Asphalt vs metal roof in Seattle (2026):
cost, lifespan and resale value
HOW MUCH MORE DOES A METAL ROOF COST THAN ASPHALT?
In Seattle, Angi lists asphalt shingles at $3 to $11 per square foot installed and metal at $5 to $22. Nationally, HomeGuide puts a metal roof at $7,500 to $40,000 and asphalt at $5,700 to $12,000. Metal lasts longer, 30 to 80+ years versus 15 to 30 for asphalt (HomeGuide), but in Seattle it recouped less of its cost at resale in the 2025 Cost vs Value report.
Asphalt vs metal, side by side
| Asphalt shingles | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, per sq ft, Seattle (Angi) | $3–$11 | $5–$22 |
| Installed, per sq ft, U.S. (HomeGuide) | $3–$6 | $5–$16 |
| Whole roof, U.S. (HomeGuide) | $5,700–$12,000 | $7,500–$40,000 |
| Lifespan (HomeGuide) | 15–30 years | 30–80+ years |
| Resale value recouped, Seattle (Cost vs Value 2025) | 42.8% | 26.6% |
HomeGuide lists the downsides of metal as the higher upfront cost, difficulty color-matching repairs, a water-penetration risk on exposed-fastener roofs as the metal expands and contracts, and rust or dents on thinner metals. It says metal roofs are not noisy "when installed and insulated correctly," and may qualify for insurance discounts.
Example: an average Seattle roof
Angi puts the average Seattle roof at about 1,800 sq ft. Here's what the published rates give for that roof:
| Roof | Seattle rates (Angi) | U.S. rates (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $5,400–$19,800 | $5,400–$10,800 |
| Metal, any type | $9,000–$39,600 | $9,000–$28,800 |
| Standing seam metal | not listed | $16,200–$28,800 |
To try your own roof size and pitch, use our roof replacement cost calculator.
Cost per year of roof life
Metal costs more up front but can last longer. Dividing the U.S. price for the 1,800 sq ft roof above by HomeGuide's lifespans gives a rough cost per year:
| Roof | Price (HomeGuide rates) | Lifespan (HomeGuide) | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $7,200–$10,800 | 20–30 years | $240–$540 |
| Standing seam metal | $16,200–$28,800 | 30–80+ years | $203–$960 |
The ranges overlap, so metal only comes out ahead per year if it lasts toward the long end and you stay in the home long enough to use that life. If you plan to sell in a few years, the upfront price and resale numbers below matter more.
Resale value in Seattle
| Project | Job cost | Resale value | Recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt roof replacement, Seattle | $45,077 | $19,283 | 42.8% |
| Metal roof replacement, Seattle | $75,867 | $20,217 | 26.6% |
| Asphalt roof replacement, U.S. | $31,871 | $21,501 | 67.5% |
| Metal roof replacement, U.S. | $51,865 | $25,972 | 50.1% |
In this report, a metal roof in Seattle cost about $30,800 more than asphalt but added only about $930 more in resale value.
Metal roof types and prices
| Type | Installed per sq ft | Installed per square |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated or standard sheet metal | $5–$12 | $500–$1,200 |
| Metal shingles | $6–$14 | $600–$1,400 |
| Standing seam | $9–$16 | $900–$1,600 |
HomeGuide says metal roofs in high-humidity climates typically last 30 to 50 years for corrugated metal, and longer for standing seam. Fighting moss on an existing roof instead? See roof repair cost in Seattle, which covers moss removal.
Before you sign
- Ask for both materials on the same roof, with the same tear-off, underlayment and flashing. Our guide on how to read a roofing estimate walks through each line.
- For metal, ask whether the panels use exposed or hidden fasteners, and what gauge the metal is.
- Get the warranty in writing, and ask which part is the manufacturer's and which is the roofer's workmanship warranty.
- Look the roofer up on L&I's Verify a Contractor tool. For jobs of $1,000 or more on a home, the contractor must give you a written disclosure statement before work starts (RCW 18.27.114).
Frequently asked questions
How much more does a metal roof cost than asphalt?
In Seattle, Angi lists asphalt at $3 to $11 per square foot installed and metal at $5 to $22. For an average 1,800 sq ft Seattle roof, that's $5,400 to $19,800 for asphalt and $9,000 to $39,600 for metal, before sales tax.
Is a metal roof worth it in Seattle?
It depends on how long you'll stay. HomeGuide says metal lasts 30 to 80+ years versus 15 to 30 for asphalt. But in the 2025 Cost vs Value report, a Seattle metal roof recouped 26.6% of its cost at resale, compared with 42.8% for asphalt.
How long does a metal roof last?
HomeGuide says 30 to 80+ years when installed correctly and maintained. In high-humidity climates, it says corrugated metal typically lasts 30 to 50 years and standing seam longer.
Are metal roofs loud in the rain?
HomeGuide says metal roofs are not noisy when installed and insulated correctly.
How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?
HomeGuide lists $9 to $16 per square foot installed, or $900 to $1,600 per square. For a 1,800 sq ft roof, that's $16,200 to $28,800 before tax.
Need a repair instead of a new roof? See roof repair cost by type of repair, or roof leak repair cost if water is already coming in.
Sources
- Angi — Roof replacement cost in Seattle, WA (updated Aug 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost? (November 21, 2025)
- HomeGuide — Roof Replacement Cost (edited Nov 7, 2025)
- Journal of Light Construction — Cost vs Value 2025, Seattle and national report
- Washington Department of Revenue; RCW 18.27.114; L&I — Hiring a contractor
All sources accessed October 14–15, 2026.
These figures are estimates compiled from the published sources above. They are not quotes and can't account for your roof or your contractor. Get written estimates from licensed, bonded and insured roofers before deciding. See our disclosure and disclaimer.