The short version: asphalt wins on up-front cost; metal wins on lifespan. Everything else — looks, noise, energy, resale — comes down to your priorities.
| Asphalt shingle | Standing seam metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Lower — the value choice | 2–3× asphalt |
| Lifespan | ~20–30 years | 40–70 years |
| Moss / algae | Grows on shaded slopes (algae-resistant options help) | Smooth metal sheds it — a real PNW win |
| Snow | Holds snow | Sheds snow (add retention on steep slopes) |
| Fire | Class A | Class A, non-combustible |
| Look | Traditional, huge color range | Modern, clean lines |
Asphalt is the value pick — a quality shingle like Malarkey or PABCO protects your home for a fraction of metal's up-front cost. Standing seam metal runs roughly two to three times as much, so the math works best if you'll stay long enough to bank the extra decades of life.
This is where metal shines out here. A smooth metal roof sheds our relentless rain and doesn't hold the moss that grows on porous asphalt's shaded north slopes. It also sheds snow — useful at foothill elevations like Enumclaw and Buckley (we add snow retention above walkways). Asphalt does fine here too, especially with algae-resistant granules, but you'll replace it a generation sooner.
Modern metal over a solid deck and underlayment isn't the "rain on a tin roof" myth — it's quiet. Reflective metal finishes can trim summer attic heat. On resale, a newer roof of either type helps; a long-life metal roof can be a selling point because the next owner won't have to replace it.
Choose asphalt if up-front cost matters most, or you may move within 15 years. Choose metal if this is your long-term home and you want to likely never re-roof again.
Still torn? The best way to decide is to see real numbers for your roof. Our instant estimator prices both in about a minute.
Satellite-measured, honest range — no phone call required.