Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing
An honest comparison for Minneapolis homeowners, from a local roofer who installs asphalt every day.
Which Roof Is Right for a Minneapolis Home?
If you are planning a roof replacement, you have probably wondered whether metal is worth the extra money. Metal roofing has real strengths, but for most homes in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities, asphalt shingles are still the smarter choice when you look at the full picture: upfront cost, hail, repairs, insurance, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
At CM Roofing LLC, we install asphalt shingle roofs. We want you to understand both options honestly so you can make the right call for your home and your budget. Not sure what shape your current roof is in? Start with a free roof inspection.
Asphalt vs Metal at a Glance
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Much lower. The most affordable full roof replacement option. | Typically two to three times the cost of asphalt or more. |
| Lifespan | Typically 20 to 30 years with quality architectural shingles and proper ventilation. | Often 40 years or longer. |
| Hail | Impact-resistant shingle options are available. Damaged shingles can be replaced individually. | Resists punctures, but hail can leave permanent dents. |
| Repairs | Simple and affordable. Individual shingles can be replaced. | More specialized. Damaged panels can be harder to match and replace. |
| Noise | Quiet in rain and hail. | Can be louder in heavy rain or hail, depending on installation. |
| Snow | Holds snow in place, which reduces sudden snow slides. | Sheds snow quickly, which can dump heavy snow onto walkways and decks. |
| Curb appeal | Fits the look of most Twin Cities neighborhoods. Many colors and styles. | Modern look that does not suit every home style. |
| Installation | Most homes are completed in a single day. | Longer, more specialized installation. |
Want a starting number for your home? Try our roof cost calculator.
Why Most Minneapolis Homeowners Choose Asphalt Shingles
Lower Upfront Cost
A metal roof can cost two to three times as much as an asphalt shingle roof or more. For most families, that difference is thousands of dollars that can go toward other priorities. If you are not planning to stay in your home for 30 or 40 years, you may never get back the extra money you spend on metal. Get a starting estimate with our roof cost calculator, and ask about our roof financing options.
Easier, Cheaper Repairs After Storms
When asphalt shingles get damaged by wind or hail, a roofer can replace the damaged shingles without touching the rest of the roof. Metal panels are more specialized, and finding a matching panel years later is not always simple. If you ever need a fix, our roof repair service keeps it simple and affordable.
Hail Damage and Your Insurance Claim
Hail is a fact of life in the Twin Cities. Metal resists punctures, but hail can leave dents that stay for the life of the roof. Some insurance policies treat dents on metal roofs as cosmetic damage, which may not be covered. With asphalt, storm damage is easier to document and repair. Our storm damage restoration team documents everything with photos, and we help homeowners through the entire claim with our insurance claims assistance. Read our step-by-step roof insurance claim guide before you call your carrier. Always confirm the details of your own policy with your insurance agent.
Quieter Through Every Season
Asphalt shingles absorb sound, so heavy rain and hail stay in the background. Metal roofs can be noticeably louder in a storm, depending on how they are installed.
Snow Stays Put Where You Want It
Metal roofs shed snow fast. That sounds like a benefit until a sheet of heavy snow slides off onto your front steps, deck, or car. Asphalt shingles hold snow more evenly, which helps prevent sudden snow slides in a Minnesota winter. Pair your roof with properly sized seamless gutters and gutter guards to manage spring melt.
A Look That Fits Your Neighborhood
Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles, including dimensional architectural shingles that add depth and character. They fit the look of most homes in Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Fridley, and across the metro. Many homeowners update their siding at the same time for a complete exterior refresh. See real examples on our recent projects page.
Fast, Clean Installation
Most asphalt roof replacements in the Minneapolis area are completed in a single day, and we never leave your roof deck exposed overnight.
When Metal Might Make Sense
To be fair, metal roofing does have advantages. It can last longer than asphalt, and some homeowners like its modern look. Metal can make sense if you plan to stay in your home for several decades and the higher upfront cost fits your budget. CM Roofing LLC does not install metal roofs. If asphalt is the right fit for your home, which it is for most Twin Cities homeowners, we would love to help. Book a free inspection.
