Life in the Western United States is all about outdoor living. From hiking in the mountains to spending time at the beach, you can truly do it all out West. But here’s the challenge: those same weather and environmental conditions that make life so enjoyable can also take a toll on your roof. That’s why it’s important to use the proper materials when taking on a roofing project in the Western states. To help you get back to enjoying everything your area has to offer, here’s a guide to roofing materials in the Western U.S.
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 StormStop 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 Rigid Roll. 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 Rigid Roll 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 infographic on regional roofing threats or our blog posts on roofing materials for other regions of the U.S., including the Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, and Midwest. Then contact Quarrix to find the right materials for your next project.