For most Twin Cities homes, architectural asphalt shingles are the practical choice — lower upfront cost, easy to repair, and proven through our freeze-thaw swings. Standing-seam metal costs roughly two to three times more but lasts 40 to 50 years, sheds snow, and resists ice dams. The right pick comes down to how long you plan to stay and your budget.
How Minnesota weather tests a roof
North metro roofs go from 80s°F summer afternoons with hail to January stretches where the high never clears 10°F and lows run below zero. Every spring and fall the temperature crosses 32°F hundreds of times, expanding and contracting the roof. Both materials can handle it — they just age differently.
Upfront cost
Installed on a typical home, architectural asphalt runs about $450–$700 per square (100 sq ft). Standing-seam metal runs about $1,000–$1,800 per square. On a 20-square roof that's roughly $12,000–$18,000 for asphalt versus $22,000–$40,000 for metal.
Lifespan
Asphalt: 25–30 years here for architectural shingles. Metal: 40–50 years, often with a 30-year-plus finish warranty. If you'll be in the house 25 years or more, metal's cost per year gets competitive.
Snow and ice performance
Metal's slick surface sheds snow before it builds into a heavy load, which also means less chance of an ice dam forming at the eaves. Add snow guards over walkways and doors so it doesn't all release at once. Asphalt holds snow longer, so ventilation and insulation matter more.
Ice dams
No roof surface alone stops ice dams — they come from attic heat loss. But metal's fast shedding gives dams less to work with. On asphalt, ice-and-water shield along the eaves plus a properly vented, well-insulated attic is the real defense. See attic insulation.
Hail and denting
Severe hail can bruise asphalt (a claimable loss) and can dent metal panels (often cosmetic, sometimes claimable). Neither is hail-proof in a Minnesota storm belt.
Repairs and maintenance
Asphalt is simple and cheap to patch — swap a few shingles. Metal repairs are less common but need a specialist and matching panels.
So which should you choose?
Staying 10–20 years or watching the budget: architectural asphalt. Planning to stay for the long haul, want minimal upkeep, and have the budget: standing-seam metal. Either way, installation quality and attic ventilation decide how long it actually lasts. See roofing services.
Frequently asked questions
Is a metal roof loud in the rain? Not over solid decking and underlayment — it's comparable to asphalt.
Can metal be installed over old shingles? Sometimes, after a decking and code check, but tear-off is usually better.
Does metal rust in our climate? Modern coated steel and aluminum panels are built to resist it for decades.
Which is better for resale? Both add value; metal can stand out in a market where it's uncommon.
Compare your options with a free estimate
Total Home Exteriors installs both asphalt and metal across the north metro and has since 2000. Call 612-388-7795 or request a free estimate.
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