Vancouver, WA asphalt shingle roofs built for long wet winters

Asphalt shingles, also called composition shingles, are the most common roof in Clark County for good reasons. They shed rain well, come in a wide range of colors and styles, work on most roof pitches, and cost less than metal or shake. Modern architectural shingles are thicker and stronger than the flat three-tab shingles many older homes still have, and they handle wind and moisture better.

This page focuses on choosing and installing an asphalt shingle roof. The full roof replacement page covers the tear-off and overall process. Here, we explain the difference between shingle types, which features matter most in our shaded, wet climate, how color affects heat and moss, and what installation details make the difference between a roof that lasts and one that fails early.

Three-tab, architectural and designer shingles

Three-tab shingles are flat, single-layer shingles cut into three tabs. They were standard on homes built before the late 1990s and are now hard to find in many lines. Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminated shingles, have two layers glued together that create a textured, shadowed look. They are heavier, resist wind better and are now the default choice for most replacements around Vancouver. They are what we install most often.

Designer or luxury shingles are thicker still and are shaped to mimic slate or cedar shake. They cost more but give a high-end look, which some Camas and Prune Hill homeowners choose to match the style of their homes. All three types install over the same underlayment and flashing system. The main differences are thickness, look, weight and price, and we bring samples so you can see and feel each one.

Features that matter in Clark County

Some shingle features are marketing. Others make a real difference in our climate. Algae-resistant granules slow the dark streaks that show up on shaded roofs. A high-wind nailing pattern helps shingles stay put in Gorge gusts. A matching starter strip along the eaves and rakes seals the edges where wind lifts first. And matched ridge caps and hip shingles finish the roof cleanly. Each one adds a small cost but pays off over the life of the roof.

• Algae-resistant granules for shaded roofs
• High-wind nailing pattern on exposed homes
• Starter strip at eaves and rakes
• Matching hip and ridge cap shingles
• Ridge vent paired with soffit intake

Color, heat and moss

Color is personal, but it has some practical effects. Darker shingles absorb more summer heat, which can raise attic temperatures, while lighter colors reflect more. In Vancouver's mild summers the difference is smaller than in hot climates, but it still matters in poorly vented attics. Darker colors also hide algae streaks better, which is why charcoal and weathered-wood tones are popular on shaded lots under firs. Proper intake and exhaust venting matters far more than color.

Moss is a separate issue. No shingle color stops moss on a north slope under heavy shade. What helps is good drainage, regular debris removal, and zinc or copper strips near the ridge that release small amounts of moss-slowing metal when it rains. If your HOA limits colors, we help you find one on the approved list that suits your home and your lot's sun and shade, and we bring samples to the HOA if needed.

Installation details that decide how long it lasts

Most early shingle failures come from installation, not the product. Nails driven too high miss the double-layer area and let shingles blow off. Nails driven at an angle or too deep cut the shingle. Missing starter strips leave edges unsealed. Skipped ice-and-water membrane in valleys leads to leaks. We follow the shingle maker's installation instructions on every roof, which also keeps the manufacturer warranty terms intact. We also photograph the nailing on each slope.