Your roofing material decides how your home handles hail, wind, and snow for the next few decades. It also shapes how your house looks from the street and how much you spend on upkeep. Picking the right one is worth a little research before you sign a quote.
In Minot, the choice comes with a few extra challenges. Our roofs face summer hailstorms, strong prairie wind, heavy snow loads, and freeze and thaw cycles that crack weaker materials. This guide compares the most common options and explains how each one performs in North Dakota.
What to Think About Before You Choose
Before comparing products, it helps to know what matters most to you. Most homeowners weigh these factors:
- Budget: both the upfront cost and the long-term cost of repairs and replacement
- Climate: how well the material stands up to hail, wind, snow, and temperature swings
- Lifespan: how many years you can expect before the next roof
- Look: the style of your home and the neighborhood around it
- Weight: some materials are heavy and need a stronger roof frame
- Maintenance: how much care the roof needs to stay in good shape
There is no single best answer for every house. The right choice balances these factors for your home, your plans, and how long you expect to stay.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles cover more homes in North Dakota than any other roofing material, and they are what we install most often. They are affordable, easy to repair, and available in a wide range of colors. A well-installed asphalt roof typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on the product and the weather it sees.
Three-Tab vs. Architectural Shingles
Three-tab shingles are flat, thin, and lay in a uniform pattern. They cost the least but have lower wind ratings and shorter lifespans. Architectural shingles are thicker and layered, which gives the roof more depth and a look closer to wood shakes. They also tend to hold up better in high wind. For most Minot homes, architectural shingles are the better value.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
Impact-resistant shingles are built to take a hit from hail with less damage. The highest rating is Class 4 under the UL 2218 test. In hail-prone areas like ours, they can mean fewer claims and fewer repairs. Some insurance companies also offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofs, so it is worth asking your agent. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety publishes research on how roofing holds up to hail and wind.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs have become more common across the region, especially on rural properties, shops, and newer homes. They are lightweight, fire resistant, and can last 40 years or more. Snow also slides off metal more easily than shingles, which reduces heavy buildup.
There are two main types. Standing seam metal uses hidden fasteners and raised seams for a clean look and fewer leak points. Exposed fastener panels cost less but need the screws checked and replaced over time. On the downside, metal costs more upfront than asphalt, and hail can dent some panels even when the roof still keeps water out.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes give a home a warm, natural look that is hard to copy. They insulate well and can last decades with proper care. However, they need regular maintenance to prevent moss, rot, and splitting. They also cost more than asphalt and may not be allowed in some areas because of fire risk. In our climate, cedar is a beautiful choice for homeowners willing to keep up with the care it needs.
Other Roofing Options
A few other materials come up less often in this area but are worth knowing about:
- Slate: extremely long-lasting and striking, but very heavy and expensive
- Synthetic slate or shake: lighter composite products that mimic natural materials with less upkeep
- Concrete or clay tile: durable but heavy, and less common on North Dakota homes because of freeze and thaw concerns
Comparing Roofing Materials at a Glance
Here is a quick summary to help narrow your choices:
- Architectural asphalt: moderate cost, about 25 to 30 years, good wind resistance, easy repairs
- Impact-resistant asphalt: moderate to higher cost, strong hail performance, possible insurance savings
- Standing seam metal: higher cost, 40 years or more, sheds snow well, low maintenance
- Cedar shakes: higher cost, long life with care, the most upkeep of the group
Choosing a Roof Color and Style
Color affects more than looks. Darker shingles absorb more heat, which can help melt snow but makes attics warmer in summer. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight. In a cold climate, the difference in energy cost is usually small, so most homeowners choose based on style.
Try to pick a color that works with your siding, trim, and brick. Most manufacturers offer sample boards or online tools that show the shingle on a house like yours. We can bring samples so you can see them in daylight against your home.
Underlayment and Ventilation Matter Too
The best roofing material will not perform well on a poor foundation. Underneath the shingles or metal, the roof needs quality underlayment and ice and water shield along the eaves and valleys. That protection is especially important here, where ice dams are a common winter problem.
Attic ventilation matters just as much. A well-ventilated attic stays cold in winter and dry year-round, which helps prevent ice dams and extends the life of any material you choose. You can learn more in our post on why timely roof maintenance saves you money.
Understanding Roof Warranties
Most roofing materials come with a manufacturer warranty that covers defects in the product. Workmanship coverage is separate and depends on the installer. Read both before you commit. Proper installation that follows the manufacturer's instructions is usually required to keep the product warranty valid.
Get Help Choosing the Right Roofing Material
If your roof is nearing the end of its life, start with an inspection. Our guide to the signs your home needs a roof replacement explains what to look for. For smaller problems, see our roof repair and leak repair page.
Skilled Builders is a family-owned team led by Eddie and Maria Acosta. We have worked on homes in Minot since 2012 and serve communities within about three hours of town. We will help you compare options, explain the trade-offs honestly, and recommend the roofing material that fits your home and budget.
Call us at (701) 480-9939 or request your free roofing quote.