Choosing the right roofing materials for your home or property can be overwhelming, given all the varying options. Living in the Willamette Valley means wet weather, wind, and temperature fluctuations are just part of the deal. If you’re building new or planning a roof replacement, chances are you’re weighing your options between asphalt shingles and standing seam metal roofing.

At Valley Roofing, we’ve installed both asphalt and metal roofing systems across Salem and surrounding communities for over two decades. Both are excellent options—but they offer very different benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each and help you decide which roofing solution best fits your home, your budget, and your long-term goals.

But which one is right for you?

At Valley Roofing, we’ve installed thousands of roofs across Salem and the surrounding region. We’ve worked with just about every material available, and we understand the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for each one. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between asphalt and composite shingles so you can make an informed decision for your home, budget, and the demands of Oregon’s climate.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Not only are they the most popular roofing material (and for good reason), but they’re affordable, reliable, and time-tested. One benefit of asphalt shingles is that they give you plenty of options to choose from with the variety of colors and textures. Today’s most popular type is the architectural asphalt shingle, which offers a layered, dimensional look and improved performance over older 3-tab styles.

At Valley Roofing, we install high-quality asphalt shingles from Malarkey and CertainTeed, two manufacturers we’ve come to trust through years of experience. These brands consistently produce shingles that perform well in the Pacific Northwest and withstand heavy rains, winds, and seasonal temperature swings.

What Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?

If you’re looking for something more premium, a metal roofing system may be the right choice for you. Standing seam metal roofing is a sleek, high-performance alternative to shingles that is growing popular throughout the Pacific Northwest. Metal roofs offer a modern appearance along with exceptional durability. The clean lines of standing seam panels give any home a refined look, while the long lifespan and minimal maintenance needs provide peace of mind for decades to come.

At Valley Roofing, we’re proud to work with trusted local manufacturers right here in Salem, including our friends at Taylor Metal Products. Their Easy-Lock panel system is one of our go-to solutions for residential metal roofing—offering secure, elegant installation with a variety of color options to complement any architectural style. We’ve honed our metal roofing installation techniques to meet the specific needs of Northwest homes, ensuring every project we complete is built to perform in our unique climate.

Durability and Lifespan

A healthy and durable roof is a necessity. With proper maintenance, asphalt shingles usually last between 25 to 30 years and offer reliable protection. Metal roofing, on the other hand, can last 40 to 50 years or more, making it one of the most durable options available. Metal is also naturally resistant to rust, moss, mildew, and cracking, making it a great long-term investment for homes in the Pacific Northwest. It can also deflect heat and keep your home cooler.

Go with metal roofing if you want maximum lifespan with less maintenance. Asphalt shingles are well-suited for those looking for affordability but still want durability.

Weather Resistance

Asphalt shingles are engineered to handle various weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and temperature fluctuations. Many premium shingles come with wind warranties up to 110 mph and feature algae-resistant technology, which prevents moss buildup in our damp climate. Metal roofing is virtually waterproof and can take heavy rain and snow. The smooth surface helps shed debris and moisture quickly. It also stands firm against high winds and temperature fluctuations.

Both materials perform well in our wet climate. Metal roofs provide additional protection in areas that experience more severe weather (e.g., snow) or tree debris.

Maintenance and Upkeep

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance roofing option, metal roofing is the way to go. Asphalt shingles do require more maintenance. No matter which material you choose, clearing debris and addressing any damages is essential to keeping your roof in top shape.

Energy Efficiency

Asphalt shingles absorb more heat than metal roofs, but you can find shingles with reflective granules to help divert sunlight and reduce heat absorption.

Metal roofs are highly reflective, which helps keep your home cooler inside. This can lead to higher energy efficiency. You may even notice lower cooling costs after switching to metal.

If you’re concerned about cooling costs, metal roofing may be the solution. If cooling costs are not one of your biggest worries, asphalt shingles with reflective fibers are a fine middle ground.

Style & Curb Appeal

Asphalt shingles offer versatile design options, (e.g., dimensional shingles to create a textured look and depth). With dozens of colors and profiles available, finding a style that complements your home is easy. Metal roofing brings a sleek, contemporary look. It’s a natural fit for modern, minimalist, or farmhouse-style homes. You are not stuck on just a few options either. Metal roof’s come in a vast array of colors as well.

Both materials offer aesthetic flexibility but it depends on the architectural style you’re going for. For example, asphalt goes well with traditional homes, whereas metal can add a modern flair.

Cost Considerations

Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly with excellent value. They are also faster and easier to install than a metal roof, so if you’re working with a tight budget, shingles are the right choice. In comparison, metal roofs have a higher upfront cost and longer installation time, but their extended lifespans and energy efficiency make up for it over time.

Asphalt is the way to go if you want affordability with excellent performance. Metal is worth considering if you can invest more for long-term savings and premium performance.

Noise and Comfort

Asphalt shingles provide excellent sound insulation, helping to dampen noise from rain or hail. Most homeowners find them to be quiet and comfortable, even during heavy downpours. In heavy rain, metal roofs can be louder, but they can be insulated to dampen the noise. With proper insulation, most homeowners don’t notice a significant difference.

Environmental Considerations

Asphalt shingles are a petroleum-based product and can be more difficult to recycle once removed. That said, some brands—like Malarkey—are working to reduce their environmental impact by incorporating recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Metal is highly eco-friendly because it’s often made from recycled contents and can be recycled when it reaches the end of its life.

If sustainability is a top priority, metal roofing is the winner. However, eco-conscious asphalt brands still offer solid options.

Let Valley Roofing Help You Choose

Whether you’re leaning toward asphalt shingles or standing seam metal roofing, Valley Roofing is here to help you make the right decision for your home.

We’ve served homeowners across Salem and the Willamette Valley for over 20 years and pride ourselves on transparent recommendations, skilled installations, and long-lasting results. Our team only installs materials we trust to perform in our local climate.

Ready to explore your roofing options with a local team you can trust? Contact us today for a free estimate or consultation.