For a while, metal roofs were centered around commercial buildings. However, recently metal roofs have started to become more frequent in residential areas. This is due to homeowners realizing the benefits they come with, how easy they are to maintain, and the money you're able to save long-term wise.
What's The Life Span?
Typically, traditional roofs are constructed with asphalt shingles. While these do hold pros of their own, they usually last between 20 - 30 years and need to be replaced within that timeline. Metal roofs, however, can outlast traditional shingles by over double the amount of years! Metal roofs can last between 40 - 70 years (with some materials, such as copper roofing, lasting longer). On top of this, they don't need to be replaced as often. You could have a well-installed metal roof last for 50 years before needing replacement.
How's The Installation?
Metal roofs allow for some of the fastest roof installations currently available. With metal roofs being less than 2 pounds per square foot, (whereas shingles are between 2 - 5 pounds per square foot) a metal roof could be installed within 1 - 2 days under perfect weather conditions. Asphalt shingle roofs typically take between 2 - 3 days. It's for these benefits that metal roofs are great lightweight materials to move around.
What About Weather?
Mid-westerns are in luck here. Especially Minnesotans.
Because of the dense and smooth surfaces metal roofs have to offer, it makes it extremely difficult for rain and snow to stick onto. The majority of snow will slip right off, or hardly build up on your roof. When it comes to hail, it takes a large amount of force to leave any significant dents on metal. As for the warmer season, Metal roofs are resistant to fire and smoke. This will reduce the probability of damage to your home.
What's The Cost?
Most likely, the cost of a metal roof will be greater than that of an asphalt shingle roof due to the material. That's not to say though, that long-term wise, having a metal roof is a far better investment. Its longevity makes it a superior product to invest in, along with its ability to withstand the weather of all 4 seasons. For these reasons and many more, homeowners are replacing their shingle roofs with metal ones that provide greater protection, and reduce future costs.