Best Metal Roofing in Washington Ranked

Choosing a new roof in Washington State means balancing performance with a demanding climate. From the heavy, wet snows of the Cascades to the wildfire risks of the eastern plains and the persistent moisture of the Puget Sound, your roofing material must be resilient. Metal roofing has become a premier choice for Washington homeowners, offering a unique combination of durability, energy efficiency, and fire resistance that aligns well with the state's environmental challenges and building codes. Modern metal roofing systems, such as standing seam or metal shingles, provide long-term protection and can be an excellent investment for safeguarding your home.

This guide will help you understand the types of metal roofing available, how Washington's specific climate and codes influence your choice, and what to consider for a successful installation.

Hanley Construction

250 Bethel Ave, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Hanley Construction is a family-owned roofing contractor serving Seattle, WA, and the greater Western Washington area. With over 40 years of experience, they provide residential and commercial roofing services including installation, replacement, repair, maintenance, and roof cleaning. Their expertise covers various roofing materials such as shingles, metal, copper, cedar shake, and flat-roof systems. Hanley Construction is known for skilled workmanship, using high-quality materials, and offering warranties backed by manufacturer certifications. They also specialize in gutter installation, repair, and gutter guard systems tailored for the Pacific Northwest climate. The company emphasizes clear communication and thorough inspections, ensuring roofing solutions that meet client needs and local weather challenges.

5.0

573 Reviews

First Rate Roofing Services

4309 E Joseph Ave, Spokane, WA 99217

First Rate Roofing Services is a locally owned roofing contractor based in Spokane, WA, offering commercial and residential roofing solutions. They provide roof replacements, repairs, rejuvenation, maintenance, and inspections, serving Spokane and surrounding areas. With over 30 years of combined experience, they focus on safety, quality, honesty, and integrity in every project. Their capabilities include advanced leak detection technology and emergency leak response to address urgent roofing issues promptly.

5.0

381 Reviews

Diamond Roofing & Construction

6421 Lake Washington Blvd NE #409, Kirkland, WA 98033

Diamond Roofing & Construction is a roofing contractor based in Seattle, WA, offering a full range of roofing services including installation, replacement, repair, leak repair, and roof inspections. They serve both residential and commercial clients and specialize in various roofing materials such as composition shingles, metal roofing including standing seam, torch applied roofs, TPO, flat roofs, and cedar shakes. With over a year in business, the company emphasizes quality workmanship, using top-grade materials and certified professionals. They also provide emergency roofing services and back their work with warranties for added assurance.

5.0

348 Reviews

Silverlining Roof LLC

10609 Beardslee Blvd, Bothell, WA 98011

Silverlining Roof LLC is a roofing contractor serving Seattle, WA, and the Puget Sound area. They provide a range of services including roof installation, replacement, repair, leak repair, metal roofing with standing seam, roof inspection, and certification. The company has over 19 years of experience and offers a 50-year warranty on qualified roof shingle services. Their capabilities include complete roof replacements and gutter installation, with a focus on detailed inspections and repairs such as valley metal replacement. Silverlining Roof LLC also offers financing solutions to assist clients with project planning.

5.0

343 Reviews

Apex Roofing

15407 E Mission Ave # 203, Spokane Valley, WA 99037

Apex Roofing is a licensed and insured roofing contractor serving Spokane, WA, and the Inland Northwest region. They specialize in residential and commercial roofing services, including roof installation, replacement, repair, metal roofing, and roof inspections. Apex Roofing works with premium manufacturers like Owens Corning and GAF to provide durable roofing solutions tailored to local weather conditions such as heavy snow and storms. Their skilled team handles everything from minor repairs to full roof replacements, ensuring compliance with local building codes and standards. They also offer gutter installation and storm damage restoration services. Apex Roofing emphasizes custom solutions and quality craftsmanship to meet each customer's unique needs.

5.0

335 Reviews

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Why Choose Metal Roofing in Washington?

The Pacific Northwest presents a distinct set of conditions that can test any building material. Metal roofing stands out for its ability to meet these challenges head-on.

• Durability Against Moisture: Washington is no stranger to rain and snow. Properly installed metal roofs are highly water-resistant and excel at shedding precipitation quickly, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage ¹.
• Superior Fire Resistance: With increasing wildfire risks in many parts of the state, a non-combustible roof is a significant safety advantage. Metal roofs typically carry a Class A fire rating, the highest available, which can be a requirement in many Washington jurisdictions ^{2 3}.
• Snow Shedding Capability: In regions with heavy snowfall, like Western Washington's mountain areas, a metal roof's smooth, hard surface allows snow to slide off more easily than from asphalt shingles. This helps prevent dangerous ice dam formation and excessive weight load on your home's structure ^{2 4}.
• Energy Efficiency: While Washington has moderate summers, solar heat gain can still increase cooling costs. Many metal roofing options can be installed with cool roof coatings that reflect solar energy, helping to keep your home cooler and reduce energy consumption ⁵.
• Longevity: A quality metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, far surpassing the lifespan of traditional asphalt shingles. This longevity makes it a cost-effective choice over the long term, despite a higher initial investment ⁶.