What Makes an Asphalt Roof Last in Minnesota
The lifespan of any roof depends on the installation, not just the material. A well-installed asphalt roof needs:
- Proper attic ventilation to reduce heat and moisture buildup
- Ice and water protection along the eaves and in valleys to help prevent ice dam leaks
- Correctly installed flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Quality architectural shingles installed to the manufacturer's specifications
These details are what separate a roof that lasts from one that fails early. Use our roof maintenance checklist to keep yours in good shape, and visit our homeowner roofing guide for more answers.
Asphalt vs Metal Roofing: Questions Minneapolis Homeowners Ask
Is a metal roof worth the extra money in Minnesota?
For most Minnesota homeowners, no. A metal roof typically costs two to three times more than asphalt, and you only recover that cost if you stay in your home for several decades. Hail can also dent metal permanently, while damaged asphalt shingles can be replaced individually. If you are planning to sell within 10 to 20 years, a quality asphalt roof is usually the better investment. Use our roof cost calculator to compare.
How much more does a metal roof cost than asphalt shingles?
Metal roofing typically costs two to three times as much as asphalt shingles, and sometimes more depending on the panel type and roof complexity. On an average Twin Cities home, that difference can easily reach thousands of dollars. Get a starting estimate for an asphalt roof with our roof cost calculator, or ask about financing.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last in Minnesota?
A quality architectural asphalt roof typically lasts 20 to 30 years in Minnesota when it is installed correctly with good attic ventilation and ice and water protection. Severe hail and poor ventilation are the two biggest things that shorten its life. A yearly check with our roof maintenance checklist helps you catch problems early.
Does hail damage metal roofs, and will insurance cover the dents?
Hail usually does not puncture a metal roof, but it often leaves permanent dents. Some insurance policies treat those dents as cosmetic damage and do not cover them, so you could be stuck with a dented roof. With asphalt, hail damage is easier to document, and damaged shingles are replaced. Our insurance claims assistance helps you through the process. Check your own policy with your agent.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
The biggest disadvantages of a metal roof are the high upfront cost, permanent dents from hail, more noise during heavy rain and hail, snow that slides off suddenly, and repairs that require specialized panels and installers. For most Minneapolis homes, asphalt shingles avoid these problems at a much lower cost.
Are metal roofs louder than shingles when it rains?
Yes, metal roofs can be noticeably louder than asphalt shingles during heavy rain and hail, depending on the installation. Asphalt shingles absorb sound, so storms stay quiet inside your home.
Which roof is better for Minnesota snow and ice dams?
Both roofs can handle Minnesota snow when installed correctly, but asphalt holds snow evenly while metal sheds it suddenly, which can dump heavy snow onto steps, decks, and cars. Ice dams are caused by heat escaping into the attic, not the roofing material, so proper ventilation and ice and water protection are what prevent them. A free roof inspection can spot ventilation problems before winter.
What is the best roofing material for Minnesota weather?
For most Twin Cities homes, quality architectural asphalt shingles are the best balance of cost, durability, hail performance, and easy repairs. The material matters, but correct installation, ventilation, and flashing matter just as much. Learn how we approach a roof replacement.
How do I know if I need a roof repair or a full replacement?
You likely need a roof repair if the damage is limited to a few shingles, a flashing leak, or one small area. You likely need a full roof replacement if damage is widespread, your shingles are near the end of their lifespan, or an adjuster documents enough hail damage across the roof. A free inspection with photos gives you a straight answer.
Does CM Roofing install metal roofs?
No. CM Roofing LLC specializes in asphalt shingle roofing, along with roof repair, storm damage restoration, insurance claim help, siding, and gutters across the Twin Cities.
Not Sure Which Roof Is Right for You?
Talk directly to the owner, not a sales rep. Carlos Morocho has been serving Minneapolis and the Twin Cities since 2018. We will inspect your roof, show you photos, and give you a straight recommendation. Read what homeowners say in our reviews. Free roof inspections. MN Licensed Contractor #CR807082. BBB A+ Accredited.
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