Should You Replace Your Roof Now or Wait? What Inflation Means for Seattle Homeowners
June 20th, 2022
4 min read

Are roofing costs rising faster than you expected in Seattle? Wondering if you should replace your roof now to beat inflation or wait until prices stabilize?
If you're like most Seattle homeowners, you're feeling the impact of inflation, from groceries to gas to home repairs. And when it comes to replacing your roof, the costs are only going in one direction: up.
At RoofSmart, we have helped hundreds of homeowners find the right payment plan for their new roofs. After being based in the Seattle area for 13 years and watching the cost of living increase continuously during that time, we understand how expensive it can be to get a new roof.
In this article, you’ll understand how roofing prices continue to climb, what that means for your budget, and how acting now can actually save you thousands. You'll also walk away with a clear action plan so you’re not caught off guard when prices spike again.
How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost on My Seattle Home in 2025?
The average Seattle homeowner can expect to pay around $30,000 for an asphalt shingle roof replacement. This price has been steadily increasing over the years due to inflation.
Chart from JLC
In 2016, the average cost was $20,000, but by 2022 the average cost hit over $30,000. That’s a $10,000 increase in only 6 years! Since then, prices have remained roughly the same.
Wondering how much it will cost to replace your roof right now? Use our Instant Estimate tool to get a ballpark range.
How Are Inflation and Tariffs Affecting Roofing Costs in Seattle?
Let’s face it – the inflation that’s crushing Seattle homeowners isn’t going away any time soon. Think about it this way: How much has the average car price changed in a few years? Now, with tariffs in place, the prices are set to increase even more in the future.
The simple fact is that the cost of your new roof will continue to increase, and the price you get today will very likely never be seen again. While inflation may eventually come back to normal levels, it won’t reverse. Ever.
Tariffs are also causing an irreversible increase in roofing costs. Here are the materials that we’ve noticed some increases in so far:
- Metal (imported steel)
- Nails
- Some underlayment
- Synthetic roofing (Euroshield)
So far, we have only noticed small increases in these items, and some of them have even gone down. However, we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.
These items are all imported, so it’s very likely that they’ll get hit harder with price increases in the future.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Roof Before Prices Rise Further?
Waiting to act can be prudent in some instances, but when it comes to replacing your roof, waiting is rarely a cost-effective answer.
The longer you wait, the more costs will increase. So, if you want the most affordable roof possible, it’s important to act now.
Here are the benefits of installing a new roof on your Seattle home sooner rather than later:
Preventing Additional Repair Costs
The Seattle rain can take a toll on your asphalt shingle roof, causing it to wear out quicker. Water can also leak through cracks, holes, or other damaged areas, causing mold, rot, or other damage.
If you notice water spots on your ceilings or walls, replacing your roof right away can save you from spending thousands on structural repairs to your home to mitigate mold or other water damage.
The problem with roof leaks is that the damage to the rest of your home can be extensive by the time you notice them.
You’ll Get The Best Price
Materials like lumber and asphalt are commodities and subject to the whims of the market. Once upon a time, that simply meant that our costs moved up and down but stayed within a certain range, which allowed us to offer a fair price without worrying about those fluctuations.
But now, our costs can rise dramatically in as little as a month, and turn yesterday’s fair price into a massive loss today. That number now changes every other month or so and seems to never go down.
We hate this at least as much as you do, but we’ve no choice but to accept this new reality.
So, during this era of upheaval, the best price you will ever see is the one you see today.
How Can Financing Options Help You Manage Roofing Expenses?
Seattle is already an expensive place to live, which means that labor costs are higher than national averages. Materials costs are the same across the U.S., but will see an increase due to tariffs and inflation.
This combination of increased material costs and high labor costs means that roof work on your Seattle home is constantly getting more expensive.
Every day that goes by, your money loses buying power. By the time you reach your savings goal, that money won’t be half what you need to achieve your dream.
If you’re not sure you can afford to replace your roof right now, consider looking into a financing plan. Many Seattle area homeowners use financing to help them afford crucial roof replacements and repairs.
For example, taking on a low-interest loan is now a great way to beat inflation. You lock in the cost of your project, you retain the buying power of your money, and you get to ease a large and expensive project into your budget with little to no pain.
And best of all, you get the project you need when you need it instead of allowing it to damage your home further while you save up.
Make sure you do your research and find the financing plan that works best for you.
What’s Your Next Step to Stay Ahead of Rising Roofing Costs?
At the end of the day, we’ve all felt the pressure of inflation—especially in a high-cost market like Seattle. If you've been putting off replacing your roof, you’re not alone. But waiting could mean paying significantly more later.
Now that you understand how inflation impacts roofing prices and the long-term financial advantages of acting now, the best next step is to schedule a free roofing consultation. This allows you to lock in current prices and make a confident, well-informed decision for your home.
At RoofSmart, we’ve helped countless Seattle homeowners navigate uncertain market conditions with transparency and zero sales pressure. Let’s help you do the same.
Want to learn more about what contributes to the cost of a roof replacement? Read our article “Why Does A Roof Replacement Cost So Much?” to see a breakdown of the different factors that make up the total cost of a roof replacement.
Topics: