Metal vs. Asphalt: Which Roof Survives Spokane Winters Better?
Spokane winters don’t play nice with roofing systems. Between heavy snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice dams that back water up under roofing materials, your roof has to do a lot more than “just look good.” If you’re weighing metal roofing vs asphalt, the real question is: which option handles ice and snow-shedding more reliably when temperatures swing and storms stack up?
Below, we’ll break down how both roofing types typically perform in Inland Northwest winter conditions—and what installation details matter most for long-term durability.
What Spokane Winters Do to a Roof
Winter damage usually isn’t caused by snow alone—it’s caused by snow + melting + refreezing. That cycle can create ice dams near the eaves, push water into vulnerable seams, and stress materials that expand and contract. Add wind-driven snow and ice, and even a “pretty good” roof can start showing leaks, lifted edges, or premature wear.
Metal Roofing in Winter: Built for Snow-Shedding
Metal is a popular cold-weather choice because it’s naturally good at snow-shedding. Its smooth surface helps snow slide off more easily (especially on steeper slopes), reducing snow load and lowering the chance of prolonged ice build-up.
That said, snow sliding off quickly can be a double-edged sword. Large sheets of snow or ice can release at once and land hard on landscaping, walkways, cars, or gutters. In many Spokane-area installations, snow guards may be recommended to control how snow releases.
If you’re curious about options, explore metal roofing and how it can be designed for harsh winter performance.
Asphalt Shingles in Winter: Reliable, but More Vulnerable to Ice
Asphalt shingles can absolutely perform well in Spokane winters—especially when the roof is properly vented and protected with ice-and-water barriers. They’re often quieter, have excellent style variety, and can be more budget-friendly upfront.
However, asphalt is generally more susceptible to winter-related wear. Cold temperatures can make shingles less flexible, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate issues like granule loss, edge lifting, and cracking in older roofs. When ice dams form, asphalt roofs can also be more prone to water intrusion if underlayment protection is lacking or flashing is compromised.
Learn more about your choices with shingle roofing.
Ice Dams: The Deciding Factor Isn’t Always the Material
When homeowners ask which roof “wins” in winter, they’re often really asking: “Which roof is least likely to leak during ice dam season?” The truth is that installation and ventilation often matter more than whether you choose metal or asphalt.
To reduce ice dam risk, the most important factors usually include:
- Proper attic insulation to prevent warm spots that melt snow unevenly
- Balanced ventilation to keep roof deck temperatures consistent
- Ice-and-water shield in vulnerable zones (especially eaves/valleys)
- Correct flashing around chimneys, skylights, and transitions
- Sound drainage with gutters/downspouts positioned for winter flow
If you’re unsure how your current roof stacks up, scheduling a roof inspection before the next storm cycle is one of the simplest ways to avoid surprise leaks.
Quick Take: Metal Roofing vs Asphalt for Spokane Winters
Here’s a practical way to compare them:
- Snow-shedding: Metal typically sheds snow faster; asphalt tends to hold snow longer.
- Ice resistance: Both can resist ice well with the right underlayment and ventilation—poor installation hurts either system.
- Freeze-thaw durability: Metal often handles temperature swings very well; older asphalt can become brittle over time.
- Maintenance concerns: Asphalt may need more frequent spot repairs; metal may need snow retention solutions in certain areas.
- Upfront cost: Asphalt is usually lower initial cost; metal is often higher upfront but long-term value can be strong.
So… Which Roof Survives Spokane Winters Better?
If winter performance is your top priority, metal roofing often has the edge thanks to snow-shedding and long-term durability—especially for homeowners who want a roof designed to handle heavy snow seasons year after year. But a high-quality asphalt shingle roof can still be a great winter performer when it’s built with the right protective layers, ventilation, and flashing details.
Schedule a Winter-Ready Roofing Plan
Whether you’re leaning toward metal or asphalt, the “best” roof for Spokane winters is the one that’s properly installed for ice, ventilation, and drainage—and matched to your home’s slope, layout, and exposure.
We recommend you schedule a consultation with Remedy Roofworks to compare metal roofing vs asphalt for your specific home and winter conditions. If you need repairs now, we can help with roof repairs, and if it’s time for a full upgrade, our team can walk you through a durable roof replacement that’s built for Spokane’s snow and ice season.
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