Washington Roofs

Replacing a roof in Washington State protects your home from heavy rain, windstorms, moss growth, and occasional snow while enhancing value and meeting codes.

Costs average $6-$9/sq ft for architectural asphalt shingles, $9-$17/sq ft for metal, $12-$21/sq ft for tiles, $7-$15/sq ft for flat roof materials, $11-$20/sq ft for cedar shingles/shakes, $15-$30/sq ft for natural slate, and $19-$27/sq ft for solar-integrated tiles like GAF Timberline, varying by size, style, complexity, and region.

WA’s climate—persistent rain and wind in Western WA, snow and dry summers in Eastern WA, and seismic risks statewide—shapes styles under the Washington State Building Code (WSBC), aligned with IRC 2021.

Real estate trends, insurance costs, climate shifts, and historical weather events (e.g., 2006 Hanukkah Eve Storm, 2021 Bomb Cyclone) drive demand. This guide covers costs, materials, ventilation, deck condition, underlayment, regional pricing, storm impacts, real estate dynamics, roof shapes, sizes, warranties, financing, regulations, contractor tips, compliance, maintenance, and FAQs—your ultimate WA roofing resource.

How Much Does It Cost in Washington State?

Asphalt leads (70%+ market share, per RS Means 2025), with metal, cedar, flat roofs, and solar popular due to rain resistance (Western WA), snow shedding (Eastern WA), and eco-conscious trends (Puget Sound).

Per Square Foot

• Architectural Asphalt: $6-$9/sq ft (130-150 MPH, GAF Timberline HDZ standard).
• High-Cost Areas with Complexity: Up to $10.50/sq ft in Seattle metro (10-20% bump, reflects labor rates ~$50-$70/hr).
• Metal: $9-$17/sq ft (150-175 MPH, McElroy data).
• Tiles: $12-$21/sq ft (150-175 MPH, Boral Clay specs).
• Flat Roof Materials: $7-$15/sq ft (130-150 MPH, Firestone/GAF standards).
• Cedar Shingles/Shakes: $11-$20/sq ft (110-130 MPH, CSSB ratings; upper end reflects premium cedar).
• Natural Slate: $15-$30/sq ft (150-175 MPH, Vermont Slate Co. durability).
• Solar: $19-$27/sq ft (150 MPH, GAF Timberline Solar specs).

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For homeowners in Edmonds, WA, deciding on a roof replacement involves balancing priorities: costs can strain budgets, but the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate—persistent rain, coastal winds, and damp conditions fostering moss and mildew—requires a roof built to withstand moisture and wear.

We’ve compiled the latest costs, key price factors, top weather-resistant materials (with trusted brands), and a snapshot of Edmonds’ market—cost of living, home values, and more—to help you make a smart investment in your home.

This guide covers everything: Edmonds-specific codes, a step-by-step process, trends like solar integration, insights on colors, shapes, pitch, moss, mildew, ventilation, and practical tips on timing and insurance—so you can confidently tackle your roofing project.

The Best Roof Types for Edmonds

Edmonds roofs must endure steady rainfall, gusty coastal winds, and moss/mildew growth while complementing the city’s picturesque, coastal aesthetic. The best options prioritize water resistance, durability, and a refined Northwest look, keeping homes dry and appealing.

Nestled along Puget Sound, Edmonds experiences milder weather than hurricane-prone regions, but its 36 inches of annual rain and proximity to the coast demand robust roofing. A standard asphalt shingle replacement costs $5.00 to $8.00 per square foot, or $10,000 to $16,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof—slightly higher than some PNW areas due to labor rates near Seattle. In historic downtown Edmonds or upscale neighborhoods like Woodway, costs may climb due to design rules or premium demand. Steep pitches (6:12–9:12), common in Craftsman and Victorian homes, favor shingles, cedar, or metal and add 10–20% to labor, while low-slope roofs (2:12–4:12) suit modern builds with metal, PVC, or membrane ($8–$11/sq. ft.).

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For homeowners in Bellingham, WA, deciding on a roof replacement involves balancing priorities: costs can strain budgets, but the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate—persistent rain, strong winds, and cool, damp conditions fostering moss and mildew—requires a roof built to withstand moisture and wear.

We’ve compiled the latest costs, key price factors, top weather-resistant materials (with trusted brands), and a snapshot of Bellingham’s market—cost of living, home values, and more—to help you make a smart investment in your home.

This guide covers everything: Bellingham-specific codes, a step-by-step process, trends like solar integration, insights on colors, shapes, pitch, moss, mildew, ventilation, and practical tips on timing and insurance—so you can confidently tackle your roofing project.

The Best Roof Types for Bellingham

Bellingham roofs must endure heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and moss/mildew growth while suiting the city’s charming, nature-inspired aesthetic. The best options prioritize water resistance, durability, and a timeless Northwest look, keeping homes dry and appealing.

Located near Puget Sound, Bellingham faces milder weather than hurricane-prone regions, but its 38 inches of annual rain and coastal winds demand robust roofing. A standard asphalt shingle replacement costs $4.50 to $7.50 per square foot, or $9,000 to $15,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof. In historic areas like Fairhaven or near Lake Whatcom, costs may rise due to demand or design rules. Steep pitches (6:12–9:12), common in Craftsman and Victorian homes, favor shingles, cedar, or metal and add 10–20% to labor, while low-slope roofs (2:12–4:12) suit modern builds with metal, PVC, or membrane ($7–$10/sq. ft.).

Many Bellingham homeowners choose metal or composite shingles for longevity. Metal roofing runs $9.00 to $15.00 per square foot ($18,000 to $30,000 for 2,000 square feet), offering durability against rain and moss. Composite shingles—mimicking slate or cedar—span $11.00 to $16.00 per square foot ($22,000 to $32,000), blending style with rot resistance. Cedar shingles/shakes ($8.00–$14.00/sq. ft., $16,000–$28,000), a PNW classic, deliver a rustic charm but require special coatings (e.g., sealants, preservatives) to prevent rot, moss, and mildew in high-moisture conditions. For low-slope roofs, PVC roofing ($7.50–$10.50/sq. ft.) provides waterproofing and UV resistance.

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