Metal Roof vs. Composition Shingles in Kitsap County, WA
For most Kitsap County homeowners, metal vs. composition shingles comes down to how long you will stay. Architectural shingles cost roughly $4–$8 per square foot installed and last about 30 years. Standing seam metal costs about $10–$16 per square foot, lasts 40 to 80 years, and resists moss. Staying 30+ years under tall firs? Metal usually earns its price. Selling within 15 years, or on a tight budget? A quality shingle roof is the better buy.
Evergreen State Roofing installs both across Kitsap County, from Bremerton and Silverdale to Poulsbo, Port Orchard and Bainbridge Island. We are a certified Malarkey Emerald Premium shingle contractor, and we install standing seam and exposed-fastener metal. Because we sell both, this guide has no reason to push you toward either one.
Metal roof vs. composition shingles at a glance
| Factor | Composition shingles (architectural) | Metal (standing seam) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $4–$8 per sq ft | $10–$16 per sq ft |
| Expected lifespan | About 30 years | 40–80 years |
| Moss | Grows readily in shade; remove gently | Struggles to take root |
| Install time | Faster, often 1–3 days | Slower, often 4–7+ days |
| Upkeep | Moss and debris control, gutter checks | Minimal; check flashings and fasteners |
Lifespans come from InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart, which lists architectural asphalt shingles at 30 years, 3-tab shingles at 20, and metal roofing at 40 to 80. Install times are the typical ranges published by Four Seasons Roofing’s Puget Sound comparison.
What each roof costs in Kitsap County (2026)
Roofs are priced by roof area, not floor area. A 1,800 sq ft roof is common on a Kitsap rambler or a modest two-story home. These are installed prices, including tear-off, underlayment and flashing.
| Roof type | Installed cost per sq ft | Typical 1,800 sq ft roof |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural composition shingles | $4–$8 | $7,200–$14,400 |
| Exposed-fastener metal panels | $7–$12 | $12,600–$21,600 |
| Standing seam metal | $10–$16 | $18,000–$28,800 |
The metal ranges match Landmark Roofing’s 2026 Washington planning figures: $7–$12 per square foot for corrugated panels and $10–$16 for standing seam. Four Seasons Roofing puts a 2,000 sq ft Puget Sound home at $9,858–$15,000 for architectural shingles, against $25,000–$54,350 or more for premium standing seam. Steep pitches, dormers, skylights and rotten decking push any bid toward the top of its range.
Pricing disclaimer: The cost estimates above are based on current regional market research and industry data as of 2026. Actual prices vary depending on roof size, pitch, material choices, decking condition, site access, labor rates, and other project-specific factors. Always request a free, written estimate from a licensed local contractor before budgeting for your project. Contact Evergreen State Roofing for a no-obligation quote.
Which roof is cheaper per year of life?
Upfront price is only half the comparison. Divide the installed cost by the years the roof should last, and the gap narrows fast.
| Roof (1,800 sq ft) | Installed cost | Expected life | Cost per year of life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural shingles | $7,200–$14,400 | 30 years | $240–$480 |
| Exposed-fastener metal | $12,600–$21,600 | 40–80 years | $158–$540 |
| Standing seam metal | $18,000–$28,800 | 40–80 years | $225–$720 |
The ranges overlap, and that is the honest answer. Metal only wins on cost per year if you, or the next owner, keep it long enough to collect those extra decades. A shingle roof installed today will likely need a second tear-off before a well-installed metal roof needs its first. If you plan to hand the house to your kids, that second tear-off is the cost that matters.
How Kitsap’s rain and firs change the math
Kitsap County’s climate is the reason this decision differs from one in Arizona or Texas. The Western Regional Climate Center’s long-term record for Bremerton averages about 48 inches of precipitation a year. December and January each average more than 7 inches, compared with under 1.5 inches in June.
That wet season lands on roofs shaded by Douglas fir and cedar. According to Oregon State University Extension, shaded rooftops are ideal for moss. Moss slows water flow off the roof, can damage shingles, and may shorten a roof’s life. OSU also notes that moss does not grow easily on metal, because the surface is too slippery for it to take root.
