If you're shopping for a new roof, you've probably already discovered you have a number of options.  Wood shingles and shakes have a long history as roofing materials. Still in use today, their applications leans toward a true traditional look for older and newer homes. Wood shakes provide an old-world charm that asphalt shingles just can't match. There are concerns, however with this type of application. In order for wood products to survive outside in Minnesota's ever changing weather, a fair amount of maintenance needs to take place. The longest lasting wood in these conditions, being cedar, even needs semi-frequent attention. Preservatives must be applied from time to time to prevent curling and cracking form exposure to rain, snow and temperature extremes. Ultra-violet rays from the sun also attack the wood. Another source of deterioration includes the attachment of molds and fungus, which is common on wood shake roofs that are in the shad and don't get much direct sunlight to dry out rain or melting snow.

The aesthetics of the more economical asphalt shingle roofing cannot match the historical appearance of wood shingles or shakes. The cost of wood is much higher than that of asphalt, so asphalt roofing is the most common choice among homeowners for whom price is a deciding issue. The lifetime of asphalt roofs exceed that of wood materials in most instances with far less maintenance.

There are other options as well, including clay tiles and slate, but both of these roofing materials are heavy and require installation by a specialized roofing contractor.  Not all roofing companies are experienced in clay or tile installation, and not every home can stand the stress of the weight. But if cost is not an object and the look is more important, clay or slate roofing may be right for your home.

01jan02c3a15 KasselWood Metal Roofing: Photo courtesy of Kassel & Irons

But wait, there's another option.  Not mentioned yet is the choice of metal roofing. A misperception about the look of a metal roof is that it is the flat surface with straight lines, having an almost industrial look.  This type of roof - standing seam - is still popular with homeowners who are going for a farmhouse or barn look, and in fact pole barns were their most common use until recently.   Metal roofs were once thought of as utilitarian only, but they are quickly becoming one of the top choices for residential roofing.

Quarve Construction is excited about showing off the variations in style and color in today’s metal roofing. Many of the homes of our satisfied customers are covered by metal roofs that rival wood shakes in appearance.  lower for the asphalt While metal roofs cost more to install than asphalt, for appearance and durability metal can't be beat. For an installed cost in the ballpark of wood, a similar aesthetic measure can be attained for a metal roof with a lifetime of 50 years or more. Plus metal roofing requires virtually no maintenance.  This information should present a reason to investigate metal roofing for a number of reasons.  (Check out our Pinterest board to see some of the residential metal roofs we've installed around the Twin Cities.)

At Quarve we install metal roofing that replicates wood shakes or asphalt shingles, as well as other design profiles.  And we are on call throughout the entire winter, so if you notice a problem with the roof that you have, then make sure to give us a call so that we are able to come out and get it fixed for you - no worries, and no additional problems to worry about later in the year. We have you covered.

Quarve Contracting is a licensed MN roofing contractor, serving the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, including the communities of Eagan (55120), West St. Paul (55118), and White Bear Lake (55127).