Are you replacing your roof and wondering if it’s worth upgrading to a more durable shingle? Do you worry about your roof holding up against Seattle’s constant rain, slick surfaces, and falling debris?
At RoofSmart, we help match hundreds of Seattle homeowners with the right roof material for their budget and needs. We believe it’s important to know the pros and cons of each material to help you decide which one is best for you.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how rubberized asphalt shingles compare to regular asphalt shingles—where they shine, where they fall short, and whether the higher price tag is really worth it for your home and climate.
We’ll walk through the key advantages like durability, walkability, and longevity, as well as disadvantages like price, warranty limitations, and weather-specific concerns. By the end, you’ll have the clarity to decide if rubberized asphalt shingles are the right fit for your home.
Want a professional to help you decide if rubberized shingles are right for your roof? Schedule an inspection with one of our roofing experts.
What Are the Benefits of Rubberized Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof?
Rubberized shingles are similar to regular asphalt shingles, except that they have rubber mixed in. Here’s how choosing rubberized shingles can make a big difference in your roof’s performance:
- Increased durability: On a typical asphalt shingle roof, the granules wear off over time, leaving the asphalt exposed to UV rays that break it down. This can lead to micro tears and leaks. With a rubberized shingle, the granules are embedded more strongly, meaning that they’ll stay in place and protect the shingle from UV rays for longer.
- Safer to walk on: Because the shingle has increased durability, it is also safer to walk on. The rubber makes it sticky, and the granules stay in place longer. As a result, you have a nice grippy surface to walk on. This is beneficial in Seattle’s rainy, wet environment because wet roofs can quickly become slippery and dangerous. It’s a great bonus to have the added grip.
- Lasts longer: Rubberized asphalt shingles typically last about 40 years, but a regular asphalt shingle only lasts 20 to 30 years. However, keep in mind that these life expectancies can also be shortened by the environment that you live in. For example, if you live in a rainy area like Seattle, where the shingles are constantly damp and covered in debris, they might not make it the full 40 years (but they will last longer than a regular shingle).
- Better impact resistance: Rubber is bouncy, so it also helps your roof hold up better when small debris hits it. The Seattle area rarely gets hail, so it’s not crucial for this area. But it is nice to know that your roof is protected just in case.
- Flexible in cold temperatures: Regular asphalt shingles don’t always react well to cold weather. They can get stiff and crack when walked on or during installation. Rubberized asphalt shingles have extra flexibility in cold weather, meaning you don’t have to be cautious of them cracking.
What Are the Drawbacks of Rubberized Asphalt Shingles?
When deciding what kind of shingle is right for your roof, it’s important to understand both the pros and the cons. Here are the disadvantages of choosing rubberized shingle roofs:
- More expensive than regular shingles: Regular asphalt shingles cost about $20,000 to $30,000 to install in the Seattle area. Rubberized asphalt shingles cost about 10% more.
- Have the same warranty coverage as regular shingles: Although rubberized asphalt shingles are more durable and last longer than regular asphalt shingles, they have the same warranty coverage. The product itself won’t earn you better or longer coverage—that is decided based on the requirements the manufacturer sets. This confusion about warranty lengths usually comes from miscommunication about what a lifetime warranty is and what it means.
- Same water resistance as asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles absorb water and take forever to dry out. Rubberized asphalt shingles are the same way. So, if you have leaves, pine needles, or other debris collecting on your roof and keeping moisture on your shingles, they will break down faster. This is a common issue in the Seattle area, so keep in mind that you’ll have to deal with it if you choose any kind of asphalt shingle.
- Will get soft in hot weather: Just like regular asphalt shingles, rubberized ones get a bit soft in very hot weather (90 degrees or higher). If you walk on the roof at these temperatures, it can rip off the granules and damage the shingles. But as long as you don’t walk on them, it won’t cause any problems. Luckily, in the Greater Seattle area, days that hot don’t happen very often.
Are Rubberized Asphalt Shingles Worth It for Long-Term Homeowners?
Seattle homeowners typically choose rubberized asphalt shingles if they’re planning on living in their house for 10 years or more because that’s when the difference in durability really starts to stand out.
It’s also a good option for you if you know that there are a lot of trees on your property and you want a roof that’s safe to walk on while you’re clearing off debris.
Rubberized shingles are ideal for homeowners who want some of the benefits of rubberized shingles, but don’t want to pay the cost of getting a fully rubber shingle like Euroshield. Rubberized asphalt shingles cost around 10% more than regular asphalt shingles, but Euroshield shingles cost about twice as much.
Rubberized asphalt shingles (like Malarkey Legacy or CertainTeed NorthGate) are a smart mid-tier choice for Seattle homeowners who want:
- Better resilience to moss, UV, and foot traffic
- Improved storm resistance (even if hail isn't a major risk here)
- More forgiving install flexibility during cold, damp months
They are not a miracle product and don’t fix poor roof design, moss buildup, or ventilation issues. But when installed right (and maintained smartly), they can outperform standard shingles by 5 to 10+ years.
How Do Rubberized Asphalt Shingles Compare When It Comes to Cost and Value?
At this point, you understand both the pros and cons of rubberized asphalt shingles—from their increased durability and safety in wet weather to the higher upfront cost and similar warranty coverage.
If you're planning to stay in your home long-term or want a roof that can handle the Pacific Northwest's wet climate and tree debris, rubberized asphalt shingles might be the right fit. But for most Seattle homeowners, the choice often comes down to the cost.
Before making your final decision, it’s important to know what a new roof actually costs in the Seattle area—rubberized or not. That way, you can weigh your options with real numbers, not just features.
Read our article “What Is the Average Cost of a New Roof in the Seattle Area?” to get a clear picture of what you can expect to pay, and how rubberized shingles compare to other materials in real dollars.
To learn how much a roof replacement will cost for your home, use our Instant Estimator tool. Get a ballpark estimate in 1 minute or less!
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