Roof Smarts in Colville – Our Professional Take on Shingles, Metal, and More

Contributed by Angela Wethered, Wethered Timberworks LLC dba Wethered Construction – License #WETHETL760CL – October 2025

In Northeast Washington, our roofs do more than cap a house — they protect families through long winters, hot summers, and the ever-present risk of wildfire. Choosing the right roofing material is not just a matter of style, but of performance, maintenance, and warranty.

As a design-build contractor, Wethered Timberworks LLC sees the roof as part of a much larger system. While we self-perform most of our work (everything except septic and civil, insulation, drywall, and MEPs), roofing is one of those areas where our clients often ask for our professional opinion. Here’s how we compare the most common choices for Colville homes.

Owens Corning TruDefinition® Shingles with the Total Protection Roofing System®

We believe shingles are still one of the smartest options for our climate — especially when paired with a complete roofing system. Owens Corning calls it Seal. Defend. Breathe.:

Seal:

RhinoRoof® Synthetic Underlayment creates a durable, water-shedding base. WeatherLock® Ice & Water Barrier protects leak-prone areas like eaves, valleys, and roof penetrations.

Defend:

TruDefinition® Shingles provide vivid, dimensional color with proven wind resistance up to 130 MPH. They shield against the elements while enhancing curb appeal.

Breathe:

A properly balanced ventilation system helps air flow in the attic, reducing heat and moisture buildup. This prevents premature aging, keeps energy bills more predictable, and improves the entire roof system’s performance.

Together, these layers create a complete defense system that goes far beyond shingles alone. Homeowners also benefit from comprehensive warranties that cover both materials and labor when installed by certified contractors — coverage that often surpasses what metal panels provide.

Metal Roofing

Metal panels remain a strong option for some homes and many accessory buildings:

Strengths: Long lifespan (40–70 years), excellent fire resistance, and quick snow shedding.

Drawbacks: Warranties typically cover only the panels and paint finish, not labor or the underlying system. Panels rely on fasteners and rubber grommets that should be checked annually to prevent leaks — something many homeowners don’t expect. Metal also comes with higher upfront cost and can be noisier in heavy rain or hail.

Snow Shedding Tradeoff: While metal sheds snow quickly, that can lead to piles against siding, decks, and landscaping — creating moisture issues all winter. By contrast, shingles hold snow more evenly, which can actually help insulate the home. Snow guards (“snow breaks”) can be added to metal systems to slow the slide, but they add cost and still require upkeep.

Other Roofing Options

Tile or Slate: Fireproof and long-lasting, but heavy and costly — rarely seen in our region.

Wood Shake: Rustic charm, but high-maintenance and fire-prone unless specially treated.

Synthetic/Composite: Mimics slate or shake; lighter weight and promising, but less time-tested.

Our Perspective as Builders

Roofs aren’t just coverings — they’re part of a home’s overall performance system. The right choice balances snow load, fire safety, long-term maintenance, and warranty coverage. While both shingles and metal have their place, we’ve found that a complete shingle system often provides the best blend of value, protection, and style for Colville-area homeowners.

Closing Thought

At Wethered Timberworks LLC, our legacy is building homes designed to last for generations. We don’t just install roofs — we build entire systems that reflect craftsmanship, integrity, and foresight. When neighbors ask what we’d put over our own heads in this climate, our answer is clear: a well-designed, well-installed system with warranties you can trust.

📞 (509) 732-6146 | ✉️ dreamhome@wethered.net

🔗 www.WetheredConstruction.com

Wethered Timberworks LLC – License #WETHETL760CL

BUILDING TODAY’S DREAMS, CRAFTING TOMORROW’S LEGACY