RoofSmart

10/14/2026

When homeowners shop for a roof, shingles get almost all the attention. You think about things like color, brand, style, and the warranty level.

Those things are important, but what about everything that goes underneath the shingle?

Your shingles are one component of a larger roofing system. Underneath and around them, your roof can depend on things like underlayment, decking, flashing, ventilation, and waterproofing details to perform correctly.

That's why two estimates that both say "new asphalt shingle roof" don't necessarily describe identical roofing systems.

If you're comparing roofing proposals, try asking each contractor to walk you through everything they're installing underneath the shingles and explain why.

The quality of the answer may teach you more than the shingle brochure does.

10/14/2026

Stucco vs. EIFS: Which Siding Type Has a Higher Water Damage Risk?

Considering getting stucco, but not sure if a cheaper alternative would work? Compare stucco to EIFS to see how each holds up in the Seattle rain.

10/12/2026

When comparing roofing estimates, you might see contractors emphasizing the brand of underlayment they use. Here's the more useful question: what TYPE of underlayment are you getting?

Underlayment sits between your roof deck and shingles, and RoofSmart's current guidance identifies three categories homeowners may encounter:

• Felt
• Synthetic
• Ice and water shield

These products don't all serve exactly the same purpose.
For example, RoofSmart recommends synthetic rather than felt as the standard underlayment for Seattle-area homes, while ice and water shield is used in specific areas where additional waterproofing is needed.

So when you're comparing proposals, don't stop at a product logo. Most underlayments are about the same quality, no matter who you buy them from.

Ask why your roofer is using this type of underlayment on your particular roof. That's a much more useful conversation.

10/12/2026

Duro-Last Warranty Changes 2025-2026: What's New

Duro-Last added new residential warranties in 2026 and reissued commercial ones under Amrize. Here's what changed for Seattle flat and low-slope roofs.

10/10/2026

Considering getting LeafFilter gutter guards? This video is for you. This is an overview of how these gutter guards perform on an average home in the Seattle area after one year.

10/09/2026

What Are Common Attic Ventilation Problems in Apartment Buildings?

Worried that your apartment building's attic ventilation might not be working? Find out how poor ventilation causes mold and rot, and how we fixed it.

10/07/2026

Have you ever heard of a cant strip? Most Seattle homeowners haven't, but if you have a flat roof, it's worth knowing what it means.

Imagine your flat roof meeting a vertical wall at a sharp 90-degree angle. Some roofing materials don't like making that turn, so a cant strip creates a sloped transition between those surfaces instead.

This is particularly important with torch down because the thicker material can't be forced into that sharp transition without cracking or tearing. However, more flexible membranes such as PVC and TPO don't generally require a cant strip.

A cant strip can also help with debris buildup and drainage issues on a flat roof because it helps keep debris from getting trapped in the corners and edges of the roof.

10/07/2026

How Do I Protect Myself from Roofing Scams in the Seattle Area?

Worried that your roofer made you a deal that's too good to be true? Find out how roofers can scam you by disappearing or charging more than they said.

10/05/2026

Here's the strange thing about a flat roof: You don't actually want it to be completely flat.

Water needs somewhere to go, so a properly designed low-slope roofing system needs to direct water toward drains or scuppers rather than creating places where it can sit. That's where a taper system can come in.

Tapered insulation can be used to create slope and guide water toward drainage points. This matters in the Seattle climate because the membrane on top is only one part of the system.

When planning for a flat roof installation, you also need to think about:
• insulation
• drainage
• penetrations
• flashing and seals
• what's happening underneath the membrane

10/05/2026

How Does a Geodesic Dome Roof Get Replaced?

Do you have a geodesic dome roof and want to know about the roof replacement process? Find out which materials are best and how much they cost to install.