Our view from Kitsap roofs: on an open lot in Port Orchard with full sun, a good shingle roof lives out its expected life. On a Seabeck or Bainbridge lot under mature firs, shingles need regular moss control to get there. That shaded lot is where metal earns its premium fastest.
Two moss shortcuts do more harm than good. OSU warns that pressure washing damages shingles, and it does not recommend zinc strips, which can leak where they are nailed and release metals harmful to fish.
Wind, impact and warranties
Western Washington’s big wind events, like the November 2024 bomb cyclone, test both roofs. On Kitsap’s wooded lots, falling limbs can damage either one, so material choice is only part of storm readiness.
- Composition shingles: Malarkey rates its Vista® and Legacy® shingles Class 4 for impact, which Malarkey describes as the highest rating possible. Their rubberized asphalt stays flexible in cold snaps.
- Algae is not moss: Malarkey’s algae warranty covers blue-green algae streaking only. It expressly excludes moss, so copper granules will not stop moss on a shaded roof.
- Standing seam metal: fasteners are concealed under the seams, so there are no exposed screw heads for water to find.
- Exposed-fastener metal: cheaper, but every panel is screwed through its face. The rubber washers on those screws should be checked over the roof’s life.
When composition shingles are the smarter choice
- You expect to sell within 10–15 years.
- Your budget tops out near $15,000 for an average-sized roof.
- Your roof gets good sun, so moss is a minor issue.
- You want a traditional look or a specific colour to match your siding.
When a metal roof is the smarter choice
- You plan to stay 25 years or more, or pass the home on.
- Tall firs or cedars shade your roof for much of the day.
- You want to stop scheduling moss treatments.
- Your home suits clean vertical lines, from modern builds to farmhouse styles.
How to decide: five questions to answer before you get quotes
- How long will you own the home? Under 15 years favors shingles. Over 25 favors metal.
- How much shade does the roof get? Heavy shade raises shingle upkeep and shortens shingle life.
- What is the decking like? Soft or rotten sheathing adds cost to either roof, so ask for an inspection first.
- Which metal system is being quoted? Standing seam and exposed-fastener panels are different products at different prices.
- What warranty comes with the installation? Ask who backs the workmanship, not just the materials.
For more detail, read our guides to metal roofing costs in Kitsap County and composition shingle roofing in Kitsap County. You can also see our full roof replacement and roofing services in Kitsap County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a metal roof worth it in Kitsap County?
A metal roof is usually worth it if you will stay 25 years or more, or if tall trees shade your roof. Standing seam costs about $10–$16 per square foot installed and lasts 40 to 80 years. Architectural shingles cost about $4–$8 and last around 30 years, so shingles win for shorter ownership.
Is a metal roof louder than shingles when it rains?
On a house, usually not by much. Residential metal is installed over solid decking and underlayment, which dampen rain noise. The loud drumming people remember comes from barns and sheds, where panels sit on open framing with nothing underneath.
Does moss grow on metal roofs?
Moss struggles to take root on metal. Oregon State University Extension notes the surface is too slippery for it. Needles and debris can still collect in valleys and behind chimneys, so a metal roof under firs still benefits from an occasional cleaning.
How long does a composition shingle roof last in western Washington?
InterNACHI estimates about 30 years for architectural shingles and 20 years for 3-tab. In Kitsap County, heavy shade and unmanaged moss can shorten that. A sunny roof with good ventilation and gentle moss control is the one most likely to reach full life.
Does Malarkey’s algae warranty cover moss?
No. Malarkey’s algae protection warranty applies only to blue-green algae streaking, and it expressly excludes moss, lichens, mold and other growth. Copper granules help against dark streaks, but moss on a shaded Kitsap roof still needs removal or a roof material it cannot grip.
Get a metal or shingle roof quote in Kitsap County
Still weighing metal against composition shingles? Evergreen State Roofing will inspect your roof, check the decking, and price both options side by side. You get real numbers for your home in Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Port Orchard or Bainbridge Island. Contact us for a free roofing estimate or call (360) 462-0800 today.
