Minnesota is a severe weather state with its heavy snow, ice storms, hail, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which require the best roofing. Metal and asphalt shingles are two of the most popular choices among Minnesota homeowners. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages in the extreme weather here.
This blog examines them on the most important aspects, which are durability, cost, energy efficiency, safety, sustainability, appearance, and maintenance.
Minnesota Climate and Roofing Needs
Minnesota’s weather is not very kind to roof materials. Structural strength may be overpowered by heavy snow load and can create water backup under the shingles from ice dams, causing costly damage. High winds and hail can be expected to cause more damage to the roofing surfaces faster.
Under these circumstances, roofing material must satisfy the following performance criteria:
- High resistance to moisture to prevent leaks
- Good shedding of snow to reduce ice dam potential
- Excellent insulating quality for energy savings
- Long-term freeze-thaw cycle resistance
Because of these harsh climate conditions, Minnesota residents must choose materials for roofing that offer protection on a year-round basis and withstand decades of brutal seasonal usage and wear.
Metal or Asphalt Shingles: Comparing Popular Minnesota Roofing Materials
1. Durability and Lifespan
Metal Roofing
Metal is one of the long-lasting roofing materials and can last up to 40 to 70+ years. They do not crack, shrink or rot in freeze-thaw conditions in Minnesota. They are durable with low maintenance because they are resistant to wind, hail and water damage. Metal provides decades of peace of mind to homeowners who desire the best solution that will last them a long time.
Asphalt Shingles
The life of asphalt shingles is 20-30 years, sometimes it can be less, depending on weather conditions. It will crack, curl or dislodge protective granules after some time. Although they are cheap and common, they get replaced and repaired more frequently because of warmer temperatures caused by the seasonal weather in Minnesota.
2. Weather Protection and Snow Shedding
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are also professionally designed snow and ice shedders that do not allow ice dams as they are built to withstand the snow and storm seasons of Minnesota. Metal roofing is constructed to withstand 140 mph winds and is naturally fire-resistant; this makes metal roofing most suitable for extreme weather.
Asphalt Shingles
In proper installation, asphalt shingles are water resistant and will serve well during normal storms. There are impact-resistant ones (Class 3 or 4), which are more resistant to hail. However, compared to metal, it is still asphalt that is more prone to the effects of wind uplift, ice dams, and conditions of long exposure to moisture conditions under the severe Minnesota climate.
3. Energy-Saving and Eco-Friendly
Metal Roofing
The metal roofs also reflect solar radiation, which has a cooling benefit of up to 25-40 percent of the summer cooling cost, which is a considerable benefit in hot weather. A number of them are made of recycled materials and are recyclable in their entirety at their end-of-life, and they are hence a green, energy-savvy investment for Minnesota property owners.
Asphalt Shingles
The asphalt shingle is heated, and this raises the cooling needs of a house. A few versions of the cool roof are more reflective, but there is not much choice. At the environmental scale, asphalt shingles are among the major contributors to the content of landfills and have a low level of recycling utility; hence, they are not environmentally friendly in the long term.
4. Installation, repair, and Maintenance
Metal Roofing
A metal roof requires professional attention due to precision work, particularly to adjust to thermal expansions and contractions. Although it is low-maintenance, the repairs are complicated and more expensive than those for asphalt. However, it is a good long-term option because it has a lower maintenance need in the long run.
Asphalt Shingles
More affordable to install and more do-it-yourself friendly. Easy repair- shingles can be repaired easily, as each one can be replaced with just a little effort. However, because of a possible loss of granules, cracking, or weathering, routine maintenance is needed.
5. Price and Value Added
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has a longer lifespan and durability, which can be handy, as it ends up being self-funding with its higher initial cost per square foot. It is also capable of lowering the insurance premiums as it is wind and hail resistant, which is relevant in storm-prone areas in Minnesota.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are cheaper at first glance, but they are more expensive for the average homeowner. They usually need to be replaced more often and are often getting repaired more often, adding to the overall cost of the lifetime as well, particularly given the extreme weather patterns that Minnesota is known to experience.
6. Style and Aesthetics Options
Metal Roofing
In the case of metal roofing, streamlined, modern designs are provided along with classic metal profiles that imitate slate, tile, or shake. It comes in a great range of colors and styles and will be compatible with both traditional and contemporary homes, and the versatility of the curb appeal of this product is warmly received by the wise Minnesota homeowners.
Asphalt Shingles
They are regarded as part of a traditional appearance and are available in different textures, colors, and even architecture. They can easily be combined with the standards of the neighborhood and the regulations of the HOA and are commonly in demand among the people who desire the traditional, familiar appearance of the roof.
Conclusion
The rough Minnesota climate needs more than the appearance of your roof; It is an investment in the integrity and worth of the house you live in. Expert advice will help you to make the best decision, whether you want the durability of metal or the economy of asphalt shingles. Contact Born Carpentry now to talk to experienced professionals who will offer proper evaluation and advice, depending on the harshest weather conditions in Minnesota.
