture and weakens the material. Schedule inspections so minor issues are fixed before they spread. Clean gutters often to make sure water drains away from your roof. If you're planning on getting a new roof, choose quality shingles and professional installation. Both add years of reliable protection. Do Roof Shingles Tear Easily? Yes, some roof shingles can tear easily, especially when they are older or made from thinner materials. Asphalt shingles are the most prone to ripping in high winds or when they become brittle with age. Heavier options, like architectural shingles or slate, are much stronger and resist tearing. Damage also happens if people walk on a worn roof. Regular inspections and quick repairs help reduce the risk of shingles tearing. Choosing higher-quality shingles at the start also lowers the chance of early damage. What Is the Long-Term Problem With Shingles? The biggest long-term problem with shingles is that they wear out faster than many other roofing materials. Over time, exposure to sun, rain, and wind causes them to crack, curl, or lose protective granules. Once that happens, water can seep underneath and damage the roof deck. Repairs may keep things going for a while, but eventually the entire roof needs replacement. For homeowners, this means shingles often bring higher lifetime costs compared to longer-lasting materials like metal or slate.

Metal roofs engineered with reflective properties slash summer cooling needs by as much as 27% for homes with air conditioning, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Your current roof could be costing you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy every year. The benefits of a metal roof extend far beyond energy savings, offering advantages that other roofing materials cannot match. From durability and aesthetics to fire resistance and sustainability, metal roofs have it all. Let's explore the compelling advantages that make metal roofing a smart investment for your property. Aesthetic Appeal Metal roofs can mimic other styles, allowing you to enjoy their appeal in addition to metal's longevity. Some of the aesthetic roofing options that metal roofs can mimic include: Traditional shingles Tile Slate You also get to choose from a wide range of colors and finishes when installing a metal roof . With such diversity, you can adapt metal roofs to suit any home style. Metal roofs keep their good looks for decades. The paint won't fade or chalk like it does on other materials. With such aesthetic benefits, metal roofs are bound to increase your property's value. Energy Efficiency Metal roofs keep your home cooler and slash your energy bills. These roofs reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it like regular shingles. Your air conditioner runs less during hot summer days, which means lower electric bills. Energy-efficient roofing saves you hundreds of dollars each year on cooling costs. Once the sun goes down, metal roofs cool down fast. So, your air conditioner doesn't work as hard to keep you comfortable through those warm summer nights. Metal roofs designed to be cool roofs feature special reflective coatings that maximize energy savings. These coatings reflect up to 90% of the sun's rays , according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Cool roofs also qualify for energy tax credits in many areas, providing additional savings beyond reduced utility bills. Fire Resistance Metal roofs provide excellent protection against fires. They earn the highest fire safety rating available, Class A, and won't catch fire from sparks or embers. Fire protection is crucial in Washington state, where wildfire seasons grow longer and more dangerous each year. Flying embers can travel for miles, but they won't ignite a metal roof. Among the many metal roof advantages is lower insurance costs due to the reduced fire risk. Insurance companies often give discounts to homeowners with metal roofs. Your family stays safer, and you save money on insurance premiums year after year. Durability Metal roofs outlast other roofing materials by decades. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reports that metal roofing can provide up to five decades of reliable service or longer. Durable roofing materials like steel and aluminum don't crack, shrink, or break down like shingles do. You might only need one roof for your entire time in your home. Metal roof longevity comes from how well the material handles weather changes. Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes without breaking. Such flexibility prevents the damage that destroys other roofing materials over time. Environmentally-Friendly Metal roofing helps protect the environment in several ways. Most metal roofs contain recycled materials , and you can recycle them again when they're eventually replaced . Sustainable roofing materials like metal don't create the landfill waste that comes from replacing roofs many times. Reflective metal roofs also help reduce energy use across entire neighborhoods. When many homes have reflective cool roofs, it keeps the whole area cooler. In such places, there is reduced need for air conditioning and less strain on power plants. As a result, there is less pollution from electricity generation. Low Maintenance Metal roofs need very little upkeep. You won't deal with missing shingles, moss growth, or constant repairs. Low-maintenance roofing means more time for family activities and less money spent on roof fixes. The main maintenance tasks you have to perform include: Clean gutters twice a year to remove leaves and debris Check around vents and chimneys for loose seals Rinse the roof occasionally to remove dirt buildup One of the main benefits of a metal roof is easy care that any homeowner can handle. If you face a challenge, roofing contractors are always available for repairs. Weather Resistance Metal roofs stand up to extreme weather that destroys other materials. They can handle winds over 140 mph without damage . Hail that dents cars and breaks shingles typically won't hurt a quality metal roof. Heavy snow slides off easily instead of building up and causing problems. Metal home roofing solutions work well in Washington's unpredictable climate. You won't worry about storm damage or expensive repairs after severe weather hits your area. Lightweight Design Metal roofs weigh much less than heavy materials like tile or slate. The lighter weight puts less stress on your home's structure. Older homes that need roof replacement benefit more because you don't need more structural reinforcement on an aged structure before metal roof installation. The lightweight design also makes installation faster and easier. Contractors can quickly install metal roofing over your existing shingles, which saves time and money. Besides, you get immediate protection without the mess and cost of tearing off old roofing materials. Mold and Mildew Resistance Metal roofs don't support mold or mildew growth like organic roofing materials do. Mold spores can cause serious health problems, including: Breathing issues Allergies Respiratory infections Traditional shingles trap moisture that creates perfect conditions for dangerous mold growth above your family's living space. Metal surfaces stay dry and don't provide the organic material that mold needs to survive. The benefits of a metal roof include protecting your family's health. You'll breathe easier knowing harmful spores aren't developing overhead and entering your home's air system. Take Advantage of the Benefits of a Metal Roof Metal roofing delivers energy savings, decades of durability, and consistent protection from fires and extreme weather. These roofs require minimal maintenance while enhancing your home's appearance and value. The benefits of a metal roof make it a smart, long-term investment for any homeowner. At Tristate Roofing, we're a family-owned company that's been providing homes with durable metal roofs for almost two decades. We provide warranties and customized roofing designs that meet your specific needs. Contact us today to transform your home with a metal roof that protects your family for generations.

