Materials
Best Roofing Materials for the Pacific Northwest
Asphalt, metal, cedar, composite — which one actually makes sense for a Western Washington home? A roofer's honest comparison.
May 10, 2026·8 min read
Architectural asphalt shingles
The default for 80%+ of PNW homes. Affordable, attractive, 25–30 year warranties, and easy to repair. Pick algae-resistant lines for tree-shaded lots.
Standing-seam metal
50+ year service life, sheds moss and snow, premium look. Costs roughly twice an asphalt roof but pays back in longevity and energy efficiency.
Cedar shake
Beautiful and historically appropriate, but moisture-prone and maintenance-heavy. Most homeowners removing old cedar shake convert to asphalt or metal.
Composite / synthetic slate
Lightweight, impact-resistant, looks like slate or shake at a lower weight. Higher upfront cost; excellent for architectural homes.