Metal vs. Shingle: A Pacific Northwest Homeowner’s Guide to the Forever Roof
In the architectural world of the Pacific Northwest, the roof is not merely a lid on a box; it is a raincoat, a sun hat, and a shield against the relentless biological warfare of moss and algae.
For decades, the composition shingle has been the ubiquitous choice in Bellingham neighborhoods—a reliable, cost-effective soldier. But as architectural tastes shift toward modern farmhouse and contemporary Northwest design, and as homeowners begin to calculate the long-term cost of ownership more strictly, metal roofing has surged in popularity.
This leaves many Whatcom County residents standing in their driveways, looking up, and asking the pivotal question: Is the premium of metal worth it, or does the modern architectural shingle still hold the crown?
At Topside Roofing and Siding, we believe the answer lies not just in your budget, but in your horizon. How long do you plan to own this home? And how much maintenance are you willing to tolerate?
The Case for Architectural Shingles: The Modern Standard
Let’s be clear: the asphalt shingle of 2026 is lightyears ahead of the 3-tab "paper" shingles of the 1990s. Today, we install high-performance architectural laminates. These are thicker, multi-layered systems designed to create depth and shadow lines that mimic slate or wood shake.
The Advantages:
Affordability: An asphalt roof remains the most cost-effective entry point for waterproofing your home. It creates an immediate aesthetic upgrade without the steeper capital requirement of metal.
Walkability: For homeowners who clean their own gutters or hang Christmas lights, shingles offer traction. Metal, by contrast, is slippery and often requires professional safety gear to navigate.
Noise Absorption: Asphalt’s granular surface deadens the sound of heavy rain and hail, providing a quieter interior environment without extra insulation.
The PNW Reality Check:
In our damp climate, asphalt has a natural enemy: Gloeocapsa magma (algae) and moss. The porous surface holds moisture, which allows moss to anchor its roots. While modern shingles come with copper-infused granules to resist this, a shingle roof in a wooded area will require maintenance—typically a moss treatment every 2–3 years to reach its full 25–30 year lifespan.
Wondering how much a shingle roof costs this year?
The Case for Metal: The "One and Done" Solution
When we talk about residential metal roofing, we aren't talking about the exposed-fastener panels you see on a pole barn. We are talking about Standing Seam Metal—sleek, concealed-fastener systems that offer a clean, uninterrupted vertical line.
The Advantages:
The "Moss Immunity": Metal is non-porous. Moss cannot root into it. Pine needles slide right off. For homes nestled in the trees of Lake Whatcom or the Chuckanut foothills, this is a game-changer.
Longevity: A properly installed standing seam roof is a 50+ year asset. In the time it takes to degrade one metal roof, you would likely buy and landfill two asphalt roofs.
Cooling Efficiency: Metal reflects radiant heat. During our increasingly warm Augusts, a metal roof can lower attic temperatures significantly compared to heat-absorbing asphalt.
The Myth of the "Rain Song"
A common hesitation we hear is, "Won't it be loud in the rain?" The Reality: On a residential home, metal is installed over a solid plywood deck and a high-grade synthetic underlayment (and often insulation). The result? The sound of rain is a muted hum, not the chaotic clatter of a tin shed. Most clients find it indistinguishable from a shingle roof.
Thinking about financing a "forever" roof?
The Verdict: Which is Right for You?
The decision often comes down to the "Equation of Tenure."
Choose Asphalt Shingles If:
You are preparing the home for sale in the next 3–7 years.
You want the classic "Craftsman" or "Cape Cod" aesthetic.
You want excellent protection but need to keep the initial capital investment lower.
Choose Standing Seam Metal If:
This is your "forever home." You want to install one roof and never worry about it again.
You live under heavy tree cover and are tired of paying for roof cleaning and moss removal.
You love the modern, crisp architectural aesthetic that metal provides.
The Hybrid Approach
Increasingly, we are seeing Bellingham homeowners embrace a hybrid aesthetic: using asphalt shingles on the main roof body for cost efficiency, and accenting with metal over porches, bay windows, or dormers. This adds the "curb appeal pop" of metal without the full-system price tag.
At Topside Roofing and Siding, we are impartial. We install both systems with the same level of rigorous detail. Our goal is simply to match the material to your architecture and your financial goals.
Let’s look at samples together.
Schedule a no-pressure consultation to compare metal and shingle options for your home
