Every year, homeowners watch money drain into unexpected roof repairs. Moss creeps between shingles, rain finds cracks, and minor wear becomes major damage. The kicker? Most of this could’ve been avoided by choosing the right material upfront. Roof maintenance requirements differ so dramatically between metal roofing and asphalt that you might spend twice as much, or half as much, depending on your pick.
At S&S Roofing, we’ve installed both for four generations and seen which ones keep working and which ones keep us coming back.
This guide shows you what metal roof maintenance and asphalt shingle maintenance actually involve. We’ll cover routine upkeep, repair frequency, long-term expenses, and how Pacific Northwest weather affects each material.
Overview of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing isn’t the corrugated barn material from decades past. Today’s metal roofs handle whatever the weather brings: extreme winds, heavy rain, hail, and temperature swings. Steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc each offer benefits, but all share fire resistance, pest protection, and recyclability. Most metal lasts 40 to 70 years, and the reflective surface keeps homes cooler while cutting energy bills year-round.
Overview of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles dominate the market because they’re affordable and versatile. We exclusively install Owens Corning products at S&S Roofing because they balance quality and performance. Modern shingles include features like SureNail Technology for wind resistance and come in enough colors to match any home. With proper care, quality asphalt lasts 20 to 30 years at accessible price points.
REALITY CHECK: One metal roof outlasts TWO asphalt roofs—and requires half the maintenance calls.
Maintenance Requirements: Metal vs. Asphalt
The real differences show up in what each roof demands for upkeep. Understanding these needs helps you plan realistically.
1. Routine Maintenance Needs
Metal roof maintenance stays simple. Taking care of a metal roof is still easy. We clean up trash, check the panels and fasteners, and look at the seals around chimneys and vents. That’s all there is to it.
Asphalt shingle maintenance needs more attention. Moss and algae thrive in our damp climate. Cleaning them regularly keeps them from hurting things. We also look for shingles that are missing or broken after storms.
| Task | Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles |
| Professional Inspection | Annually | Annually |
| Moss/Algae Treatment | Rarely | Every 1-2 years |
| Panel/Shingle Checks | Every 2-3 years | After storms |
2. Weather-Resistant and Long-Lasting
Metal roofing is very strong. These roofs are great at keeping out wind, hail, and water. Asphalt gives good protection, but it has more problems to deal with. Wind lifts shingles, changes in temperature lead to roofing wear and tear, and UV rays break down granules over time. Metal roof repairs happen way less often than asphalt shingle repairs—metal avoids the common roofing problems that hit asphalt installations.
3. Repair Frequency & Ease
When metal roof repairs are needed, they’re straightforward—fastener adjustments or panel swaps. Asphalt shingle repairs happen more frequently because the material is more vulnerable. Replacing damaged shingles isn’t hard, but the frequency adds up. Eventually, the roof replacement vs repair decision comes sooner for asphalt.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs Comparison
Metal roof maintenance cost stays minimal over the roof’s life. Annual inspections and cleaning are the main expenses. Asphalt roof repair costs accumulate through moss treatments, shingle replacements, and more frequent professional visits. These ongoing costs are part of a realistic total cost of ownership roofing analysis. When looking for affordable roofing materials, don’t just look at the price tag. A lower price now could mean a higher price in 30 years.
How Durability and Lifespan Compare
Metal roofs commonly have a lifespan of 40-70 years, and in many cases, they can outlast the mortgage on the home. Asphalt shingles, when properly maintained, typically last between 20 and 30 years. If they aren’t, they might last less time. Because it doesn’t last as long, asphalt needs to be replaced at least once, while metal keeps protecting. This gap has a direct effect on roofing upkeep cost and planning.
THE IMPORTANT MATH:
You will have to replace asphalt shingles 2-3 times in 50 years. Metal? Once. Maybe.
Energy Efficiency & Performance Over Time
Metal roofing reflects solar heat, keeping homes cooler and cutting cooling costs 10-25%. That performance doesn’t fade either. Asphalt absorbs more heat, and as shingles age and lose granules, energy efficiency drops. Metal’s sustained efficiency contributes to better long-term roofing costs through decades of utility savings.
Climate Factors to Consider
1. Maintaining Long-Term Appearance and Style
Metal roofing looks remarkably well for a long time. Occasional cleaning maintains that sharp appearance for decades. We offer treatments to protect against rust and corrosion. Asphalt has a harder time because it fades when granules fall off, and moss makes dark streaks. It takes time and money to keep asphalt looking like it did when it was new.
2. When Metal Roofing Wins the Maintenance Battle
When little maintenance is important, metal roofing wins. It’s great for homeowners who want low-maintenance roofing options, lasts a long time, and saves them money in the long run. Metal is better than asphalt when bad weather causes roofing wear and tear. People who care about the environment also choose it because it can be recycled and lasts longer than asphalt, which needs to be replaced often.
3. When Asphalt Roofing Makes More Sense
Asphalt is a good choice for homeowners who want to save money and keep costs low up front. It protects well and is affordable, and it makes sense if you plan to sell in 10 to 15 years. Asphalt also offers unmatched aesthetic variety and easier contractor availability.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
So who wins this maintenance battle? If you’re after longevity and minimal upkeep, metal roofing takes it. Less routine care, better resistance to common roofing problems, and 40 to 70 years of solid service. Sure, you’ll pay more upfront, but metal roof maintenance costs stay low, and repairs are rare—that’s what makes the total cost of ownership roofing work in your favor. Asphalt shingles? Lower initial price and tons of style options, but you’re signing up for more frequent asphalt shingle maintenance, dealing with roofing wear and tear, and facing replacement sooner. Those long-term roofing costs add up faster than most people think.
We’ve been doing this at S&S Roofing for four generations now, helping families across Arlington, Camano Island, Lake Stevens, Marysville, and Stanwood figure out what actually works for their homes.
Looking at metal roofing in Lake Stevens, WA, Marysville, WA, or Stanwood, WA? Need roof maintenance in Camano Island, WA, Lake Stevens, WA, Marysville, WA, or Stanwood, WA? We’ve got you covered. Our team only works with premium materials—Owens Corning asphalt shingles and top-quality metal systems—because that’s what lasts.
Contact S&S Roofing today at 360-502-7718 for a free estimate. Discover which affordable roofing materials and low-maintenance roofing options best suit your home, budget, and long-term goals.
