Is your roof due for an upgrade, or are you building a new home and wondering what roofing type will stand up to Washington’s wet seasons?
Choosing between rolled roofing and shingles isn’t just about cost or curb appeal, it’s about making the right decision for your home’s protection and long-term value. Washington’s unique climate, with its consistent rain and occasional windstorms, means that not every option labeled “durable” elsewhere holds up the same way here.
We’ll break down two of the most common roofing materials for residential homes, rolled roofing and asphalt shingles so you can compare their aesthetics and durability, how each holds up in Washington’s weather, and what to expect during installation. Whether you're re-roofing a garage with rolled roofing installation or choosing shingles for your family home, this post will help you ask the right questions before hiring a roofing contractor.
Roll roofing is a budget-friendly roof material that comes in large rolls, typically made from asphalt-saturated material or modified bitumen. It’s mainly used on low-slope or flat roofs where traditional roofing materials like shingles aren’t ideal. This makes it a go-to choice for garages, sheds, or additions that don’t need the same curb appeal as the main home.
You’ll often see rolled roofing on residential and commercial roofing where cost and function matter more than looks. It’s quick to install and helps protect structures from rain and UV exposure, especially useful in areas that experience frequent moisture like western Washington.
Installing rolled roofing isn’t as involved as shingle work, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. The process can vary depending on the type of rolled roofing material some are self-adhesive, while others require cold adhesive or torch-down methods. And while DIY might seem tempting, getting a proper seal is key to avoiding leaks down the road.
Here’s what a typical rolled roofing installation may involve:
Most roll roofing installation jobs can be completed in a day on small structures. But since it only works on slopes of 2:12 or less, it's not a fit for every residential roof.
A major reason homeowners pick rolled asphalt roofing is cost, but it's important to weigh that against how long it lasts. Most rolled roofing has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, which is shorter than other options. It’s more prone to cracking and peeling in extreme weather, especially if not installed properly.
Because it’s a single layer, it’s also more vulnerable to leaks or punctures. Regular inspections, especially after storms, are a must. One homeowner in Tacoma mentioned needing to replace their roll roof on a storage shed after just seven years more due to heavy rainfall pooling than poor material. It's a reminder that Washington’s climate can shorten the life of roofing materials if they aren't well-matched.
Shingles are one of the most familiar and widely used roofing materials across Washington. Their popularity comes from variety, longevity, and aesthetic flexibility. Most homes use asphalt shingles, but there are subtypes with different features and looks.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
These roofing products are available in colors and textures to match almost any style, which is why they’re so common on residential homes from Olympia to Spokane.
Installing shingles takes more steps than roll on roofing, but the payoff is better protection and appearance. Roofers begin by prepping the roof deck, adding underlayment for moisture control, and then aligning rows of shingles. Shingles are installed from the bottom up, layered to shed water naturally.
A typical install includes:
Shingles work best on roofs with slopes steeper than 2:12. They require more time and skill to install, which is why hiring a roofing contractor is strongly recommended.
A major benefit of shingles over rolled roofing is lifespan. While entry-level three-tab shingles last around 15 to 20 years, architectural shingles can hold up 30 to 50 years with good maintenance. They’re built to handle rain, wind, and even the occasional snow seen in eastern Washington.
Roll roofing is often chosen for small structures like sheds, garages, or outbuildings because it’s easy to install and low in cost. For homeowners needing a fast roofing solution on a budget, it does the job without requiring a large team or extended install time.
That said, the tradeoff is in appearance and longevity. Rolled roofing is less durable than other roofing materials and tends to show wear much sooner, especially in places with frequent rainfall or temperature swings.
Shingles, especially architectural types, are known for being more durable and visually appealing than roll roofing. They offer better protection against wind and moisture, which is important in areas like Seattle where heavy rain is common. They also give the home a finished look that can improve resale value.
The downside is the cost, shingles come with a higher price tag, both in materials and labor. Plus, the install process takes longer and requires attention to proper layering and ventilation. Still, most homeowners feel the long-term benefits are worth the extra time and cost upfront.
If cost is the biggest factor in your roofing project, it's worth breaking down both short-term and long-term numbers. Rolled roofing may seem like the better deal, but it doesn't always hold up well over time. Shingles cost more at installation but usually save you from having to reroof within a decade.
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Roofing Type | Material Cost (per sq. ft.) | Labor Cost (avg.) | Lifespan | Insurance/Rebate Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roll Roofing | $1.50 – $4.50 | Lower | 5–10 years | Minimal |
| Asphalt Shingles | $3.00 – $6.50 (3-tab) | Moderate | 15–30 years | Potential discounts |
| Architectural Shingles | $4.50 – $8.50 | Higher | 25–50 years | May qualify for rebates |
In one case in Tacoma, a homeowner replaced roll roofing with shingles on their detached garage after constant patching. The upfront cost doubled, but after five years with no leaks or repairs, they saw the long-term value.
Visual Comparison Table
| Feature | Roll Roofing | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Less durable than other roofing | More durable, handles storms |
| Appearance | Plain, utilitarian | Varied styles, curb appeal |
| Slope Requirement | ≤ 2:12 only | Works on most residential roofs |
| Installation Time | Fast | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 15–50 years |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance Needs | More frequent | Less frequent |
| Common Use | Sheds, garages, outbuildings | Homes, additions |
| Recyclability | Limited | Widely recyclable |
Washington roofs deal with more rain than most other U.S. regions, especially west of the Cascades. That means materials must handle moisture without absorbing it or degrading quickly. Rolled roofing, with its thinner design and single layer, can struggle in these conditions without extra sealing or slope correction.
Here’s how different systems respond to local elements:
In Washington, roofing needs to handle constant moisture, and that starts with proper installation. Sloping the roof appropriately, using the right underlayment, and sealing edges can make the difference between a long-lasting roof and one that fails early.
Here are a few best practices for local installs:
Contractors often recommend a thorough inspection after install, especially in areas like the Olympic Peninsula where moisture levels stay high year-round.
Washington has stricter runoff and recycling requirements than many other states. For example, shingle runoff can contain trace metals, which is why proper drainage and filtering systems matter. Most rolled composition roof materials are harder to recycle, ending up in landfills more often than asphalt shingles.
From a code standpoint, the WA R905 residential roofing code emphasizes moisture control and proper flashing, especially in coastal zones. Some counties even require Class A fire-rated roofing products, which certain rolled systems may not meet.
Choosing the right roofing isn’t just about looks or upfront cost, it’s about finding what fits your specific needs and home conditions. If you're replacing the roof on a garage or shed, you may not need the same durability or curb appeal as your main home. But if you're looking at your primary residence, especially in Washington's wet climate, the long-term protection and energy efficiency start to matter more.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Here’s a quick way to match the roofing material to your situation:
Not sure if rolled roofing or shingles are the better fit for your home? That’s where we come in. A quick inspection can help confirm what’s right for your roof’s slope, how long you want it to last, and how it’ll hold up through Washington’s weather. It’s better to plan ahead now than face unexpected repairs later.
At IBEX Roof, we’ve worked with homeowners throughout Vancouver and southwest Washington, helping them make confident choices for everything from small garage roofs to full shingle replacements. We’ll give you straightforward guidance based on what works best in our region, with no pressure and no upselling.
Let’s talk about your roof:
Email: info@ibexroof.com
Address: 5800 NE 88th St #101, Vancouver, WA
Reach out anytime, we’re here to help you get the most out of your next roofing project.
