AIRWAY HEIGHTS CLOSED · 7am-7pm · (509) 798-8545
Est. 1979 | Also: Colville · Kettle Falls | ★ Military & First Responder Discount | Leave a Review
SHOP ONLINE — 60,000+ PRODUCTSMILWAUKEE TOOLS — IN STOCK NOWCONTRACTOR ACCOUNTS — EXCLUSIVE PRICINGBUY MORE SAVE MORE — VOLUME PRICINGFREE QUOTE — LUMBER & MATERIALSSERVING EASTERN WASHINGTON SINCE 1979SHOP ONLINE — 60,000+ PRODUCTSMILWAUKEE TOOLS — IN STOCK NOWCONTRACTOR ACCOUNTS — EXCLUSIVE PRICINGBUY MORE SAVE MORE — VOLUME PRICINGFREE QUOTE — LUMBER & MATERIALSSERVING EASTERN WASHINGTON SINCE 1979
📞 (509) 798-8545 Shop Online Get a Quote

Roofing Materials Guide for Eastern Washington Homeowners & Contractors

Understanding Eastern Washington’s Roofing Material Requirements

When it comes to choosing roofing materials in Eastern Washington, you’re dealing with a unique climate that demands careful consideration. Our region experiences cold winters with heavy snow loads, hot dry summers, significant temperature swings, and those challenging freeze-thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on the wrong materials.

At Builders Supply & Home Center, we’ve been helping homeowners and contractors navigate these challenges since 1979. Whether you’re building in Airway Heights, renovating in Colville, or replacing a roof in Kettle Falls, understanding how our local climate affects roofing materials is crucial for making the right investment.

Climate Challenges Specific to Our Region

Eastern Washington’s weather patterns create several specific challenges for roofing systems. Our winters bring substantial snow loads—the Spokane Valley area typically sees snow load requirements of 30-60 pounds per square foot, while rural areas around Colville can experience loads up to 70 pounds per square foot. This means your roofing material and underlying structure need to handle significant weight without compromising integrity.

The freeze-thaw cycles we experience are particularly tough on roofing materials. Water penetration followed by freezing can cause expansion that damages shingles, creates ice dams, and leads to structural issues. Materials that absorb moisture, like untreated cedar, face additional challenges with moss growth in our wet seasons.

Wind is another factor we can’t ignore. Eastern Washington experiences high winds—particularly along the Columbia River corridor and in exposed areas near Medical Lake and Cheney—that can lift shingles, tear metal panels, and drive rain horizontally under materials that aren’t properly installed. Fire resistance is also a growing concern, especially in rural areas around Colville and Kettle Falls where wildfire risk has increased in recent years.

Most Popular Roofing Materials for Eastern Washington Homes

Asphalt Shingles: The Regional Standard

Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice in the Spokane area and throughout Eastern Washington, and for good reason. They’re affordable, readily available, and when properly installed, perform well in our climate. You’ll find two main types: three-tab shingles (the economical option) and architectural shingles (also called dimensional shingles).

Three-Tab Shingles: These typically cost $4-6 per square foot installed and last 20-25 years in our climate. While economical, they’re more vulnerable to wind damage—a consideration for exposed locations around Airway Heights and Fairchild Air Force Base where wind exposure is higher.

Architectural Shingles: Running $6-8 per square foot installed, these offer 25-30 year lifespans and better wind resistance—crucial for our area. They also provide a more premium appearance that mimics the look of wood or slate. For Eastern Washington, we recommend architectural shingles rated for winds of at least 110 mph.

Installation Keys for Local Success: The key with asphalt in Eastern Washington is proper installation and ventilation. Poor ventilation leads to ice dam formation, which we see frequently in homes throughout our service area. Make sure your contractor includes adequate ridge and soffit ventilation (minimum 1 sq ft of ventilation per 150 sq ft of attic space), and consider ice and water shield protection, especially on lower-slope sections and in valleys.

Top Brands We Stock:

Maintenance Schedule: Inspect twice yearly (spring and fall), clean moss annually, replace damaged shingles immediately, and plan for replacement at 20-25 years for three-tab or 25-30 years for architectural.

Metal Roofing: The Durability Champion

Metal roofing has gained tremendous popularity in Eastern Washington, and experienced contractors consistently recommend it as the top choice for longevity and weather performance. With lifespans of 40-70 years, metal roofs excel at shedding snow and rain while providing excellent wind resistance up to 140 mph or more.

Steel Roofing: Typically coated with zinc or zinc-aluminum alloys, steel roofing costs $12-16 per square foot installed. Galvalume coating performs particularly well in our dry climate, resisting corrosion while providing excellent thermal reflection. We recommend 26-gauge minimum for residential applications in Eastern Washington.

Aluminum Roofing: Running slightly higher at $14-18 per square foot, aluminum offers superior corrosion resistance—important in areas with agricultural chemicals or industrial exposure like around the Spokane Industrial Park.

Standing Seam Systems: While more expensive at $16-20 per square foot, standing seam metal systems provide the ultimate in weather protection with concealed fasteners and thermal movement accommodation. The expandable clips allow the metal to move with temperature changes—crucial for our 80+ degree temperature swings.

Performance Benefits: Metal roofing sheds snow beautifully—important for our heavy snow loads—and provides Class A fire resistance. The energy efficiency benefits are substantial, with reflective coatings reducing summer cooling costs by 10-25%. We recommend metal roofing for any roof pitch of 3/12 or greater, which covers most residential applications in our area.

Our Metal Roofing Selection:

Maintenance: Inspect annually for loose fasteners or panel damage, clean debris from valleys twice yearly, touch up paint scratches immediately. Expected replacement: 40-70 years depending on coating system.

