Northwoods Roofing Guide
Metal vs. asphalt roofing in the Northwoods
Heavy snow load, brutal freeze-thaw cycles, and ice dams make Wisconsin's Northwoods harder on a roof than almost anywhere else in the state. Here is how standing seam metal roofing and architectural asphalt shingles actually compare on homes around Tomahawk, Minocqua, Merrill, Eagle River, and Rhinelander.
| Standing seam metal | Architectural asphalt | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 45–60 years | 22–30 years |
| Snow shedding | Excellent — sheds in sheets | Fair — snow lingers |
| Ice dam resistance | Strong (with proper venting) | Moderate (with proper venting) |
| Wind rating | Up to 140+ mph | 110–130 mph |
| Up-front cost | Higher | Lower |
| 50-year cost | Often lower | Two replacements |
| Color/style options | Wide panel & color range | Widest color range |
| Best for | Cabins, lake homes, steep pitch | Primary homes, complex roofs |
Snow load
Metal sheds snow in sheets so weight never accumulates. On asphalt, snow sits until it melts — fine on a well-framed steep roof, harder on low-slope additions and porches.
Ice dams
No roof covering fixes ice dams alone. We pair either system with ice-and-water shield at the eaves, balanced intake and ridge ventilation, and attic insulation that stops heat loss at the source.
Durability
Freeze-thaw cycling is what ages asphalt here — granule loss, curling, cracked tabs. Metal panels move with the temperature swing instead of fatiguing against it.
Real cost
Metal runs two to three times asphalt up front. Over 50 years you install asphalt twice. We quote both on the same estimate so the math is yours to make.
Common questions
- Is metal roofing better for snow load in northern Wisconsin?
- Metal sheds snow far better than asphalt. A standing seam panel is slick enough that snow slides off in sheets instead of building up, which reduces sustained weight on the deck. Asphalt holds snow longer, which is fine on a properly framed roof but adds up on low-slope sections.
- Does a metal roof stop ice dams?
- It helps, but it is not a cure. Ice dams come from heat escaping into the attic and melting snow that refreezes at the eave. Metal reduces the snow that lingers there, but proper attic insulation, ventilation, and ice-and-water shield at the eaves are what actually solve the problem on either roof type.
- How long does each roof last up here?
- In our climate, architectural asphalt shingles typically run 22 to 30 years. A quality standing seam metal roof commonly runs 45 to 60 years with minimal maintenance. Freeze-thaw cycling is what shortens asphalt life in the Northwoods.
- What does metal roofing cost compared to shingles in Wisconsin?
- Metal generally costs roughly two to three times an asphalt roof up front. Over a 50-year window it often costs less because you replace asphalt twice. We give you both numbers on the same estimate so you can decide.
- Which do you recommend for lake homes and cabins?
- For steep-pitch lake homes, cabins with long unoccupied stretches in winter, and anything with tough roof access, we usually lean metal. For primary homes with straightforward roof geometry and a shorter ownership horizon, a premium architectural shingle is often the smarter spend.
Not sure which one fits your home?
We'll walk your roof, measure it, and hand you honest numbers on both options — no pressure, no games.