Alternative Roofing Options in Portland OR

Roofing and roof repair in Portland has expanded beyond asphalt, clay tile and slate roofing. Homeowners now have a variety of alternatives for roofing in Portland OR, many of which enhance the beauty of the home and increase energy efficiency. Have a look at a few options your Portland roofing contractor can offer for your roof.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair Portland OR — Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is a mixture of wood fiber and cement. The tiles weigh much less than real cement or slate tiles and the wood fiber is often recycled. With Fiber Cement roofing materials, you can enhance the aesthetic quality of your home, reinforce the structure and appeal to the environment at the same time.

Alternative Roofing Portland OR — Living Roofs

A living roof, or green roof, is an eco-friendly structure in which the roof is covered in soil and vegetation. Living roof systems are an excellent choice for those who want to increase home insulation, help decrease the Urban Heat Island effect and add unique beauty to their homes.

Living roof systems can range from extensive to intensive. The former is the most basic type of living roof, while the latter allows homeowners to literally create a rooftop garden. Ask your roofing contractor in Portland which type of green roof system will work for your home.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Foam Roof

Another eco friendly alternative that also helps lower the Urban Heat Island effect is the foam roof. Foam roofs are waterproof and provide extraordinary insulation, which leads to better energy efficiency of the home. Foam roofs typically last over a decade, after which, you can have your Portland roofing contractor install another layer.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Imitation Slate

Imitation slate is an affordable alternative to real slate, which can cost several hundred dollars per square. Imitation slate also weighs less and is more versatile, suitable for various forms of roofing in Portland OR.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Flex Shake

Flex shake is a fairly new alternative roofing material, comprised of rubber shake made from recycled radial tires and steel belts. Flex shake roofing material is highly durable and provides solid protection against weather extremes in Portland.

The key with choosing the appropriate material for roofing in Portland OR is to highlight functionality. Contact a qualified roofing contractor in Oregon for a home inspection and expert advice on which type of roof will work best for your home.

Clean Your Roof Regularly

Many people overlook the dark stains on their roofs because they think it is just a cosmetic problem. In actuality, getting your roof cleaned regularly can reduce repair and maintenance costs that add up over time. Those unsightly stains are caused by algae, which can compromise the condition of your shingles and spike your energy bills. Learn more about how algae can affect your home and hire a roofing contractor in Portland that offers regular cleaning services.

Roofing Portland OR — Weather Encourages Roof Algae Growth

Portland’s rainy weather makes your roof a particularly desirable location for algae growth. Algae needs water and warmth to grow, two things your Portland roof can offer in excess. The shingles that are installed on most roofs easily absorb heat from the sun. When this heat interacts with the rain that falls on your roof, alga can take over quickly.

Roofing Portland OR — Regular Cleaning and Roof Repair Saves Shingles

As the algae grows, it takes root in shingles of your roof. If the problem is not addressed quickly, then you might need to hire a Portland roofing contractor to replace the shingles, an expense which can be avoided. Hiring a contractor for roof repair in Portland is often much more expensive than scheduling regular cleanings.

Algae Makes Your Portland OR Roof Much Hotter

As algae collects, it actually makes your roof hotter, which increases the chances that even more algae will grow. This happens because the dark color of the algae traps more heat than the grey, black and white shingles typically used for roofing on Portland homes. Lots of heat can shorten the life span of your shingles and roof, which will make repairs necessary to prevent further damage.

A an extremely hot roof can also raise the amount of energy you use in your Portland home. As the heat rises on your roof, so does the temperature in the interior of your home. This encourages your air conditioner to run more often.

Finding a Portland Roofing Contractor to Clean Your Roof

Having your roof cleaned regularly can lower the amount of money you spend in the long haul. However, be sure to shop around for an experienced contractor to handle your roofing needs in Portland OR. Get references and ask people in your community about their experiences with Portland roof repair and roof cleaning services. You will also want to get price quotes from several roofing contractors to find services with competitive rates.

Alternative Roofing Options in Portland OR

Roofing and roof repair in Portland has expanded beyond asphalt, clay tile and slate roofing. Homeowners now have a variety of alternatives for roofing in Portland OR, many of which enhance the beauty of the home and increase energy efficiency. Have a look at a few options your Portland roofing contractor can offer for your roof.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair Portland OR — Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is a mixture of wood fiber and cement. The tiles weigh much less than real cement or slate tiles and the wood fiber is often recycled. With Fiber Cement roofing materials, you can enhance the aesthetic quality of your home, reinforce the structure and appeal to the environment at the same time.

Alternative Roofing Portland OR — Living Roofs

A living roof, or green roof, is an eco-friendly structure in which the roof is covered in soil and vegetation. Living roof systems are an excellent choice for those who want to increase home insulation, help decrease the Urban Heat Island effect and add unique beauty to their homes.

Living roof systems can range from extensive to intensive. The former is the most basic type of living roof, while the latter allows homeowners to literally create a rooftop garden. Ask your roofing contractor in Portland which type of green roof system will work for your home.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Foam Roof

Another eco friendly alternative that also helps lower the Urban Heat Island effect is the foam roof. Foam roofs are waterproof and provide extraordinary insulation, which leads to better energy efficiency of the home. Foam roofs typically last over a decade, after which, you can have your Portland roofing contractor install another layer.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Imitation Slate

Imitation slate is an affordable alternative to real slate, which can cost several hundred dollars per square. Imitation slate also weighs less and is more versatile, suitable for various forms of roofing in Portland OR.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Flex Shake

Flex shake is a fairly new alternative roofing material, comprised of rubber shake made from recycled radial tires and steel belts. Flex shake roofing material is highly durable and provides solid protection against weather extremes in Portland.

The key with choosing the appropriate material for roofing in Portland OR is to highlight functionality. Contact a qualified roofing contractor in Oregon for a home inspection and expert advice on which type of roof will work best for your home.