There are four types of roofing materials that are commonly used for Minnesota homes: asphalt, cedar, metal, and slate. Each has their own pros and cons, which should be reviewed before making your choice.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in Minnesota, and throughout most of the country. It’s easy to see why; asphalt shingles are durable, inexpensive, and simple to replace. The only downside to asphalt shingles is that they have a shorter lifespan than other forms of roofing, lasting an average of 12 to 30 years.

Cedar shakes are another popular choice for roofs in Minnesota. This roofing option is visually appealing, weather resilient, pest resistant, energy efficient, and has an average lifespan of 30 to 50 years. However, installation and maintenance for cedar shakes is much more expensive than it is for asphalt shingles.

Metal roofing is a rarer option, but one that carries distinct advantages. Metal roofs are extremely durable and require almost no maintenance, unlike most other roofing materials. However, metal roofing is also expensive and replacement can prove challenging. Fortunately, these sturdy roofs tend to last for 40 to 70 years.

The last common option for roofs in Minnesota is slate. Slate roofing is considered by many to be both the most beautiful and most durable roofing material. It’s common for a slate roof to last for 75 to 100+ years. Unfortunately, slate roofing tends to be the priciest option and this heavy roofing material won’t work with certain types of homes.