Have you heard that asphalt shingles are “affordable,” but you're not sure how long they actually last or what they’ll cost you over time? Do you worry that choosing a cheaper shingle now could mean more repairs, earlier replacement, or even water damage later?
The initial price of asphalt shingles may seem attractive, but in Seattle’s rainy climate, understanding the lifetime cost of your roofing decision is important.
At RoofSmart, we replace hundreds of roofs every year. A lot of our customers choose asphalt shingles because they are the most affordable option.
We’re happy to install whatever kind of roof you want. But we always make sure to explain both the pros and cons of each roof material that you’re considering. That way, you know that your roof might require repairs or need to be replaced sooner than expected.
In this article, we’ll break down how much asphalt shingles really cost, not just on day one, but over the full life of your roof. You’ll learn what drives up long-term costs, how Seattle’s weather impacts roof lifespan, and how to compare roofing options not just by price, but by total value.
How much does it cost to install asphalt shingles in Seattle?
For the average Seattle homeowner, it will cost around $35,000 to replace asphalt shingles. There are many factors that impact the cost of replacing your roof, so your roof might cost more or less.
Factors that increase or decrease how much you pay for your roof include:
- The size of your roof: The bigger your roof is, the more it will cost to replace it
- The steepness of your roof: If your roof is very steep, it can be dangerous for your roofer to work on it. They’ll have to set up scaffolding or take other precautions to ensure that they’re safe.
- The complexity of your roof: If your roof has multiple levels, dormers, or other obstacles that need to be worked around, this adds to the amount of time it takes to complete the job.
- Yard accessibility: If your property is very small or if your house is surrounded by trees (or other obstacles), then you might not have enough room for your roofer to set up their dumpster right next to your house. This means that they’ll have to carry the old shingles off the roof and to the dumpster by hand. This might also mean that they’ll have to haul up the new shingles by hand. This all adds extra time to the job and increases labor costs.
- Type of shingles: Asphalt shingles come in a variety of thicknesses. Choosing thicker shingles will increase the total material costs.
- Doing additional work, such as:
- Mold remediation
- Adding insulation
- Fixing attic ventilation to be up to code
Seattle's high cost of living also drives up labor costs. As a result, Seattle’s roof replacement costs are higher than national averages.
How has inflation affected roof replacement costs?
Roof replacement costs rise every year, with even sharper increases in recent years.
Image from The Journal of Light Construction
This chart shows how roof costs have changed from 2010 to 2024. There was a fairly steady increase from 2013 to 2019, but after that, prices began to jump higher and higher.
How long do asphalt shingles last in Seattle?
Standard shingles are meant to last around 30 years, but Seattle homeowners usually replace their asphalt shingle roofs after 15 - 25 years. Most of the roofs that we’ve gotten called out to replace are around 17 years old.
The constant rain and humidity are hard on Seattle area roofs. Moisture is not good for asphalt shingles and causes them to deteriorate and fail earlier than they should. Asphalt shingles last longer in drier regions (like Eastern Washington).
Moisture can also easily get into a poorly installed roof and cause it to leak, which leads to more damage.
Here are some examples of damage and problems Seattle weather causes on asphalt shingle roofs:
- Mold
- Leaks
- Algae growth
- Moss growth
- Rotting wood
What additional or unexpected costs can my shingles need?
Beyond the initial installation cost, you might not need to spend much more on your roof. There are some minor costs that might come up through maintenance or repairs.
If you keep your roof in good condition, you might not end up spending any money on your roof until it’s time to replace it again. However, you could end up spending a few thousand dollars (or more) on repairs or other work to get your roof back in good shape.
Maintenance
In a rainy, wooded area like Seattle, it’s very common for debris from trees to fall onto your roof. Wet leaves and pine needles trap moisture from the rain, which is bad for your asphalt shingle roof. This will cause it to deteriorate faster.
It’s important to clean off your roof regularly so that debris isn’t always sitting on it. If you clean off the roof yourself, it’s free. However, if you hire a roofing company, it will cost you a few hundred dollars (at least).
Maintenance can include things like:
- Cleaning off your roof
- Cleaning out your gutters
- Treating and removing algae
- Treating and removing moss
Most people just clean off the roof themselves to save money. However, if you neglect your roof for too long, you might need to hire a roofer to help with cleaning or make repairs.
Repairs
Sometimes your roof can get minor damage that needs attention from a professional roofer. For example, you might need to replace a few shingles that were blown off in a storm.
Roof repairs can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $10,000. There is a wide range of things that might need to be repaired on your roof, so it’s nearly impossible to predict how much your repair might cost (if you even need one).
Our Seattle area customers spend an average of $1,000 to $3,000 on repairs, and the most common type of repair is a leak somewhere on the roof.
Is a 30-Year or 50-Year Shingle the Better Investment for Your Roof?
Now that you understand how initial price and lifetime cost play out over the long haul, you can see why choosing the “cheapest” asphalt shingles isn’t always the most affordable choice. A roof’s real cost includes how long it lasts, how often it needs repairs, and how well it stands up to Seattle’s wet weather.
If you're still weighing your options, you might be asking yourself: Should I upgrade to a 50-year shingle, or is a 30-year shingle good enough?
Myth: Cheaper shingles save money long-term. Reality: In wet climates, they often lead to premature failure and higher total costs.
Here’s a comparison matrix to help:
| 30-Year Shingle | 50-Year Shingle | |
| Initial Cost (Avg.) | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| Lifespan in Seattle | 15-25 years | 25-40 years |
| Avg. Annual Maintenance | $200-400 | $100-300 |
| Total Lifetime Cost | $40,000-50,000 | $42,000-55,000 |
| Best For | Budget buyers | Long-term owners |
As you can see, this is a bit of a myth-buster…
Your next step is to read our article “What is the Difference Between a 30-year and a 50-year Shingle?” to compare durability, cost, and warranty differences so you can confidently choose the right shingle for your budget and your long-term goals.
At RoofSmart, we believe informed homeowners make better decisions, and we’re here to help you avoid short-term thinking that leads to long-term regret.
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