Asphalt Shingles Popular choice
A practical combination of cost, durability, design flexibility, and repairability. Architectural asphalt shingles are a strong fit for many Western Washington homes.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Kirkland, Bellevue & the Eastside
Ferdi Roofing & Siding installs and replaces asphalt shingle roofing for homeowners throughout Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Seattle, and the Eastside.
Is Asphalt Shingle Roofing a Good Choice for Western Washington?
Yes. Asphalt shingles can be an excellent roofing option for Western Washington when the complete roofing system is properly designed and installed.
Our climate makes moisture management especially important. The National Weather Service maintains extensive precipitation records for Western Washington, while roofing manufacturers emphasize that shingles work as part of a larger system that includes waterproofing, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation.
That means choosing a shingle is only one part of choosing a roof.
What Are Asphalt Roofing Shingles?
Modern asphalt roofing shingles typically use a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules that help protect the roof from weather exposure.
Architectural or dimensional shingles use multiple laminated layers to create a thicker, more dimensional appearance than traditional strip shingles. CertainTeed describes dimensional shingles as the most prevalent type of asphalt roofing shingle today.
Homeowners may also hear them called:
⌂ Composition shingles
⌂ Composite shingles
⌂ Architectural shingles
⌂ Dimensional shingles
⌂ Laminated shingles
While those terms are sometimes used interchangeably by homeowners, individual products vary considerably in construction, wind ratings, algae protection, appearance, and warranty coverage.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Architectural or Dimensional Shingles
Architectural shingles are the most common option we discuss with homeowners replacing an asphalt roof.
Their layered construction creates greater visual depth than traditional three tab shingles and allows manufacturers to offer a wide range of colors and profiles.
Premium or Designer Shingles
Premium asphalt shingles are designed to create a more distinctive appearance and may imitate materials such as wood shake or slate.
They can work well for homes where roof appearance is an important part of the architecture but the homeowner still prefers an asphalt roofing system.
Three Tab Shingles
Three tab shingles use a flatter, single layer appearance and are generally considered the more basic category of asphalt roofing.
Manufacturers have increasingly shifted residential offerings toward architectural shingles, which provide a more dimensional appearance and broader performance options.
Algae Resistant Shingles
Algae resistance can be worth considering in damp climates. Some current shingle systems incorporate technologies specifically intended to reduce blue green algae discoloration.
For example, GAF offers qualifying products with dedicated algae protection warranty coverage.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Homeowners choose metal roofing for a variety of practical and aesthetic reasons.
Advantages
→ Lower initial cost than many premium systems
Asphalt shingles typically provide a more accessible entry point than standing seam metal and other specialty roof systems.
→ Wide range of styles
Homeowners can choose from many colors, profiles, and dimensional appearances.
→ Works with many home styles
Asphalt roofing is appropriate for everything from traditional Eastside homes to contemporary remodels.
→ Repairability
Localized shingle damage can sometimes be repaired without replacing the entire roofing system.
→ Established roofing systems
Major manufacturers offer shingles alongside compatible underlayment, starter strips, ridge caps, ventilation products, and waterproofing components.
Potential Drawbacks
→ Shorter expected service life than some metal systems
Homeowners planning to remain in a property for many decades may want to compare asphalt with metal roofing.
→ Moss and organic growth require attention
Tree coverage, shade, moisture, and debris can create conditions that need regular maintenance.
→ Individual shingles can be damaged
Wind, falling branches, installation problems, or aging can loosen or damage sections of an asphalt roof.
→ Performance depends heavily on installation
Even a premium shingle cannot compensate for failed flashing, damaged decking, poor ventilation, or incorrect waterproofing.
When Should an Asphalt Shingle Roof Be Replaced?
Asphalt Roof Repair vs. Replacement
Repair may make more sense when:
- Damage is limited to a specific section
- Most shingles remain in good condition
- The roof still has substantial usable life
- A leak can be traced to localized flashing or penetration damage
- Decking remains structurally sound
Replacement may make more sense when:
- Shingle deterioration is widespread
- Leaks keep returning
- Multiple sections have already been repaired
- The roof is nearing the end of its expected service life
- Moisture has damaged decking
- The existing roofing system was installed incorrectly
- Repair costs are becoming repetitive
Our goal is to recommend the solution that actually makes sense for the roof, not automatically sell a replacement.
Learn more about roof repair vs. roof replacement.
Asphalt Shingles vs Metal vs Synthetic Composite Roofing
There is no single best roofing material for every home. For homeowners in Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, and surrounding Eastside communities, the right choice depends on budget, how long you plan to own the home, roof design, maintenance preferences, and the performance you want in Western Washington’s wet climate. Here’s how three popular options compare.
Metal Roofing
A premium option for homeowners who prioritize long service life, low maintenance, and efficient water shedding and are comfortable with a higher upfront investment.
Synthetic Composite
Premium synthetic roofing can recreate the look of slate or cedar while offering strong durability and lower maintenance than many natural materials.
