Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing

A metal roof is one of the longest-lasting upgrades you can put on a Central Minnesota home. Where asphalt shingles typically need replacing every 20 to 30 years, a quality metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, often outliving the time you own the house.

At Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors, we install two main kinds of metal roofing for St. Cloud area homeowners: standing seam steel and stone-coated steel shingles. Both stand up to heavy snow, high winds, and the freeze-thaw cycles that wear down ordinary roofs. We have served the greater St. Cloud area for over 25 years and back our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

This page walks through how metal roofing performs in our climate, the two styles we install, what it costs, and how to decide whether it fits your home.

Why Metal Roofing Holds Up in Minnesota

Central Minnesota asks a lot of a roof. A typical winter brings 40 to 60 inches of snow, temperatures swing above and below freezing dozens of times, and summer storms deliver wind and hail. Metal handles these conditions better than almost any other material.

Snow Sheds Instead of Sitting

Metal panels are smooth and shed snow rather than letting it pile up and refreeze. That reduces the weight your roof carries through winter and lowers the chance of ice dams forming at the eaves. Ice dams are still driven mainly by attic heat loss, so ventilation matters too, but metal gives you a head start.

It Stands Up to Wind and Hail

Metal roofing resists high winds, and depending on the product and gauge, many systems carry strong impact ratings. For homeowners who have already dealt with storm or hail damage, that durability is a real advantage heading into the next season.

Fire Resistance

Metal is non-combustible, and most metal roofing systems carry a Class A fire rating, the highest available. That is worth peace of mind, and it can factor into some insurance decisions.

Longevity That Pays Off

The biggest reason homeowners choose metal is how long it lasts. A 40 to 70 year lifespan means many people install metal once and never replace it. Over that span, you avoid the repeated cost and disruption of tearing off and replacing asphalt two or three times.

Two Kinds of Metal Roofing We Install

Not all metal roofs look or function the same. Here are the two systems we install most often, and who each one suits.

Standing Seam Steel

Standing seam is the clean, modern metal roof most people picture. Panels run vertically from ridge to eave and lock together at raised seams, with no exposed fasteners on the face of the roof. That concealed-fastener design is part of why standing seam lasts so long, since there are fewer penetration points for water to find.

We install standing seam using established steel lines including Fabral, Wheatland, and Dakota. It suits homeowners who want a contemporary look, minimal maintenance, and maximum longevity, and it works on both simple and complex rooflines.

Stone-Coated Steel Shingles, Metal That Looks Like Shingles

Not everyone wants the ribbed, vertical-panel look of standing seam. If you want the strength and lifespan of metal but the appearance of traditional shingles, stone-coated steel is the answer.

We install Unified Steel stone-coated steel shingles, formerly sold under the Boral and Gerard names. These are steel panels finished with a layer of stone granules, so from the ground they read like asphalt shingles, wood shake, or tile, while underneath they carry the durability of steel.

Stone-coated steel has one more practical advantage in Minnesota. Because of how it installs, it can go on year-round, including the colder, lower-snow stretches when asphalt shingle work often has to pause. If your project timing lands in late fall or winter, this can keep things moving.

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost in Central Minnesota

Metal roofing costs more up front than asphalt. For context, a typical asphalt shingle replacement on an average Central Minnesota home runs in the range of $10,000 to $15,000, while a metal roof commonly costs two to three times that, depending on the system, the metal gauge, roof size, pitch, and complexity.

The way to think about the higher price is cost over time. A metal roof that lasts 40 to 70 years can outlast two or three asphalt roofs. When you factor in avoided replacements, fewer repairs, and low maintenance, metal often makes financial sense for homeowners planning to stay in their home long term.

Because every roof is different, the only way to get an accurate number is an on-site assessment. We provide free, detailed estimates with no surprises, and we can walk you through financing options if you want to spread the investment out.

Metal Roofing and Energy Use in a Cold Climate

Metal roofing is often marketed as an energy saver, and that deserves an honest, Minnesota-specific answer.

Reflective, light-colored roofing does keep a home cooler in summer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a conventional roof can reach 150 degrees or more on a sunny afternoon, while a reflective roof can stay more than 50 degrees cooler, which reduces air conditioning demand. The EPA reports that in air-conditioned homes, a reflective cool roof can cut peak cooling demand by 11 to 27 percent.

The important caveat for our climate is that these benefits are largest in hot, sunny regions. The Department of Energy notes that highly reflective roofs deliver the most savings in warm climates and can even slightly raise heating costs in cold climates, because you give up some helpful winter solar warmth. Minnesota is heating-dominated, so the summer cooling benefit is real but modest across a full year.

The honest takeaway is to choose metal in Minnesota for its longevity, weather resistance, and low maintenance first. Treat the summer energy savings as a welcome secondary benefit, not the main reason to buy.

What to Expect from a Metal Roof Installation

Installing metal well takes different techniques and detailing than asphalt, which is why experience matters. Every project starts with a thorough inspection of your existing roof, decking, and ventilation. From there we handle the full process, from tear-off through flashing, panel or shingle installation, and final cleanup with magnetic sweepers to collect stray fasteners. Learn more about our full installation process.

Proper flashing and ventilation are especially important on a roof meant to last half a century. We take the time to detail penetrations, valleys, and edges correctly so your metal roof performs the way it should for decades.

Is Metal Roofing Right for Your Home

Metal is an excellent choice, but it is not the only good option. It tends to make the most sense if you plan to stay in your home for the long term, you want to install a roof once and be done, you like either the modern standing seam look or the traditional appearance of stone-coated shingles, and your budget has room for a premium material that pays back over time.

If you expect to move within a few years or you are working within a tighter budget, quality architectural asphalt shingles may serve you better. We are happy to lay out the trade-offs honestly and help you choose what actually fits your situation, not just the most expensive option.

Common Questions About Metal Roofing

How long does a metal roof last in Minnesota?

A quality metal roof typically lasts 40 to 70 years, compared with 20 to 30 years for asphalt shingles. Many Minnesota homeowners install metal once and never need to replace it, which is a big part of its long-term value.

Is a metal roof noisy when it rains or hails?

Not the way people expect. When metal roofing is installed over a solid deck with underlayment, and with attic insulation below, rain and hail sound is comparable to other roofing materials. The drumming sound people remember usually comes from metal installed over open framing, like on a barn or shed.

Can you install a metal roof in winter?

Yes, in many cases. Stone-coated steel shingles in particular can be installed year-round, including colder, lower-snow stretches when asphalt work often pauses. We will confirm what your specific project and current conditions allow.

Does a metal roof cost more than asphalt?

Yes, up front. Metal commonly costs two to three times an asphalt roof. The value comes over time, because a metal roof can last two to three times as long, which means you avoid repeated replacements and repairs.

Will a metal roof help with ice dams?

Metal sheds snow more readily than asphalt, which can reduce the buildup that leads to ice dams. That said, ice dams are driven mainly by attic heat loss and ventilation, so proper insulation and ventilation still matter regardless of roofing material.

Do you help with insurance claims for storm or hail damage?

Yes. We work with all major insurance companies and can document damage, provide estimates in the format insurers require, and meet with adjusters. If a storm damaged your current roof, replacing it with metal can be a smart long-term upgrade.

Talk Through Your Options

A metal roof is a long-term investment, and the right choice depends on your home, your timeline, and your budget. Contact Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate and an honest conversation about whether standing seam, stone-coated steel, or a quality asphalt roof is the best fit. We will assess your roof, explain your options, and give you a detailed quote with no pressure. Call (320) 203-1297 or request your free estimate today.

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