Types of Metal Roofing Systems

Not all metal roofs are the same. The profile-the shape of the metal panels-plays a major role in the roof's appearance, performance, and cost.

Standing Seam

This is a premium, modern option characterized by vertical panels with raised seams that interlock vertically. The fasteners are concealed within the seams, eliminating potential leak points. Standing seam roofs offer a sleek appearance, exceptional durability, and are excellent at handling rain and snow ^{2 1}. They are often the recommended choice for primary residences in Washington due to their longevity and performance.

Corrugated (Exposed Fastener)

Corrugated panels feature a classic wavy pattern and are secured with screws or nails that penetrate the panel face, making them visible. This is a more economical system, often used for agricultural buildings, sheds, workshops, and some residential applications. While durable, the exposed fasteners can be potential maintenance points over a very long period, and the lifespan is generally shorter than that of a standing seam roof ^{7 8}.

Metal Shingles and Tiles

For homeowners who desire the benefits of metal but prefer a more traditional aesthetic, metal shingles and tiles are an ideal solution. They are designed to mimic the look of slate, wood shake, or clay tiles but are fabricated from steel, aluminum, or copper. They offer the same durability, fire resistance, and longevity as other metal roofs while blending seamlessly with various architectural styles ^{9 7}.

Choosing the Right Metal Material

The metal itself is just as important as the profile. Each material has properties suited to different environments and budgets.

• Steel (Galvanized or Galvalume): The most common and affordable metal roofing material. It's coated with zinc (galvanized) or a zinc-aluminum alloy (Galvalume) for corrosion resistance. Steel is strong, readily available, and performs well in most Washington climates ^{10 7}.
• Aluminum: An excellent choice for homes in coastal areas of Washington, such as the Olympic Peninsula or the San Juan Islands, due to its innate resistance to saltwater corrosion. It is lighter than steel and also highly reflective. While typically more expensive than steel, its longevity in corrosive environments can justify the cost ^{7 11}.
• Copper and Zinc: These are premium, natural metals that offer a distinctive appearance and an extremely long service life-often 100 years or more. They develop a protective patina over time. The initial material cost is significantly higher, making them a specialty or landmark choice ⁷.

Washington Climate and Code Considerations

A successful metal roof installation in Washington must account for both the weather and the law.

Climate Adaptations

• Snow Load: In snowy regions, selecting a system and surface texture that promotes snow shedding is crucial to prevent excessive weight and ice dams. Steeper pitches and smoother panels are often recommended ^{2 12}.
• Wildfire Zones: For properties in or near wildland-urban interface areas, a metal roof's Class A fire rating provides critical protection for your home ².
• Coastal Conditions: For homes near the saltwater, aluminum's corrosion resistance makes it a top-tier material choice to combat the salty, moist air ¹¹.

Key Building Code Requirements

Washington State building codes include specific provisions for metal roofing to ensure safety and performance:

• Fire Rating: The International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by Washington, often requires a minimum Class A fire rating for roofing in many areas, which metal roofs readily provide ^{3 13}.
• Minimum Slope: Roof slope is critical for water drainage. The code specifies minimum slopes for different metal roof systems. For example, lapped, non-soldered metal roofs without sealant typically require a minimum slope of 3:12 (3 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run). With special underlayment and sealed laps, some systems can be installed on slopes as low as 2:12 ^{14 15}.
• Underlayment: Proper underlayment is a mandatory secondary water barrier. Synthetic underlayments are increasingly preferred over traditional felt paper due to their superior resistance to water absorption and tearing, which is especially important during Washington's long, wet installation seasons ¹⁵.

Understanding Costs and Investment

The cost of a metal roof in Washington varies widely based on material, profile, complexity of your roof, and labor. It's important to view this as a long-term investment.

• Material Costs (Per Square Foot):
  • Steel: $2 - $5
  • Aluminum: $3.50 - $6.50
  • Copper/Zinc: $13 - $25+ ⁶
• Total Project Cost: For a typical single-family home, a full metal roof replacement can range from approximately $10,000 to over $30,000. A standing seam steel roof on a moderately complex home often falls in the middle of this range, while a simple corrugated roof on a shed or a premium copper roof on a large home would represent the extremes ^{9 6}.

While the upfront cost is higher than asphalt shingles, the 50+ year lifespan, minimal maintenance, and potential energy savings contribute to the long-term value. Always get detailed, written estimates from licensed contractors that break down material and labor costs.

Planning Your Metal Roof Project

A successful installation hinges on proper planning and the right professional team.

1. Assessment: Have a qualified contractor assess your existing roof structure to ensure it can support a metal system, especially if considering a heavier material like stone-coated steel or adding new roof layers.
2. System Selection: Based on your home's architecture, location, and budget, choose the right metal profile and material. A standing seam aluminum or steel roof is often the best all-around performer for Washington's varied climate ^{2 4}.
3. Contractor Choice: Select a licensed, insured, and experienced Washington roofing contractor who specializes in metal. They should be familiar with local code amendments, permit requirements, and best practices for handling the state's weather during installation.
4. Installation Focus: Ensure your contractor plans for proper ventilation, high-quality synthetic underlayment, and flashings at all penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights). These details are paramount for a leak-free roof that lasts for decades.

Frequently asked questions

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