Which Roof Type Is Best For Your Home?

A collage of three different roof types: asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and metal roofing. With Refresh Exteriors Logo
Which roof type is best for you? There are pros and cons to each type living in Minnesota. We outline them for you in our latest blog!

We all know Minnesota weather is extreme so having the proper roof over your head is essential. If you’re asking yourself, “which roof type is best for my house?” look no further. Refresh Exteriors is the preferred Minnesota roofing company ready to help no matter your roofing needs.

There’s a lot of options out there, so let’s dive into three popular roof types. Once you’ve read up on your choices, contact Refresh Exteriors for a free consultation and quote!

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Pros:

Asphalt shingle roofs can be an excellent option at an affordable price and come in many different styles. You don’t need to make a big dent in your wallet or sacrifice the aesthetics of your home. Not only that, but the roof installation is a breeze! They are light, easy to cut, and the shingles can be replaced individually. This option means roof installation and roof repairs can be completed quickly with few tools required, and you don’t need to worry about a full roof replacement when there is storm damage to your property.

Cons:

We’ve all said, “the weather wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the wind.” Unfortunately, some inexpensive options for asphalt shingles are vulnerable to detaching with strong gusts of wind. Depending on your home location and typical wind conditions, this may leave you vulnerable to leaks and more frequent repairs. The midwest is also known for extreme weather fluctuations, which can cause asphalt shingles to crack. While asphalt shingles are a good-looking and budget-conscious option, they have a shorter lifespan than some other roofing choices.

Wood/Cedar Shake Roof:

Pros:

The Cedar Shake Roof is unparalleled in its beauty and durability. They come in many colors and age to a lovely silver-gray hue. Cedar shake roofs are an attractive and energy-efficient option to make your home stand out and increase your home value. They are fire (so long as properly treated), bug, and algae-resistant and are an eco-friendly option made from a renewable resource. Additionally, they do well with wind and impact, including hail. A wood or cedar shake roof can handle cold weather conditions and come with a long lifespan and excellent insulation as well.. If you prioritize sustainability and can manage the higher cost, this may be the ideal fit for your home.

Cons:

The drawback with a wood/cedar shake roof is the upfront cost investment, so if budget is your primary and immediate concern, wood or cedar shake roofs may not be the right solution despite their longer lifespan. They also tend to leak more than asphalt shingles during heavy rainstorms and under consistently wet conditions. Finally, they require relatively consistent care to remove any moss or fungi every 2-4 years.

Metal Roof:

Pros:

Metal roofs’ longevity and strength add significant appeal for many homeowners, and for good reason! With proper installation and often paired with a manufacturer’s warranty, a metal roof with rust-proof coating can stand the test of time. Additionally, they are resistant to fire, and the durability of metal can handle rugged weather conditions. Metal roofs are eco-friendly, typically consisting of 25% recycled materials, and are recyclable themselves. Additionally, they are ideal for other eco-initiatives, including heating and cooling costs from the metals reflectiveness, easy installation of solar panels, and rainwater collection systems. They also come in a wide variety of color choices and metal types, meaning no matter your aesthetic preference, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

Cons:

While maintenance is virtually non-existent with metal roofs, the upfront costs can be more expensive, especially the higher-end metal options. The initial price is something to consider if you’re not in what you’d consider your “forever home.” Additionally, installation requires specialized training and tools, so labor will be a bit more expensive. Depending on which type of metal you choose, some may be more susceptible to being dented by large hail or fallen branches. You may consider this option noisy during rainstorms unless you install layers of solid sheathing or insulation beneath for those not a fan of ambient noise.

No matter what you decide, all three styles come with their share of benefits and are among the most popular for a reason. Refresh Exteriors is here to help you every step of the way. There’s a lot of roofing options and companies to choose from in Minnesota. We want to make sure you’re taken care of and feel confident in your decision. If you’re in the market for a quality, storm-resistant roof to protect your home and family, start by checking out 8 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor in Minnesota!

Refresh Exteriors is a full-service and licensed Eden Prairie and Minneapolis Metro area roofing company specializing in roof repair, roof installation, home exterior inspection, and consultation. Get started with your free roofing quote by contacting your local Minnesota home exterior experts. Visit our website or give us a call at 612-324-7663.

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