Roof Replacement in Ellensburg, WA

Half of Ellensburg’s homes were built before 1991, the city’s median year built. Many local roofs have already seen decades of weather, and if yours is one of them, the next question is what to replace it with. Builders Service Company offers metal roofing in Ellensburg from EDCO alongside asphalt shingle roofing, for replacement of an existing roof or a new home roof. This page covers what the local housing stock, weather and wildfire exposure mean for that decision.

Roofs on Ellensburg homes

Ellensburg’s 9,508 housing units come from every building era. About 14% were built before 1950, 27% between 1950 and 1979, 24% between 1980 and 1999, and 36% in 2000 or later, the largest single group. Each era brings different questions to a roof project:

• Built before 1980. These roofs have the most years behind them. Before planning anything, we look at what is on the house now, including any older roofing left under the current layer, and whether the decking needs repair.
• Built 1980 to 1999. A roof installed with the house is now decades old. An inspection tells us whether replacement is due or the current roof still has service left.
• Built 2000 or later. The newest homes may still have their original roof. When it wears out, you can choose a different material instead of repeating the original.

The type of home matters too. About 44% of Ellensburg’s homes are detached houses and 21% are attached homes, while 32% are apartments. Manufactured homes make up 3% of the housing, and their roofs are often low-slope, which calls for a different approach than the steeper pitch on most detached houses.

Ellensburg’s weather and your roof

Ellensburg sits in the East Cascades valley: hot, dry summers, cold winters, strong sun and wind that ranks among the city’s most distinct conditions. Each one puts a different strain on a roof, and each calls for specific details:

• Wind. Extreme wind gets under any loose edge first. We give close attention to fastening along the eaves, rakes and ridge, and to how starter courses and metal trim are secured.
• High UV. Strong summer sun fades color and ages roofing materials. Choosing a color-fast finish, whether a metal panel color or a shingle blend, keeps the roof looking even longer.
• Wildfire. Ellensburg’s wildfire risk ranks in the 97th percentile in Washington, and summer wildfire smoke is part of the regional climate. At that level, a Class A roof assembly should be the starting point, and attic and soffit vents should be ember-resistant so wind-driven embers can’t reach the attic.
• Cold-weather leaks. Underlayment at the eaves and valleys, plus flashing at walls and roof penetrations, keeps meltwater from finding its way into the house during winter.

The regional guidance for this climate also favors impact-rated products, which is worth raising when you compare materials.

Asphalt shingle or metal in Ellensburg

Both materials work here, and both can be installed as part of a Class A roof assembly. The choice comes down to how each handles your house and your priorities.

EDCO metal roofing. Metal panels let snow slide off instead of sitting on the roof all winter. Where that snow lands matters, so we plan around entries, walkways, decks and lower roofs. Before installing metal, we confirm the framing and deck can carry the system.

Asphalt shingle roofing. Shingles adapt to almost any roof shape, including dormers, valleys and complex rooflines. Class A-rated shingle systems are available, and a careful nailing pattern and sealed starter strips help the roof stay put.

Roof shape and pitch also narrow the choice, so we look at the angle and layout of your roof before recommending either one. We then walk through both options side by side, including how much upkeep each will need over time.

Signs your roof needs replacing

Ellensburg’s sun, wind and winters each leave their own marks:

• Granule loss and brittle shingles. High UV breaks down asphalt shingles. Granules piling up in gutters, or shingles that crack when lifted, point to a roof near the end of its run.
• Creased, lifted or missing shingles after a windstorm. Once the seal breaks, those shingles tend to keep coming loose.
• Ice at the eaves or ceiling stains. Ice building up along the roof edge, or stains near exterior walls, mean meltwater is getting under the roofing.
• The same leak, patched again. If one area keeps needing repair, a replacement usually ends the cycle.

Get a free roofing consultation in Ellensburg

Schedule a free in-home consultation through our contact page or call toll free at 888-980-8580. We’ll inspect your roof, compare EDCO metal and asphalt shingle for your house, and explain financing and our lifetime warranty. Ask about discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders. For siding, windows and decks, see our Ellensburg home exterior services.