The most common residential roofing system in Minnesota, and the best balance of cost, durability, and style for most homes. Installed by a certified crew, backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty.
For most Twin Cities homeowners, the answer is yes. Asphalt shingle is the default residential roofing system in Minnesota for a reason. It costs less per square foot than metal, slate, or cedar. It performs well in our climate when installed correctly. And the range of styles available today covers everything from builder-grade architectural shingles to designer lines that mimic slate or shake.
If you’re thinking in 50-year timelines, want authentic slate or cedar, or own a historic home where a shingle roof would look wrong, other systems may be worth a look. We’ll tell you if that’s the case.
Three main categories, each with multiple product options from manufacturers we’re certified to install.
The workhorse of residential roofing. Layered construction, 25 to 30-year warranties. Products: Owens Corning Duration, Malarkey Legacy, GAF Timberline HDZ, Certainteed Landmark.
Class 4 impact-rated. Most MN carriers offer insurance premium discounts. Products: Owens Corning Duration Storm, Malarkey Vista, GAF Timberline AS II.
Premium asphalt mimicking slate, shake, or tile. 30 to 50-year warranties. Products: Owens Corning Berkshire/Woodmoor, Malarkey Windsor, GAF Grand Sequoia/Canyon, Certainteed Presidential/Grand Manor.
Every roofing system has its tradeoffs. Here’s an honest comparison.
Metal lasts 40–70 years vs. shingle’s 15–30. Metal outlasts 2–3 shingle roofs.
Choose shingle for upfront cost and selling within 15–20 years. Choose metal for long-term ownership.
Shingle costs a quarter to a third of synthetic slate.
Synthetic slate delivers premium curb appeal that designer asphalt approaches but doesn’t fully match.
Choose synthetic slate if your home calls for it stylistically. Choose shingle for everything else.
Shingle is roughly half the cost of cedar shake and requires no maintenance.
Cedar offers authentic wood character no synthetic can match, but demands ongoing care and has a shorter lifespan in Minnesota’s climate.
No matter which shingle line you choose, every full roof replacement from Foremost includes:
40 to 70-year lifespan, excellent hail and wind resistance, modern or traditional aesthetics.
Synthetic slate, shake, and premium asphalt lines for homes where curb appeal drives the decision.
Share a few details about your home. We’ll follow up within one business day to schedule your free inspection.
Schedule your free inspection today. We’ll walk your roof, explain your options, and give you a clear written quote.