Standing Seam Metal Roofing in Seattle: A Smart Choice for Your Home

Those who live in Seattle are no strangers to the city's unique climate, characterized by frequent rainfall, mild temperatures and occasional bouts of strong winds. With such weather patterns in mind, selecting the right roofing material for your home is essential for its protection and longevity.

Asphalt shingles/composition shingles are undoubtedly the most common residential roofing material – but they’re far from the only option.

Standing seam metal roofs can be installed on many homes and offer a range of benefits that make them a compelling option for homeowners in the Emerald City.

Benefits of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

1. Durability: Standing seam metal roofs are renowned for their durability and longevity, making them an ideal choice for Seattle's rainy climate. Manufacturing using high-grade metal materials such as steel or aluminum, these roofs are resistant to rust, corrosion and impact damage, providing long-term protection for your home.
   
   
2. Weather Resistance: Seattle experiences frequent rainstorms and strong winds, making weather resistance a crucial factor in roofing materials. Standing seam metal roofs are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail and wind gusts, providing reliable protection for your home year-round.
   
   
3. Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer months and reducing the need for air conditioning. This can result in lower energy bills and increased comfort for you and your family, making standing seam metal roofs an energy-efficient choice for Seattle homeowners.
   
   
4. Minimal Maintenance: When properly installed, metal roofing requires little maintenance other than periodic inspections and the occasional application of optional coatings. Standing seam metal roofs can last up to twice as long as even high-end composite shingles, saving you time and money in the long run.
   
   
5. Aesthetic Appeal: In addition to their practical benefits, standing seam metal roofs possess a unique, clean aesthetic and architectural versatility. Available in a variety of colors, finishes and profiles, metal roofs can beautifully complement certain home exterior designs (industrial, cottage, farmhouse, craftsman, coastal, etc.). Although the look might not be a good fit for every home, and some HOAs may have restrictions on standing seam roofing materials, metal roofs can be a bold visual choice.

Should You Choose Asphalt or Standing Seam Metal?

Asphalt Shingles

Pros:

1. Affordability: Asphalt shingle roofs are generally more affordable compared to standing seam metal roofs, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
   
   
2. Widely Available: Asphalt shingles are installed by every roof. Standing seam metal is also installed by many residential roofers, but it’s less common, and not every roofer has extensive experience working with the materials.
   
   
3. Ease of Installation: Asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install, which can result in lower labor costs and shorter installation times compared to metal roofing systems.
   
   
4. Diverse Range of Styles and Colors: Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of styles, colors and textures, allowing homeowners to choose a roofing material that complements their home's architectural style and aesthetic preferences.
   
   

Cons:

1. Less Durable than Metal: Asphalt shingle roofs have a shorter lifespan compared to standing seam metal roofs and will require replacement sooner. If you have lived in your home for many decades, you might need to replace composite shingles twice. You will likely only have to install metal roofing one time – even if you lived in the home for 50 years.
   
   
2. Heavier and Harder to Recycle: Standing seam metal actually weighs less than asphalt shingle roofing and is recyclable. This makes metal roofing a more sustainable material and, although installation of metal takes longer, removal is less labor-intensive and messy. Although asphalt shingles can be recycled, only special facilities can do it. Most roofers simply dispose of torn-off asphalt shingles in landfills.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Pros:

1. Durability: Standing seam metal roofs are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, hail and snow, better than asphalt shingle roofs.
2. Long-Lasting: Metal roofs have a longer lifespan compared to asphalt shingle roofs, with some lasting 50 years or more with proper maintenance.
3. Weather-Resistant: Metal roofs are highly resistant to weather-related damage, including fire, rot and insect infestation, providing superior protection for your home.
4. Energy-Efficient: Metal roofs reflect UV rays and heat, reducing heat transfer into your home and lowering cooling costs during the summer months.
5. Paintable: Although there is less diversity in material appearance compared to composite shingles, metal roofs can be painted to match your home.
   
   

Cons:

1. Higher Initial Cost: Standing seam metal roofs typically have a higher upfront cost compared to asphalt shingle roofs, which may deter some homeowners.
   
   
2. Requires Specialized Installation Knowledge: Although every residential roofer knows how to install asphalt shingles, not every roofing contractor has extensive experience installing standing seam metal roofing. Metal roofing installation requires specialized skills and an eye for detail to ensure proper alignment and fastening. It's essential to hire a professional contractor with experience in metal roof installation for proper installation and long-term performance.
   
   

We Provide the Best Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation, Replacement and Maintenance in Seattle

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of standing seam metal roofing for your Seattle home, Chet's Roofing & Construction Inc. is here to help.

As a trusted roofing contractor serving the Seattle area for years, we specialize in the installation and repair of standing seam metal roofs. 

Contact us today at (877) 611-1514 to schedule a free-standing seam metal roof installation or replacement consultation.