How much does a new roof cost in Bellingham?
For a typical 3-bedroom home in Bellingham, a full roof replacement usually runs $11,000 to $26,000 in 2026. Architectural asphalt shingle roofs land around $9,500 to $22,000, and standing-seam metal runs $18,000 to $45,000. The range is wide because tear-off layers, deck repair, roof pitch, and how many valleys and penetrations you have all move the number. We publish ranges and give you an exact line-item quote after we inspect the roof.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Whatcom County?
Yes. Roof replacements in the City of Bellingham and unincorporated Whatcom County both require a permit, and the re-roof has to meet current Washington State Building Code, including ice-barrier and ventilation rules. We pull the permit and handle the inspection so the roof is legal and it passes when you sell. A crew that skips the permit is a red flag.
How long does a roof last in Bellingham's wet climate?
In our climate, a standard 3-tab asphalt roof often makes it 15 to 20 years, architectural shingles 25 to 35, and metal 40 to 70. Moss and shade cut those numbers down fast, especially on north-facing slopes. Here roofs fail from constant moisture and moss, not sun, so the real lifespan depends on ventilation and how often the moss gets treated.
Is metal or asphalt better for a wet climate?
Both work here when they are installed right. Metal sheds rain fast, shrugs off moss, and lasts 40-plus years, which is why more Whatcom homeowners are switching, but it costs more up front. Architectural asphalt shingles are the best value and, with algae-resistant options and proper ice-and-water underlayment, hold up well against our moss. What matters most in our climate is the flashing, the nailing, and the ventilation, more than the brand on the shingle.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. Bellingham Roofing Co. is operated by Apex Builderz LLC, a licensed, bonded, and insured Washington general contractor (WA Contractor Reg. # APEXBBL749B1, UBI 604-945-342). We carry general liability and workers' comp, and we pull the permit on every roof replacement. Happy to show you the paperwork, just ask.
Can't I just clean the moss or do a layover and skip the cost?
Sometimes, but not as often as people hope. Moss treatment buys time on a roof that still has life left, and we are glad to do it. But a layover (nailing new shingles over the old ones) fails fast here because it traps moisture, hides the rot underneath, and adds weight without fixing the flashing. When the honest answer is a tear-off, we tell you, and we show you why on your own roof.
Is my decking rotten under there, and what happens if it is?
We do not know until we tear off, and on older Bellingham homes we usually find at least some soft decking, an old layer or two, or skip-sheathing. When we open it up we show you, take photos, and price deck repair as a clear per-sheet add-on, not a blank check. We budget for it in the quote so it is not a surprise mid-job.
Who pays for roof storm damage in Washington?
If wind or an atmospheric-river weekend damages your roof, your homeowner's insurance often covers the repair or replacement minus your deductible. We do a real inspection, document the damage with photos, and give you the paperwork your insurer needs for the claim. We do not chase storms or inflate damage, we just show what is actually there so you can file an honest claim.