It would come as no surprise to you that your roof is one of the most important investments in your house. At the risk of sounding cliche, it’s your home’s first line of defense. But constant replacements and maintenance are issues that many homeowners face and would like to do away with. Not to mention that if timely repairs are not made, small issues could spiral out of control, significantly increasing your annual maintenance costs.
In Puget Sound’s climate, some roofing materials offer exceptional durability against UV rays, storms, and wind. But do you know which ones they are? In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the best low-maintenance modern roofing materials that require minimal upkeep and can protect your home for decades longer than traditional ones.
1. Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
Looking for a roof that’s got it all? Stone-coated steel roofs marry the beauty of traditional roofing materials with the strength of steel. But what is it that makes them so special?
Stone-coated steel roofs use high-grade steel sheets that have four layers:
- A zinc-aluminium alloy layer that protects against corrosion
- An acrylic primer as a base
- Stone granules that are bonded into the base coat
- An acrylic overglaze that acts as protection against UV rays and gives the roof a subtle shine
This material comes in a variety of profiles to match your home’s unique character, such as traditional clay tiles, wood shakes, asphalt shingles, and slate designs. The non-porous stone granules used can mimic almost any color, and the acrylic overglaze keeps the colors vibrant for years.
Stone-coated steel is a roof that takes care of itself, and you’ll only need to schedule an inspection every two years. The stone coating is a natural deterrent for moss and algae, so you can spend less time on cleaning. It also repels harmful UV rays that cause fading, warping, and cracking, and the roof maintains its strength even in damp weather.
When it comes to wind resistance, this material can handle wind speeds up to 120 mph. Its weight – 150 pounds per square foot compared to 350 and 1,100 pounds per square foot for traditional roofing materials – puts less strain on your home’s structure. Plus, the reflective surface and built-in air gap keep your attic cool, reducing energy costs by up to 25%.
2. Composite Shingles
Much like clockwork, composite shingles rely on several components – plastic, fiberglass, and rubber – working in sync to give you a roofing solution that’s durable and low-maintenance. Some manufacturers even use molds based on real slate tiles to give them a natural visual appeal, and a protective coating protects the roof against UV damage and strong winds.
Because they’re made of synthetic materials, composite shingles fight off decay, mold, and pests. And an annual inspection is all you need to catch potential issues.
Even though composite shingles offer impact protection (this material can withstand winds between 110 and 190 mph), you still need to make sure that you check your downspouts after a major storm to ensure that water is draining out freely and not pooling on the roof, something which could cause water damage.
Composite shingles can also reduce cooling costs in summer, keeping your home comfortable and saving you money in the long run – both on energy and maintenance. But despite their low-maintenance, don’t delay on repairs when there’s any visible damage. That being said, you can rest assured that these composite shingles will safeguard your home for 40 to 50 years.
3. EPDM Rubber Roofing
EPDM rubber roofing is best for flat roofs and has been proven to protect buildings for over 60 years. Made from ethylene and propylene that are derived from oil and natural gas, EPDM is available in three thicknesses:
- 45 mil that offers basic protection
- 60 mil that’s a quarter of an inch thick and is also the most common
- 90 mil that offers maximum durability
Its composition makes EPDM flexible, even at temperatures as low as -40°C, and it doesn’t crack or deteriorate from UV exposure. Its lightweight nature also puts less stress on the roof while its UL 2218 Class 4 hail resistance rating makes it a robust barrier against the elements.
EPDM rubber roofing can be installed in three ways:
- Fully adhered, where it bonds directly to the roof for a smoother finish
- Mechanically attached, where heavy-duty screws and plates are used to attach it
- Ballasted, which uses large rolls of 7.5 to 50 feet (so that they require fewer seams) to fix it to the roof
The most remarkable feature of EPDM rubber roofs is their self-healing properties, much like how your skin heals after a scratch. This allows it to recover from minor damage on its own.
Professional inspections scheduled twice a year (usually in autumn and spring) are enough to identify potential problems. However, for optimal performance, schedule quarterly inspections and keep your roof clean. This required diligence on your part can keep your roof in good condition for up to 50 years.
4. Architectural Metal Shingles
Architectural metal shingles are sophisticated roofing solutions with a textured surface that add depth to your roof’s design. But don’t be fooled by their aesthetic appeal because these shingles are built to last. They’re built with a UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance rating and can endure winds up to 120 mph.
Architectural metal shingles are available in nine cool colors, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect one for your home’s character and aesthetic. However, two signature patterns stand out:
- The slate pattern gives your home’s exterior a touch of elegance
- The cedar shake pattern gives your home a warm, rustic appearance
And when it comes to metal roof upkeep, all you need to do is ensure an annual cleaning of your gutters and inspect the roof after a severe storm to address potential issues promptly.
5. PVC Roofing
PVC roofing systems have been in use since the 1960s and are designed to last 15 to 25 years. PVC roofing has two PVC layers and a polyester-reinforced insulation layer sandwiched between them. This design creates a membrane that fights off bacteria, grease, heat, oils, and the impact of harsh climates.