Explore top flat roofing materials for your building. Discover durable options with expert guidance, and get your dream home in no time.

According to Insurance Business, the cost of roof repairs and replacements in the U.S. reached almost $31 billion in 2024. This highlights how common and costly this essential home improvement project has become, especially in Tacoma. But cost isn't the only thing you should think about. Time matters just as much. Knowing how long your roof replacement will take helps you plan better. It also lets you prepare your home, set clear expectations, and avoid surprises. So, how long does it take to replace a roof in Tacoma? The timeframe isn't fixed and can change depending on your situation. Keep reading to discover how long a roof replacement really takes, what can affect it, and how to make it smooth. Average Roof Replacement Timeline For most homes, roof replacement takes about 1 to 3 days. If you have a small, single-story home with a simple roof, it could be done in just one day. Larger homes or roofs with complex shapes, multiple levels, or added features like skylights may take closer to 2 or 3 days. However, this is just on average, as other factors can extend the timeline further. Roofing Replacement Time Factors Even with a solid timeline in place, certain factors can speed up or delay your roof replacement. Some common factors include: Roofing Material Not all roofing materials install at the same pace. Asphalt shingles are quicker to install, while materials like tile or slate take longer. They may also require specialized installation techniques, which can add extra time to the project. Weather Conditions Weather plays a major role in scheduling. Roofing crews need dry, stable weather to work safely and efficiently. Rain, snow, or strong winds can cause unavoidable delays. Structural Issues Sometimes, once the old roof is off, your crew might find rotting wood or structural issues underneath. Fixing those will add time. However, it's necessary to keep your new roof solid. Permits and Inspections Depending on your location, you might need permits or a post-install inspection. It's not always a big deal, but it can cause short delays. A good contractor will plan for this ahead of time. Contractor Availability and Preparation Your roofing contractor's schedule can affect the start and progress of your project. If the crew is booked or understaffed, it might delay your roof replacement. Preparation also matters. Having all materials on-site and a clear plan helps keep things running smoothly and on time. At Tristate Roofing, we respect your time and schedule. Our team shows up on time, stays organized, and ensures all materials are ready before the work begins. Let us handle the details so your roof replacement stays on track and stress-free. Key Phases of a Roof Replacement Project Understanding the main phases of a roof replacement can help you stay prepared and avoid surprises. Here's a simple breakdown of what to expect and the timelines of each stage: Initial Inspection & Estimate (1-3 days) Your roofing project starts with a professional inspection. The contractor checks your roof's condition and gives you an estimate. This step usually takes a few days, depending on their availability. Scheduling With a Roofing Replacement Company Once you accept the estimate, your job gets added to the contractor's schedule. During busy seasons, there may be a wait before work begins. Planning & Permits (1-2 weeks) Most cities require permits for roof replacements. Your contractor should handle the paperwork, but it can take up to two weeks, depending on local regulations. Material Ordering & Delivery (1-7 days) The materials you choose affect how soon work can begin. Common shingles are usually in stock, while specialty materials may take longer to arrive. Tear-Off (0.5-1 day) The crew removes old roofing layers. This goes quickly if there's only one layer but takes longer if multiple layers need removal. Installation (1-2 days) Efficient roof installation techniques keep this stage moving fast. Skilled crews can usually complete most residential roofs within one or two days. Cleanup & Final