It's the question we hear most once a homeowner decides to replace: shingles or metal? Both are good choices - they just fit different homes, budgets, and timelines. Here's the honest comparison.
Cost
Architectural asphalt shingles are the more affordable option up front and the most popular choice for good reason. Metal costs more to install - often noticeably more - but lasts far longer, so the cost-per-year can actually come out lower if you stay in the home.
Lifespan
A quality shingle roof lasts around 20-30 years in our climate. A metal roof can last 40-70. If this is your forever home, metal can be the last roof you buy. If you may move in 10-15 years, shingles often make more sense.
Snow, ice, and weather
Metal sheds snow instead of letting it pile up, and resists ice damage - a real advantage on Spokane winters and steeper roofs. Quality shingles handle our weather well too, especially with proper ice-and-water shield underneath.
Looks and noise
Shingles give a classic look and blend into most neighborhoods. Metal offers clean, modern lines and lots of colors. As for the old "metal is noisy in rain" worry - with proper decking and underlayment, a modern metal roof is no louder than shingles for most homeowners.
Quick rule of thumb: staying long-term, want maximum lifespan, or have a steep/snowy roof? Lean metal. Want the best value and a classic look? Quality architectural shingles are hard to beat. See our metal roofing page and best materials for Spokane winters for more.
Still not sure which way to go?
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