How long does a roof last in Minnesota?

How Minnesota Weather Affects Roof Life

• Ice dams: A ridge of ice at the roof edge. It forms when heat from your home melts snow and the water refreezes at the colder eaves. That ice blocks drainage, so meltwater can back up under shingles and leak inside.
• Freeze–thaw: Water freezes, expands, and can pry roofing materials apart.
• Hail: Dents and granule loss shorten life even if you don’t see leaks right away.
• Heavy snow: Extra weight plus repeated melting/refreezing are hard on roofs. Metal’s smooth surface helps snow slide off; shingle roofs may hold snow longer.
• Attic ventilation: Cool air in at the eaves, warm air out near the peak keeps deck temps even and reduces ice-dam risk.

Signs of an ice-dam problem: thick ice ridges at the eaves, big icicles behind gutters, or water stains after a winter thaw.

Simple Maintenance Plan

1. Every fall: Clear gutters/valleys and make sure downspouts flow. Remove debris on flat roofs.
2. Quick look, twice a year: Missing or curled shingles? Loose metal pieces? Cracked rubber boots around pipes? Gaps in flashing?
3. After storms: Get a checkup after hail or high winds and take photos for your records.
4. Fix heat loss: Air-seal ceiling leaks (around lights, attic hatches), add insulation, and make sure attic vents are open and balanced.
5. Yearly tune-up: A roofer tightens fasteners, seals small gaps, and touches up coatings on metal.

Repair or Replace?

Choose repair when the problem is small and the rest of the roof is in good shape.

Consider replacement if you see:

• Lots of granules in gutters or bald shingle spots
• Many curled or cracked shingles, or exposed fiberglass mat
• Leaks from ice dams even after improving insulation/venting
• Soft or spongy roof decking, attic frost, or musty smells
• Flat-roof water that stays more than 48 hours
• Leaks in several different areas of the roof

Warning Signs You May Need a New Roof

Costs & Timing in Minnesota

Asphalt is usually the lowest upfront cost. Metal, tile, and slate cost more but last longer and need less winter cleanup. Most full replacements happen spring–fall; emergency winter work is possible with the right crew and materials.

Not sure what you need? Book a free inspection and we’ll measure remaining life and lay out repair vs. replace options.

Warranties vs. Actual Lifespan

• Material warranty: covers the shingle/metal itself. Many “lifetime” warranties pay less as the roof ages (that’s “prorated”).
• Workmanship warranty: covers installation errors. Length depends on the contractor and certification.
• Hail options: Impact-resistant shingles (UL 2218 Class 4) are lab-tested to handle hail better, but no roof is hail-proof.
• When you sell: Some warranties shorten or change when the home is sold—check the transfer rules.
• Bottom line: Warranties don’t guarantee years. Minnesota weather + installation + maintenance decide where you land in the range.