Award-winning Waterfront Property Offers Beauty and Reliability With Asphalt Roofing

By Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA).

Achten’s Quality Roofing, a family owned and operated roofing company servicing Western Washington, won a national roofing award for the Seaside Sequim residence.

The Seaside Sequim residence is a sprawling, state-of-the-art home built solely with architectural interest and functionality in mind. With its impressive facade and a pitch of 12:12 and above, this waterfront home offers a captivating view of Discovery Bay, enhancing the charm and appeal of the property. 

Over time, a chronic leak and heavy moss build up necessitated a total reroof of the 5,503-square-foot residence. The homeowners sought a skilled contractor to handle challenging situations, provide innovative solutions and prioritize excellent performance in high-wind coastal areas.

Achten’s Quality Roofing was the ideal team for the job, with a proven track record of exceptional roofing services and top notch products. As a GAF Master Elite® Contractor, a distinction awarded to only two percent of roofers nationwide, the Tacoma-based contractor can provide some of the most comprehensive warranties available in the industry.

Due to these factors, the homeowner was confident that Achten’s Quality Roofing would deliver a weather resistant and aesthetically pleasing roof. The final result is a luxurious roof design with sophisticated details that won silver in the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association’s (ARMA) 2023 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program.

Project profile: Artistry and complexity 

Often, the more complex the project, the more appealing the roof is, and this home is nothing short of extraordinary. The Seaside Sequim residence boasts a striking design with three steep turrets and a pitch greater than 12:12, making the roofing project quite intricate. 

Asphalt shingles were the most suitable option when refurbishing the roof since the material can adapt to various angles, shapes and forms. The homeowner opted for the heavier TimberCrest Premium SBS‑Modified Ridge Cap shingles to accentuate the dormers and turrets, creating an exquisite contrast against the rest of the home. To highlight the roof’s color against the water and foliage, Achten’s Quality Roofing laid down GAF® Grand Canyon® shingles in storm cloud gray. 

In many cases, turret roofs can be challenging to install due to their steep and high nature, but the design adds an elegant touch to the home. Achten’s Quality Roofing needed precise measurements to ensure shingle pieces fit correctly on the curved surfaces, which become narrower towards the cone’s peak. The homeowner also had specific requests, and one of them was to remove and reinstall the original weather vanes. To fulfill this task, the team had to modify and remount the weather vanes on each turret. 

A critical feature on this roof was that the shear pitch of some areas was close to 20:12, which made material loading difficult. To prevent shingle bundles from slipping off, the job site crew had to load them onto the roof manually. The labor-intensive work required technical planning and expert craftsmanship. The project exemplifies the versatility and strength of asphalt roofing, as well as the skilled artistry to install shingles on a third-story turret. 

Tackling challenges: Harsh environmental factors 

The coastal region of the Pacific Northwest can be tough on waterfront homes, especially regarding the roof. Harsh environmental factors like wind, rain and snow can take a toll on a roof of this size and scope. The frequent rain and moisture in the area often cause roofing issues such as algae and rot. This was the case for the homeowner, who regularly cleaned and treated their original cedar shake roof to protect it from damage. It was a costly expense, and the persistent leaks and moss build up were frustrating concerns. 

To solve these problems, Achten’s Quality Roofing offered an excellent solution by converting the cedar shake roof to a GAF® asphalt roofing system. The team used a heavier shingle with a strong bonding adhesive to help protect against blow offs from the prevailing winds of Puget Sound. The homeowner elected to enhance the roof’s lifespan and avoid discoloration caused by blue-green algae with stain guard protection. With its advanced technology and 130 mph wind rating, this durable roof system will provide additional wind and water resistance. 

This cost effective option was a significant factor for the homeowner, who needed a roofing material that could withstand the extreme weather of the temperate rainforest. Asphalt roofing was the preferred choice with its ability to withstand strong winds and rain while achieving the desired aesthetic preference and price point. With this upgrade, the homeowner has a roof requiring less maintenance. 

Furthermore, the client can rest easy knowing they received a quality roof providing years of security, even under the region’s harshest conditions. 

Due to its prior failure, the roof installation required a complete redesign that carefully accounted for the elements and a longterm roofing solution. Achten’s Quality Roofing accomplished a successful roof replacement, combatting environmental obstacles. The team demonstrated remarkable dedication and finished the project within the allocated budget and timeline.

Asphalt roofing: Aesthetic versatility 

Part of the aesthetic focus for the homeowner was finding an asphalt shingle that would provide long-lasting protection while also resembling the texture and style of shake roofing. With that in mind, a designer asphalt shingle was a perfect choice. Designer shingles offer a natural appearance and can emulate the look of more expensive roofing materials, such as metal, cedar and slate. Ultimately, the homeowner chose GAF® Grand Canyon® Shingles for their artisan-crafted shapes and resemblance to wood shake. The shingles’ oversized tabs and cutout design allowed for customization in color, adding a personal touch to the project. 

Achten’s Quality Roofing ensured that the ridge and starter matched seamlessly, resulting in a roof that transformed the home’s appearance. The finished system features a gorgeous, rich gray asphalt roof that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, showcasing the grand architecture of the house. 

Throughout the project, the team demonstrated their adaptability and exceptional workmanship. They also showed a great willingness to exceed expectations and satisfy the client. The project required expert roofing specialists to install and solder the roof’s intricate details. 

Excellence in asphalt roofing: Winning silver 

The craftsmanship also caught the eye of industry observers. Achten’s Quality Roofing earned the 2023 silver award in ARMA’s Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program. Winning the award was a source of pride for the contractor, notably because the Seaside Sequim residence posed unique difficulties due to the steep roof pitch, dormers and turrets. Yet, the team successfully maintained the home’s timeless aesthetic while installing a high-performing asphalt roofing system. This award is a true testament to the unwavering effort, commitment and expertise that defines Achten’s Quality Roofing. 

“ARMA congratulates Achten’s Quality Roofing on this superb project demonstrating the beauty and reliability of asphalt roofing,” stated Reed Hitchcock, ARMA executive vice president. 

The Seaside Sequim residence is now a beautiful vacation retreat, enjoyed year round with the calming sound of lapping water just 50 feet away and Mount Baker providing a dramatic backdrop. 

Architecturally stunning and now protected from the elements, this asphalt roof will provide peace of mind for years to come. 

ARMA’s Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program recognizes the top steep- and low-slope asphalt roofing projects across North America based on four categories: Reasons for selecting asphalt, performance, beauty and distinction. Each year, ARMA receives submissions showcasing asphalt roofing as the ideal solution for residential and commercial projects. The awards program has become an industry wide competition, covering the full spectrum of asphalt roofing systems. 

This year was record breaking, with 127 submissions celebrating success stories, innovative solutions and complex artistry while promoting the core benefits of asphalt roofing systems. A panel of industry experts selected seven projects as winners of the 2023 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program. 

To learn more about the awards program or ARMA, visit asphaltroofing.org.