When it is time to replace a roof, most Olympia homeowners choose between two materials: asphalt shingles and metal. Both can be excellent choices in western Washington. The right one depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, your roof’s shape, and how much maintenance you want to do.
This guide compares the two side by side so you can make a confident decision.
Lifespan
Asphalt shingles: Modern architectural shingles typically last 20 to 25 years in our climate, sometimes longer with good ventilation and regular moss care. Shade, moss and poor attic airflow shorten that.
Metal: A well-installed standing seam metal roof commonly lasts 40 years or more. Exposed-fastener metal panels last a long time too, but the screws and washers need periodic checking and replacement.
If you plan to stay in your home for decades, metal may be the last roof you buy.
Moss and Debris
This is where metal shines in Olympia. Rain, fir needles and leaves slide off smooth metal panels, and moss has very little to hold on to. Asphalt shingles, with their gritty surface and overlapping edges, give moss an easy home, especially on shaded north slopes. Shingle roofs here usually need moss treatment every one to two years. You can read more in our moss removal guide.
Rain Noise
Many people worry that a metal roof will be loud in the rain. In practice, when metal is installed over solid plywood or OSB decking with underlayment, and with insulation in the attic below, most homeowners notice little difference from shingles. The “tin roof” sound comes from metal installed over open framing on barns and sheds.
Cost
Asphalt shingles cost less up front, often significantly less. Metal costs more to buy and install because the panels, trim and labor are more specialized. Over the life of the roof, though, the gap narrows: one metal roof may last as long as two shingle roofs, with less moss maintenance along the way.
The only way to compare accurately is to price both for your actual roof. Roof size, pitch, the number of valleys and penetrations, and tear-off all affect the final number.
Low-Pitch Roof Sections
Shingles need enough slope to shed water. Many homes have low-pitch areas over porches, additions or dormers where shingles don’t perform well and leaks are common. Standing seam metal is one of the best materials for these areas. Some homeowners choose shingles for the main roof and metal for the low-slope sections.
Wind Performance
Both materials can perform well in western Washington windstorms when installed correctly. Modern shingles are rated for high winds when nailed to the manufacturer’s specifications. Standing seam metal panels are mechanically locked together and fastened with concealed clips, which makes them very wind-resistant.
Looks and Style
Architectural shingles come in many colors and give a classic, textured look that suits most Olympia homes, from 1920s bungalows to newer builds. Metal roofs offer clean lines that fit modern homes, farmhouses and rural properties, and come in dozens of colors, including charcoal, black, bronze and green. In historic areas such as parts of South Capitol, check whether there are guidelines on materials and colors.
Solar Panels
If you are thinking about solar, metal has an advantage. Standing seam roofs allow solar mounts to clamp onto the seams without drilling holes through the roof. With shingles, solar mounts are bolted through the roof and flashed, which works well but adds penetrations. Also consider timing: if your shingle roof is more than halfway through its life, replace it before installing solar, so you don’t have to remove the panels later.
Maintenance
Shingles: Periodic moss treatment, gutter cleaning, and checks on pipe boots and flashing.
Metal: Gutter cleaning, occasional checks of trim and sealants, and fastener checks on exposed-fastener systems.
Quick Comparison
- Up-front cost: Shingles lower, metal higher
- Lifespan: Shingles 20–25 years, standing seam metal 40+ years
- Moss resistance: Metal much better
- Low-pitch areas: Metal better
- Style options: Both wide; shingles more traditional
- Solar friendly: Standing seam metal easiest
So Which Should You Choose?
Choose asphalt shingles if you want the lowest up-front cost, a traditional look, or you may sell the home in the next several years. Choose metal if you plan to stay a long time, are tired of moss, have low-pitch areas, or plan to add solar.
See our metal roofing service for the systems we install, or our roof replacement options if shingles are the better fit.
Get Both Prices Side by Side
Olympia Roofers installs both architectural shingles and metal roofing across Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. When we measure your roof, we can price both options so you can compare. As experienced roofers near Olympia, WA, we will tell you honestly which makes more sense for your home. Book a free estimate using the form on this page.