Just like EPDM rubber roofing, these single-ply membranes can be installed in three ways:
- Fully adhered, which bonds directly to the roof
- Mechanically attached, which uses heavy-duty screws and plates
- Induction welding, which bonds the membrane so firmly that the seams are tougher than the membrane itself
For optimal performance, schedule inspections twice a year to check for cracks or holes, loose seams, and issues around the flashing, vents, skylights, or edges. And if you ever need pressure washing, keep the pressure between 1500 and 2000 PSI to protect the membrane.
PVC roofing can also cut down your annual energy costs by up to 40%, with white PVC reflecting heat and sunlight to boost your roof’s reflective properties by 25-50%.
6. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing (BUR) is roofing stacked up using layers of different materials and has been serving North America since the 1840s. It is one of the oldest, most reliable roofing solutions out there.
Think of BUR as a layered, waterproof composition, with each layer serving a particular purpose against weather damage:
- A base layer that’s the first line of defense against water
- A fabric reinforcement with multiple layers of fiberglass or polyester
- Bitumen (asphalt or coal tar pitch) between different layers that seal the whole system
- A top layer of gravel or minerals that protect the roof against UV rays, much like sunblock
This multi-layer design offers exceptional strength and protection for roofs with low slopes. Modern installation techniques such as cold-applied adhesives improve BUR’s performance while being more environmentally friendly. BUR also has excellent fire resistance and energy-saving features.
BUR roofs can last between 20 and 30 years with the right maintenance. Although it needs minimal attention, you should schedule inspections twice a year (once in spring and once in the fall). These regular checks help catch small issues before they escalate, and you should especially check the roof for damage after severe storms to make sure no standing water could cause damage.
7. Zinc Roofing
Do you want a roof that can last up to 100 years? Well, say hello to zinc roofing. With long-term protection and minimal maintenance, an annual inspection is all you need with a zinc roof.
Zinc roofing is made by blending high-quality Z1 zinc (99.995% purity) with carefully measured amounts of copper and titanium. Copper boosts strength while titanium gives the roof flexibility without putting it under stress.
The low melting point of zinc allows it to be curated into custom designs, and the material is also naturally resistant to pests, mold, fungus, fire, and extreme temperatures.
Like EPDM rubber roofing, zinc roofs also have the ability to self-heal, developing a protective layer called a patina that protects it from corrosion. When scratched, this patina gradually renews itself in an attractive grey finish that architects love. However, major damage will need repairing by a professional roofing contractor.
Make sure that you keep gutters and downspouts free of debris to allow drainage, clean areas that are exposed to rain or warm water, promptly remove salt deposits in coastal areas, and check for damage after storms.
Comparison Table
Let’s summarize all these low-maintenance roofs in a table below for easy comparison.
| Roofing Type | Lifespan | Weather Resistance | Maintenance Requirements | Key Features | Material Composition |
| Stone-Coated Steel | 40-70 years | Up to 120 mph winds Superior hail resistance | Biennial inspections | 25% energy savings Natural moss/algae resistance | Steel core with 4 layers: zinc-aluminum coating, acrylic primer, stone granules, acrylic overglaze |
| Composite Shingles | 40-50 years | 110-190 mph winds High impact rating | Annual inspections Basic cleaning | UV resistant Rot and pest resistant | Blend of recycled plastics, fiberglass, and rubber |
| EPDM Rubber | Up to 50 years | Resistant to -40°C Class 4 hail rating | Biannual inspections Quarterly cleaning | Flexible in extreme temperature Self-healing properties | Ethylene and propylene synthetic rubber |
| Architectural Metal | Up to 70 years | Up to 120 mph winds Class 4 impact rating | Annual gutter cleaning Biannual professional maintenance | Nine designer colors Dimensional patterns | Premium metal with protective coating |
| PVC Roofing | 15-25 years | Chemical and fire resistant | Biannual professional inspections | Up to 40% energy cost reduction Chemical resistant | Two PVC layers with polyester reinforcement |
| Built-Up Roofing | 20-30 years | Superior UV and weather resistance | Biannual inspections | Excellent fire resistance Multi-layer protection | Multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics |
| Zinc Roofing | Up to 100 years | Fire resistant Self-healing patina | Annual inspections Basic cleaning | 100% recyclable Natural patina formation | 99.995% pure zinc with copper and titanium |
Remember, each home is different. So it’s important to consider factors such as durability, your home’s structural requirements, the local climate, upfront vs. long-term costs, and performance features when choosing your perfect roofing material.
Conclusion
At NearMe Roofing Company, we offer extensive repair and maintenance services to Seattle and the Greater Puget Sound area, along with flexible financing, emergency repairs, and free inspections.
Contact us today to discuss your roofing options, and let us fortify your home with a roof that’s perfect for your home’s aesthetic and will protect you for decades!