Composite and Synthetic Materials: Modern Performance

Modern composite roofing materials offer an excellent middle ground between cost and performance. These engineered products typically last 40-50 years and weigh significantly less than traditional materials like slate or tile—important when dealing with snow loads.

Composite Shingles: Costing $10-16 per square foot installed, these can convincingly replicate the appearance of wood shake, slate, or tile. They resist impact damage (Class 4 impact rating available), don’t absorb moisture like natural materials, and maintain their appearance better than asphalt in our UV-intense summers.

Synthetic Slate and Shake: These products are particularly appealing for Eastern Washington because they eliminate the maintenance issues we see with natural cedar in our climate. No moss treatment, no splitting from freeze-thaw cycles, and no fire concerns in rural areas.

Available Options at Our Stores:

Maintenance: Annual inspection, occasional cleaning with mild detergent, immediate replacement of damaged pieces. Expected lifespan: 40-50 years.

Traditional Materials: Cedar, Tile, and Slate

Cedar Shake Roofing: Still appeals to many homeowners for its classic Pacific Northwest aesthetic and natural insulation properties. Cedar typically lasts 30-40 years and costs $12-18 per square foot installed. However, it requires significant maintenance in our climate to prevent moss growth and moisture absorption.

Local Considerations: The wet springs around Colville and higher elevations create ideal moss conditions. Budget $500-800 annually for moss treatment and maintenance on a typical 2,000 sq ft roof.

Clay and Concrete Tile: Work well in Eastern Washington’s climate, offering 50+ year lifespans and excellent fire resistance. At $18-30 per square foot installed, they’re a premium option that requires structural verification for the added weight plus snow loads. Most homes built before 1980 need reinforcement.

Natural Slate: Represents the ultimate in longevity—75+ years—but at $25-45 per square foot installed, it’s primarily for high-end applications. The weight factor is critical; most homes need structural reinforcement to handle slate plus our snow loads.

Structural Requirements: Before selecting heavy materials, consult a structural engineer. Eastern Washington snow loads plus tile/slate weight often exceed original design parameters, particularly in older Spokane area homes.

Flat and Low-Slope Roofing Solutions

Many commercial buildings and some residential applications in Eastern Washington feature flat or low-slope roofs. These require entirely different material approaches and installation techniques.

Single-Ply Membrane Systems

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): Has become increasingly popular for its UV resistance and energy efficiency. These white or light-colored membranes reflect heat effectively—valuable during our hot summers when temperatures reach 90-100°F—while providing excellent durability in freeze-thaw conditions. TPO typically costs $8-12 per square foot installed and lasts 20-25 years.

PVC Membranes: Offer superior fire and chemical resistance, making them ideal for commercial applications or homes near industrial areas around the Spokane Industrial Park. They’re more expensive than TPO at $10-14 per square foot but provide enhanced longevity (25-30 years) and performance.

EPDM (Rubber) Membranes: Remain a cost-effective option at $6-10 per square foot installed. While not as energy-efficient as TPO or PVC, EPDM performs well in our temperature extremes (-10°F to 100°F) and offers easier repair when damage occurs. Expected lifespan: 20-25 years.

Modified Bitumen and Coating Systems

Torch-Down Modified Bitumen: These systems work well for Eastern Washington’s climate, providing excellent waterproofing and flexibility for thermal movement. They require professional installation due to the torching process but offer good value at $7-11 per square foot. Lifespan: 15-20 years.

Silicone Restoration Coatings: For existing flat roofs in good structural condition, these provide an economical renewal option. These systems can extend roof life by 15-20 years at a fraction of replacement cost, typically running $3-6 per square foot.

Roofing Material Comparison Guide

Material Cost/Sq Ft Lifespan Wind Rating Fire Rating Best For
3-Tab Asphalt $4-6 20-25 years 60-70 mph Class A Budget-conscious, low wind areas
Architectural Asphalt $6-8 25-30 years 110 mph Class A Most residential applications
Metal (Steel) $12-16 40-60 years 140+ mph Class A Long-term value, harsh weather
Composite $10-16 40-50 years 110-130 mph Class A Premium appearance, low maintenance
Cedar Shake $12-18 30-40 years Variable Class C Traditional appearance, insulation
Tile $18-30 50+ years 150+ mph Class A Luxury homes, fire-prone areas

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

Matching Materials to Your Specific Situation

Roof Pitch Requirements: Your roof pitch significantly influences material selection. Steep roofs (over 6/12 pitch) can accommodate virtually any material, while lower pitches limit options. Most asphalt and metal systems require minimum 3/12 pitch for proper water shedding in our climate. For pitches below 3/12, consider modified bitumen or membrane systems.

Structural Capacity Assessment: Consider your home’s structural capacity carefully. Adding heavy materials like tile or slate to an older home may require engineering evaluation, especially when factoring in snow loads. Rural properties around Colville and Kettle Falls often have older framing that needs assessment before material upgrades.

Quick Structural Check: Homes built before 1980 typically designed for lighter loads. If you’re considering tile, slate, or heavy composites, budget $500-1,500 for structural evaluation and potential reinforcement.

Fire Resistance Priorities: Fire resistance matters increasingly in Eastern Washington. Metal and tile provide Class A fire ratings, while treated wood products and some composites offer Class B protection. Untreated cedar provides minimal fire resistance—a serious concern for properties in wildland-urban interface areas around Colville and rural Spokane County.

Location-Specific Recommendations:

Budget Considerations and Total Cost Analysis

True Cost Comparison: While initial cost matters, consider total cost of ownership over the material’s lifespan:

Hidden Costs to Budget:

Financing Options Available: We offer contractor financing through our preferred partners, with terms from 12-60 months. Ask our sales team about current promotional rates and same-as-cash options.

Maintenance Cost Planning:

🛒 Shop Online