One of the many advantages of metal roofing that Twin Cities homeowners love is that it can be selected in a variety of different looks.  Unlike asphalt roofing, where all you can choose from is shingles, there are metal roofing materials that resemble not only asphalt shingles but clay tiles, slate, wood shakes, and even wood shingles.  In this post we'd like to focus on two of our more poplar styles  - the metal slate and the metal shake.

Both real slate roofing and wooden shakes have their drawbacks.  Slate roofing is a heavy material, and many roofing companies don't even offer it.  Also, it's one of the most expensive options, and due to its somewhat brittle nature, maintenance can be an issue.  With wood shakes, maintenance is high, and there is the issue of flammability.  Just because of that, many homeowner's insurance companies won't even cover a home with wood shakes if it's in an area where fire might be likely.

Fortunately, both of these roofing materials have a lightweight, durable, virtually maintenance free option:   metal.   Shown below is KasselShake steel roofing in Beech.  Yes, it's steel, not wood.

(photo courtesy of Kassel & Irons)

 

If you like the natural look, either the slate profile or wood shake metal roofing could be just what you're looking for.  Here is some basic information to help you decide.  (And we do offer installation of both of these, with exceptional steel roofing and other metal roofing.  Metal roofing that looks like asphalt shingles is also available. There are a wide range of colors and styles to choose from.)

Metal Shake and Metal Slate Roofing

Real wood shake roofs have been popular in our part of the country for quite awhile.  (Wood shingles are very similar, so the information that follows can be applied to that style as well.)  The roofing is most often made of cedar, although cypress and redwood are also used.  While wood from these trees produces roofing that is beautiful, the wood is often adversely affected by our climate.  Chipping and cracking are common, as is the development of mold, mildew, or moss. And the inevitable weathering will change the color into a dull grey over time.  Metal shake roofing creates the look of wood shake or shingle roofing when it's new, except it resists damage from weather, and the appearance is guaranteed against fading.  Most of the colors available are manufactured with multiple tones, blended together for a natural look that will remain, despite sun, wind, rain, and snow.

Like wood shakes, slate roofing is also a natural material that appeals to people.  But it is extremely expensive, one of the most expensive roofing materials you can choose.  It's initial installation cost can be as much as 5 times a metal roof.  Slate is heavy, and while it is durable, unfortunately it is brittle and cracks easily.  It is recommended that you not walk on a slate roof, which can be problematic if you have any home repairs or maintenance needed on top of your home.  But like wood roofing, fortunately there's a metal alternative that has the look of slate without its drawbacks.

We could go on and on, but if you'd like to find out more about the benefits of metal roofing, check out our informational page.  And to find out more about what a steel or other metal roof could do for your home, why not contact us to set up a no-obligation quote?  We've been installing metal roofs around the Twin Cities area for decades, and chances are, you've seen some of our projects without even knowing those roofs were metal.

Quarve Contracting/Metal Roofing & Siding of Minnesota is a licensed roofing company serving the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.  We also serve surrounding communities such as Prior Lake, Mendota Heights, and western Wisconsin areas.