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing | Synthetic Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical service life |
About 20–30 years*
|
50+ years*
|
Varies by product*
|
| Upfront cost | Typically the lowest | Higher initial investment | Typically premium pricing |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Generally low | Generally low to moderate |
| Rain performance | Very good with proper installation | Excellent water shedding | Very good with proper installation |
| Moss & algae | May require periodic maintenance | Generally less hospitable to growth | Varies by product and roof conditions |
| Repairability | Individual shingles can often be replaced | Repairs can be more specialized | Depends on product availability |
| Appearance | Wide range of residential styles | Modern to traditional profiles | Premium slate or shake appearance |
| Best fit | Homeowners balancing cost, performance & appearance | Long-term owners prioritizing longevity | Homeowners prioritizing premium design & durability |
Which roofing material is best for Eastside homes?
For many homeowners in Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, and surrounding Eastside communities, architectural asphalt shingles offer the best overall balance of upfront cost, appearance, durability, and future repairability.
Metal roofing can make more sense when long-term durability and lower maintenance are the priority, while premium synthetic composite roofing is worth considering when you want the appearance of slate or cedar without using the natural material.
The best choice still depends on your specific roof. Pitch, tree coverage, ventilation, flashing, drainage, existing decking, budget, and how long you plan to stay in the home should all factor into the decision.
Get a free roof estimateWhat matters most in Western Washington?
Roofing material is only part of the system. In our wet climate, proper underlayment, flashing, attic ventilation, roof drainage, and installation are just as important to long-term performance as the material you see from the street.
*Service life is an estimate, not a warranty. Actual roof life varies based on product, installation, ventilation, maintenance, weather exposure, and roof design. Sources: GAF, Metal Roofing Alliance, and DaVinci Roofscapes.
Trusted by Homeowners Across the Eastside
Request an Asphalt Shingle Roofing Estimate
If your roof is leaking, aging, losing shingles, or simply ready for an upgrade, we can help you figure out the right next step.
Tell us about your project and we’ll give you a straightforward recommendation based on what your home actually needs.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing FAQs
How much does an asphalt shingle roof cost?
There is no reliable one price fits all number because roofing estimates are based on the actual roof, not just the square footage of the house.
Ferdi’s current Kirkland and Bellevue roof cost guide notes that full roof replacement projects in the area can range from the low teens to $35,000 or more, with smaller and more straightforward asphalt shingle roofs potentially costing less.
The biggest variables include:
- Total roof area
- Roof pitch
- Number of roof planes
- Valleys
- Material selection
- Number of existing roofing layers
- Tear-off requirements
- Decking repairs
- Flashing
- Skylights
- Chimneys
- Ventilation
- Accessibility
- Waste disposal
- Gutter coordination
For a more complete explanation, see our Kirkland and Bellevue roof replacement cost guide.
Get Pricing for Your Actual Roof
We’ll evaluate the roof and give you a written estimate based on what your home actually needs.
How long does asphalt roof replacement take?
Many residential roof replacements can be completed in approximately one to three days, although larger or more complicated homes may require additional time. Weather, decking repairs, roof pitch, access, and the number of penetrations can all affect the schedule.
We’ll provide a more realistic timeline once we’ve evaluated your specific roof.
Can asphalt roofing be installed during a Washington winter?
Yes, roofing projects can be completed during parts of the winter when weather and product installation conditions allow.
The better question is whether there is a suitable weather window for your particular roof and roofing system.
We plan projects around weather conditions and don’t recommend delaying an actively leaking or deteriorating roof simply to reach a certain month of the year.
What is the difference between asphalt shingles and composition shingles?
Composition roofing is a broad term commonly used for shingles made from multiple materials. Modern asphalt shingles typically combine a fiberglass mat, asphalt, and mineral granules, so homeowners and contractors often use terms such as asphalt, composition, and composite shingles when discussing similar residential roofing products.
The better question is whether there is a suitable weather window for your particular roof and roofing system.
We plan projects around weather conditions and don’t recommend delaying an actively leaking or deteriorating roof simply to reach a certain month of the year.
Are architectural shingles better than three tab shingles?
Architectural shingles use laminated layers to create greater dimensional depth and typically offer a more substantial appearance than traditional single layer strip shingles. They are now the more common residential choice.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last in Washington?
There is no exact lifespan that applies to every roof. Product quality, installation, attic ventilation, tree coverage, moss, sun exposure, roof pitch, maintenance, and moisture all matter. Ferdi commonly considers roof age alongside condition, with the 20 to 30 year range being an important evaluation point for many aging shingle roofs.
What are the signs that asphalt shingles need to be replaced?
Watch for widespread cracking, curling, missing shingles, significant granule loss, recurring leaks, damaged flashing, soft decking, interior water stains, or repairs that are becoming increasingly frequent.
Can individual asphalt shingles be repaired?
Often, yes. Localized shingle damage may be repairable if the surrounding roofing is still in good condition and there is no widespread deterioration underneath.
Does moss mean I need a new roof?
Not necessarily. Light growth may be manageable, while extensive moss can lift or damage aging shingles and hold moisture against the roof. The condition of the shingles underneath matters more than the presence of moss alone.
Should the roof or siding be replaced first?
When both are being replaced, roofing is usually completed first so roof to wall flashing and other transitions can be properly coordinated before the new siding is finished. There are exceptions, especially when both systems are part of one coordinated exterior project.
Is asphalt roofing cheaper than metal roofing?
Asphalt shingles generally require a lower upfront investment than standing seam metal roofing. Metal may provide advantages for homeowners prioritizing longer term ownership and durability, so the best choice depends on budget and long term plans.
