If you live somewhere with brutal winters, your roof takes a beating every single year. Heavy snow loads, ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind-driven precipitation all test your roofing system to its limits. So when it’s time for a roof replacement, the question becomes: steel or asphalt?
Both materials have their place, but they perform very differently when temperatures drop and snow starts piling up. Here’s what you need to know before making a decision that’ll affect your home for the next 20-50 years.
Why Does Roofing Material Matter More in Cold Climates?
Roofs in northern states face challenges that homeowners in milder regions never think about. The combination of temperature extremes, moisture, and physical stress from snow creates conditions that accelerate wear on roofing materials.
Consider what your roof deals with each winter:
- Snow loads that can exceed 20-30 pounds per square foot during heavy storms
- Ice dam formation along eaves when heat escapes through the roof
- Freeze-thaw cycles that expand and contract materials dozens of times per season
- Wind-driven snow that finds every gap and seam
- Extended UV exposure during long summer days (yes, this matters too)
A roofing material that performs well in Georgia might fail prematurely in Minnesota, North Dakota, or Wisconsin. The stakes are higher when winter lasts six months.
How Steel Roofing Handles Harsh Winters
Steel roofing has gained serious traction in cold climate regions over the past decade, and for good reason. The material properties of steel make it naturally suited to handle what winter throws at it.
As covered in 5 Things to Make a Building More Weather Resistant, steel roofing won’t buckle or bend under heavy snow and rain. It’s fire-resistant and won’t rust when properly coated, even with constant exposure to moisture.
Key advantages of steel in cold climates:
- Snow shedding – The smooth surface allows snow to slide off rather than accumulate, reducing load stress on your structure
- No ice dam penetration – Steel’s interlocking panels don’t have the gaps that allow water infiltration, like individual shingles can
- Longevity – Quality steel roofs last 40-70 years, meaning you might only roof your home once in your lifetime
- Dimensional stability – Steel expands and contracts predictably, and modern installation techniques account for this movement
- Wind resistance – Rated for winds up to 140 mph when properly installed
The tradeoff? Higher upfront cost. Steel roofing typically runs 2-3 times the cost of asphalt shingles for materials and installation. But when you factor in lifespan, that equation often flips.
How Asphalt Shingles Perform in Cold Weather
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing choice in America, covering roughly 75% of homes. They’re affordable, familiar to contractors, and available everywhere. But cold climates expose some of their weaknesses.
Where asphalt shingles struggle:
- Brittleness in extreme cold – Below 40°F, asphalt shingles become rigid and prone to cracking during installation or from impact
- Ice dam vulnerability – Water backing up under shingles causes leaks and rot in the roof deck
- Shorter lifespan – Expect 15-25 years in harsh climates versus 20-30 in moderate regions
- Granule loss – Freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the shedding of protective granules, exposing the asphalt to UV degradation
- Wind lift – Individual shingles can catch wind and tear away, especially as they age and adhesive strips weaken
That said, asphalt technology has improved significantly. Architectural shingles offer better wind ratings and durability than the 3-tab shingles of decades past. Impact-resistant varieties can handle hail better than standard options.
For homeowners on a budget who plan to sell within 15-20 years, quality asphalt shingles remain a reasonable choice. Just go with a heavier-weight shingle rated for your climate zone.
The Real Cost Comparison Over Time
Initial price tags don’t tell the whole story. Here’s how the math actually works out over a 50-year period for an average-sized home:
Asphalt shingles:
- Initial installation: $8,000-$15,000
- Expected replacements: 2-3 times over 50 years
- Total 50-year cost: $24,000-$45,000
- Plus interim repairs for wind damage, ice dam leaks, etc.
Steel roofing:
- Initial installation: $15,000-$30,000
- Expected replacements: 0-1 times over 50 years
- Total 50-year cost: $15,000-$30,000
- Minimal maintenance required
The numbers shift even more when you factor in energy savings. Metal roofs with proper coatings reflect solar heat in summer and can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%. In winter, they don’t hold snow against the roof deck, which can improve insulation performance.
Insurance is another consideration. Many insurers offer premium discounts for metal roofs due to their fire and wind resistance. Check with your provider; the savings can offset the higher initial investment over time.
What About Appearance?
This used to be steel roofing’s biggest weakness. Early metal roofs looked industrial, fine for barns and commercial buildings, but not what homeowners wanted on their craftsman bungalow.
That’s changed dramatically. Today’s steel roofing comes in styles that mimic:
- Traditional standing seam (the classic metal roof look)
- Steel shingles that replicate the appearance of asphalt, slate, or wood shake
- Stone-coated steel with textured finishes
- A full spectrum of colors with fade-resistant coatings
You can now get a steel roof that looks like a high-end architectural shingle from street level. Contractors like Vetter Construction offer multiple steel roofing options specifically because homeowners want the durability without sacrificing curb appeal.
Installation Considerations for Cold Climate Roofing
Proper installation matters more than material selection in many cases. A poorly installed steel roof will fail faster than a well-installed asphalt roof.
For steel roofing, make sure your contractor:
- Uses appropriate underlayment rated for your climate
- Accounts for thermal expansion in fastener placement
- Installs ice and water shield at eaves, valleys, and penetrations
- Follows manufacturer specifications exactly (this affects warranty coverage)
For asphalt shingles, proper ventilation, adequate sealing, and regular inspections are critical. Skipping any of these leads to premature failure.
Both materials require a solid roof deck. If your existing decking has rot or damage, that needs addressing before any new roofing goes on. Experienced contractors can assess and repair structural issues before roofing work begins.
Which Should You Choose?
The right answer depends on your specific situation.
Steel roofing makes sense if:
- You plan to stay in your home long-term (10+ years)
- Your roof has a steep pitch where snow shedding is advantageous
- You’ve dealt with ice dam problems in the past
- Your home’s structure can handle the slightly different load distribution
- You want to avoid future roof replacements
Asphalt shingles make sense if:
- Budget is the primary constraint
- You’re selling the home within 10-15 years
- Your roof has complex geometry with many valleys and dormers (steel installation costs increase significantly)
- You’re comfortable with periodic maintenance and eventual replacement
There’s no universal “best” choice. A contractor who pushes one material for every situation isn’t giving you honest advice. The best roofers assess your specific home, budget, and goals before making recommendations.
Getting It Right the First Time
Whatever material you choose, don’t cut corners on the installation. Get multiple quotes, check references, and verify licensing and insurance. Ask specifically about cold-weather installation experience; techniques that work in temperate climates don’t always translate to regions with harsh winters.
A quality roof installation protects everything underneath it. It’s not the place to save a few hundred dollars by going with the lowest bidder.
If you’re weighing your options, start by getting a professional inspection of your current roof. Understanding its condition helps determine whether repairs might extend its life or if replacement is the smarter investment. Most reputable contractors offer free inspections and will give you an honest assessment, even if that means telling you your roof has years of life left.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. In cold climates, that defense gets tested hard every single year. Choose materials and contractors accordingly.
View the original article and our Inspiration here
Leave a Reply