If you’re taking a fall drive around St. Cloud, Minnesota, and the surrounding areas, it will quickly become clear that metal roofs are the new “it” trend. Today, nearly 1 in 5 houses in the US has a metal roof vs. asphalt shingles or other shingle alternatives. And while it can be more of an investment up front, the money saved on repairs and time spent worrying about storm damage, just might outweigh the cost.
Curious to know why upgrading to a metal roof is getting so popular? Let’s talk about it.
What Makes a Metal Roof so Special?
While it may seem like a new style, metal roofs date all the way back to the 1700s, with lead, standing-seam, and tin roofs being used largely in commercial buildings such as churches. In the 1900s, with advancements in steel production, sheet metal became the crowd-pleaser for metal roofs.
Modern-day metal roofs are primarily made from steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc, with painted and galvanized steel being the most common choices. The type of metal used really depends on budget, environment, and aesthetic preferences for each home.
Here are some reasons our team at CoMitted 365 Roofing & Exterior promote metal roofs:
Longevity: Metal roofing can last 40-70 years, which is significantly longer than typical asphalt shingles, lasting only 15-20 years on average. For Minnesota homeowners planning to upgrade their forever home, a metal roof is one of the best long-term investments they can make.
Durability: Metal roofs are built to withstand Minnesota’s toughest weather thanks to their high resistance to shrinkage, erosion, strong winds, hail storms, and heavy snowfall. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs are far less prone to cracking, curling, or rotting, which means fewer repairs and less worry after every storm.
Fire Resistance: We hope this never applies to you, but it’s an advantage worth noting: metal roofing is highly fire resistant. With a class A fire rating, metal provides extra peace of mind, whether your home is near wooded areas with risk of forest fires or you simply want added protection against the unexpected.
Energy Efficiency: Did you know a metal roof could save you around 20% on your energy costs? Minnesota has one of the best climates for metal roofs if you’re looking to reap these benefits. Reflecting solar heat can significantly lower cooling costs in the summer. And in the winter, they work well with attic insulation, trapping heat inside your home and making it more efficient year-round.
Environmentally Friendly: Metal roofing is one of the most sustainable options available. It’s 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan and can be manufactured with up to 95% recycled materials. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are replaced more often and typically end up in landfills. This makes metal roofing a much more eco-friendly option for Minnesota homeowners looking to reduce waste.
What You Should Keep in Mind
If you are considering a re-roof, or perhaps working on a new build, the thought of a metal roof might have crossed your mind once or twice. But, like any house project, it’s a big decision and one you should not take lightly.
Before you pull the trigger, make sure you have considered the following:
Up-front Cost (But Long-Term Savings): The initial investment for a metal roof is higher than traditional options, like asphalt shingles. In Minnesota, the cost for a professionally installed metal roof will depend on the size of the project and materials used. Asphalt shingles may cost less up front, but they typically need to be replaced two or three times within the lifespan of a single metal roof. In the case of a cost-effective, long-term solution, metal roofing could be the way to go.
Noise: If you’ve done prior research, you may have heard that metal roofs are loud when it rains (some even say it sounds like laser beams when acorns fall). While this may be true with improper installation, modern underlayment and insulation (especially when installed by experienced crews like CoMitted 365) significantly reduce sound, so you can sleep easily through any storm.
Expanding and Contracting: Minnesota’s extreme temperatures can cause a metal roof to expand in the summer heat and contract in the winter cold. Without the right installation, this movement may lead to issues like loose fasteners, panel warping, separation at seams, or leaks. To prevent this, CoMitted 365 uses specialized fasteners that allow panels to shift naturally without damaging the structure, ensuring long-term integrity and performance.
Labor: Hiring the right roofing crew can make or break the value of your investment. Metal roofing requires specialized skills that not all contractors have. Always look for licensed and insured professionals with proven experience installing metal roofs. Choosing a trusted local company like CoMitted 365 Roofing & Exteriors means your home is protected and your roof is built to last.
Who Is a Metal Roof Best For?
Metal roofs are a great choice for all types of clients at CoMitted 365 Roofing & Exteriors. If someone has thought about the pros and cons, asked the right questions, and hired the best team, then we say go for it. If you’ve thought about it and are still on the edge of deciding what to do, determine what type of homeowner you are, and go from there. We’ll even get you started!
Younger Homeowners Building Their First Home:
If you’re starting fresh and want a roof you won’t have to worry about replacing in 15-20 years, metal roofing is a smart choice. It provides dependable protection for decades, which means one less major expense down the road. Plus, it is helpful for resale value.
Families Planning to Stay Long-Term:
If you’ve found your “forever home,” the investment in a metal roof pays off. With a lifespan of 40-70 years, you’ll likely never have to replace your roof again – saving both time and money while keeping your home secure.
Properties That Stay in the Family:
For cabins, farmhouses, or family homes passed down through generations, metal roofing ensures the property stays protected without needing frequent roof replacements. It’s an easy way to invest in the long-term legacy of your family home.
Eco-Conscious Homeowners:
If sustainability is important to you, metal roofing is one of the most environmentally friendly options. With recycled content, recyclability, and energy efficiency, it’s perfect for those wanting to reduce their environmental impact.
Homeowners Tired of Constant Repairs:
Forking out money on repairs after every big storm can get old. If you’re tired of constantly paying for repairs, a metal roof offers relief. Its durability against hail, snow, and high winds makes it ideal for Minnesota’s unpredictable weather.
So, what do you think, is a Metal Roof the Right Choice for Your Home?
Every homeowner’s situation is different. Maybe you’re building your first home and want a roof you’ll never have to think twice about. Maybe your family plans to stay in your house for the long haul. Or maybe you just want a solution that can handle Minnesota’s unpredictable weather without constant repairs. In any of these cases, a metal could be a perfect fit.
At CoMitted 365, we want to help you pick out the roof that is the right choice for your home, your budget, and your future plans. With our licensed and insured team, you’ll have a crew that knows how to get the job done right the first time, so you can enjoy the benefits of a metal roof without the stress.
Ready to invest in your home’s future? Let’s get in touch.