Metal roofing works by interlocking steel or aluminum panels that run vertically from the eave to the ridge. Each panel is fastened with clips that allow the metal to expand and contract as temperatures swing across the Twin Cities. Under the panels, we install a self-adhered ice-and-water shield over the entire deck — not just the eaves — because ice dams push water up under shingles. The underlayment sits on top of the sheathing, which is typically OSB or plywood. We check the sheathing for rot and decay before we lay a single panel; if we find soft spots, we replace that section so the metal has a solid substrate to fasten into.
Metal roofing performs best in Minneapolis when you choose a standing-seam profile with a factory-applied Kynar finish. That finish resists the granule loss you see on asphalt after a hailstorm. The panels are cut to exact lengths on site, which means no waste and no seams across the field. At the roof edge, a drip edge directs meltwater into the gutters instead of letting it wick back under the fascia. At the ridge, a ridge vent allows hot air to escape, and the ridge cap covers the seam. Flashing around chimneys and vents is hand-formed and sealed, not caulked, so it won't peel or flake in freeze-thaw cycles.
Metal roofing costs more upfront than asphalt — typically $12 to $18 per square foot installed in Minneapolis — but it eliminates the need for a second or third tear-off. Over 40 years, you pay for the roof once, not three times. And when a hailstorm hits in late spring, metal roofs often survive with zero damage, which keeps your insurance premiums stable. If you're in a Craftsman bungalow or a post-WWII rambler, we can match the panel profile to the house style. For newer townhomes and condos, a standing-seam roof adds a clean, modern line.
