Roof replacements are common in the spring here in the Minneapolis area. That's particularly true this year following the harsh winter we had.  Many homes around the Twin Cities got hit hard, and ice dams created problems in some homes. As a Minnesota licensed roofing contractor, we've gotten lots of calls about having new roofs installed, and of course the owners want to talk about their options. So in this post we'll discuss some of the most common roofing materials

Common Roofing Materials for Minnesota Homes

The choice of roofing materialis going to make all the difference when it comes to protecting your home. We specialize in steel and other metal roofing because we believe there is no better roofing material for homes in our area. But we know not all homeowners are going to want a metal roof.

The location of your home, the exterior elements it gets hit with (and that includes the amount of sunshine as well as exposure to wind), and your own personal tastes all come into play when you evaluate roofing materials. The pitch of roof and the style of your house can also make a difference. The most common types of materials for roofing include:

  • Asphalt – This is one of the most popular choices, one of the easiest to install and of course, one of the most affordable. This is why many homeowners choose this method. It is also one that doesn’t last as long as some of the others. Asphalt shingles come in flat sheets called squares, and they are relatively easy to put on just about any pitch.
  • Metal – Metal roofing is our number one recommendation for homes in the Minneapolis area.  Metal roofing is durable, weather resistant, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. It requires virtually no maintenance, and it's fast becoming the #1 residential roofing choice among developers, designers, and architects. Tiny house owners love it, and homeowners around our area are catching on. 
  • Wood Shakes – Though popular, these are some of the most expensive roofing materials. Wood shake roofing is natural and attractive, but they require frequent treatment because of the amount of rain and show we get. They are also flammable, and many homeowner's insurance companies won't offer coverage if you have a wood shake roof in an area susceptible to fire, such as a heavily wooded lot.
  • Slate - This is a high-end, attractive roofing material that is seen a lot on homes in the Midwest. It is expensive and and puts an extreme weight load on a home structure. Slate roofs are also difficult to repair (expensive) if a crack occurs. Installation of slate roofing is something many roofing contractors don't offer - it requires special skill and equipment, so you are limited in the companies you can choose from to do the work.
  • Clay – This is a common style of roofing material in Europe and parts of the U.S. especially for those living in the Southwest. Clay roofing tiles are fire retardant, and they provide a durable layer on the home. But again, clay roofing is a specialized trade. Tile roofing can be very durable and virtually maintenance-free, but how the roof stands up depends on the quality of the installation. If it's not done right when it's put on, there will be problems. 
  • When you’re ready to switch your roofing materials, let us know. We can recommend some great, durable and affordable options that fit your needs and wants, but also the style of your home. We do both roof replacement and repair in the Twin Cities area - call us today for a free estimate.