Inspection (1 day) The crew clears all debris, nails, and leftover materials from your yard. They also check the entire roof to ensure that they have sealed and secured everything. This final step ensures that your home is protected and that the job is complete. How to Ensure an Efficient Roof Replacement Efficient roof replacement starts with proper planning and preparation. The following steps can help you avoid common delays and keep your project running smoothly: Choose the Right Contractor Hire a reputable roofing replacement company with proven experience. A reliable team ensures the work is done quickly and correctly. Prep the Site Move vehicles, clear outdoor spaces, and protect attic items. This allows the crew to work without unnecessary interruptions. Watch the Weather Schedule your project during a dry season. Poor weather conditions can delay even the best-prepared roofing job. Confirm Material Delivery Ensure all roofing materials arrive before the scheduled start date. Missing supplies can disrupt even the most efficient roof installation. Plan Ahead Maintain clear communication with your contractor. A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding last-minute surprises. Benefits of a Timely Roof Replacement Replacing your roof isn't just about fixing damage. It comes with long-term rewards, such as: Better insulation Improved curb appeal Fewer maintenance issues Strong protection Waiting too long can result in more costly repairs. A well-timed replacement gives you security, comfort, and confidence in your investment. At Tristate Roofing, we help you enjoy all the benefits of a timely roof replacement. We stick to the schedule, use top-quality materials, and ensure every step is done right. How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof? Take Control of Your Roofing Project in Tacoma How long does it take to replace a roof? Understanding the timeline and working with a reputable contractor can help you avoid delays and unexpected costs. Tristate Roofing has proudly served Washington homeowners for years with expert roof replacement and exterior remodeling. Led by President John Holum, our family-owned company delivers top-quality work on time, backed by elite certifications like GAF Master Elite and IKO RoofPRO for long-lasting peace of mind. Our fully trained, in-house team offers personalized roofing solutions with honest communication every step of the way. Contact us for timely, reliable roofing excellence.

As the summer heat intensifies, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a priority. At Tristate Roofing, we proudly partner with Pella Windows to offer energy-efficient window solutions that provide comfort, reduce energy costs, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Here’s why Pella windows are the perfect upgrade for your home this summer.

October is here, and so are the fantastic fall events! From family-friendly trunk-or-treats to spooky Halloween parades, Tristate Roofing is excited to be part of these upcoming community events. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening this month—don’t miss out on the fun, deals, and seasonal festivities!

This August, Tristate Roofing is excited to be part of two incredible community events—the Southwest Washington Fair and the Clallam County Fair. If you're looking to upgrade your home or learn more about top-tier roofing and exterior services, these fairs are the perfect opportunity to meet our team and explore our offerings.

The summer season is in full swing, and we at Tristate Roofing are excited to be part of two fantastic local events: the Thurston County Fair and the Grays Harbor County Fair!  These fairs are perfect opportunities to explore what makes our community great while learning how we can help improve your home.

As the summer heat intensifies, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a priority. At Tristate Roofing, we proudly partner with Pella Windows to offer energy-efficient window solutions that provide comfort, reduce energy costs, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Here’s why Pella windows are the perfect upgrade for your home this summer.