Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: How to Choose for A Central Wisconsin Home

• Home
• Roofing Tips
• Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: How To Choose For A Central Wisconsin Home

Choosing between metal roofing and asphalt shingles is a significant decision for any homeowner in Stevens Point and nearby towns, such as Plover, Park Ridge, and Whiting. 

Below, you’ll see how each option performs through snow loads, freeze–thaw cycles, wind, and seasonal temperature swings. We’ll cover durability, maintenance, energy performance, curb appeal, and what makes sense for different home styles across Central Wisconsin.

What Matters Most In Central Wisconsin’s Climate

Our roofs face long winters, drifting snow off the Wisconsin River, spring freeze–thaw cycles, and summer storms. Any roofing system you choose should handle snow shedding, resist high winds across open fields, and seal tight against wind‑driven rain.

Poor attic ventilation shortens roof life and can void many manufacturer warranties. Ask your roofing contractor how they balance intake and exhaust, and how they’ll protect eaves and valleys where ice dams like to form. Also discuss underlayments that perform in sub‑zero temperatures and after ice‑melt refreezes at night.

If your home sits under tall pines or near Lake DuBay with frequent blowing snow, talk with your pro about ice‑dam protection and how the roof design moves water away from vulnerable edges.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles remain the most common roof across Stevens Point neighborhoods because they fit many budgets, look familiar on ranch and cape cod homes, and are easy to service. Architectural shingles also come in colors that match older brick or newer LP‑style siding.

• Strengths: widely available styles and colors, good wind ratings on premium lines, straightforward maintenance, and easy repair of individual tabs.
• Trade‑offs: granule wear over time, potential for ice‑dam damage if the attic is warm, and shorter service life than metal in many cases.

Look for shingles with algae resistance to keep those north‑facing slopes cleaner. Choose an impact‑rated shingle if you live under mature trees or see occasional hail. That small upgrade can reduce shingle bruising and help your roof age more gracefully.

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing stands out for durability, shed‑snow behavior, and crisp curb appeal on both modern farmhouses and craftsman bungalows. Standing seam panels limit exposed fasteners, which helps in long winters with constant expansion and contraction.

• Strengths: long service life potential, strong wind resistance, excellent snow‑shedding, reflective finishes that can reduce summer heat gain.
• Trade‑offs: higher up‑front investment, attention to details like transitions and penetrations, and the need for a snow management plan over entries and walkways.

Ask about substrate, coating, and gauge so the roof matches our freeze–thaw reality. Request a full underlayment and snow‑retention plan to manage sliding snow safely. That’s especially important over stoops and garage doors in neighborhoods like Park Ridge, where walkways are close to the eaves.

Lifespan and Maintenance in Stevens Point

Actual lifespan varies by product line, installation quality, roof design, and exposure. Asphalt shingle roofs that are well ventilated and properly flashed can serve for many years; metal roofs with quality finishes can last multiple decades with minimal maintenance.

Maintenance needs differ. Asphalt shingle maintenance usually means keeping gutters clear, replacing an occasional shingle after a wind event, and watching for granule loss. Metal roofs benefit from periodic fastener checks on exposed‑fastener systems, but standing seam systems largely avoid that by design.

Either way, a yearly visual check in late spring after the thaw is smart. If you spot staining near eaves, call a pro to investigate before next winter’s snow returns.

Energy, Noise, and Curb Appeal

In summer, metal roofs with reflective finishes can reduce heat absorption, which helps your cooling system. In winter, energy performance depends more on attic insulation and air sealing than on the roofing itself, so ask your contractor how the roof system and attic work together.

Noise concerns with metal are often overstated. When installed over proper decking, underlayment, and insulation, most homeowners find the sound comparable to other roofs during rain. Asphalt shingles deliver the familiar, textured look you see across Plover and Whiting, while metal can create a clean profile that pairs well with modern trim.

How Each Option Handles Snow and Ice

Asphalt shingles grip snow, which reduces sudden slides but can hold more weight at the eaves if heat escapes from the attic. That’s why ice‑dam membrane and ventilation matter. Metal tends to shed snow quickly once the sun hits, keeping loads lighter on the structure but creating sliding hazards where people walk.

Ask your installer about eave protection, heat loss points at bathroom fans, and how valleys are built. These details make a bigger difference than brand names when winter gets long.

Which Roof Fits Your Home Type

For single‑story ranch homes common on the south side of Stevens Point, either material works well. The broader eaves on these homes make ice‑dam membrane and intake ventilation easy to improve during replacement.

For older two‑story homes near downtown with dormers and intersecting valleys, the precision of standing seam metal can shine at tricky transitions. Asphalt shingles can also perform well here, but flashing and ventilation details become even more important.

Cottages near Lake DuBay or the Tomorrow River corridor see heavier wind and drifting snow. Metal’s snow‑shedding and wind ratings are helpful, while architectural asphalt lines with higher wind specs are a strong alternative if you prefer the classic shingle look.

Your Decision Framework: Simple Steps

• List priorities: longevity, winter performance, style, and maintenance expectations.
• Match priorities to your home’s roof shape, attic conditions, and tree cover.
• Review sample panels and shingle boards in outdoor light, not just indoors.
• Confirm underlayment, ventilation balance, and snow‑management details in writing.
• Choose a trusted installer with a track record in Central Wisconsin winters.

Small upgrades in ventilation and underlayment pay off for decades. They help any roof system handle our deep freezes and spring temperature swings without premature wear.

Ready To Choose With Confidence?

If you love a classic neighborhood look and want straightforward upkeep, asphalt may be the right match. If your priority is long service life, fast snow shedding, and a modern profile, metal could be the better fit. Either path can be excellent when the attic breathes, and the details are tight. For color and style, think about your siding and trim. Warmer shingle tones pair nicely with brick in older Stevens Point blocks, while cool metal finishes look sharp with white trim and clean lines. Ask your pro for real samples and view them next to your home in daylight.

Want the familiar look and easy maintenance of shingles? Learn how modern lines and algae resistance can elevate your home by reviewing asphalt shingles in more detail. If you’re leaning toward a sleek profile and strong winter performance, see how a panel system, coatings, and snow retention come together with standing seam metal roofing. We’ll help you weigh the trade‑offs so your next roof looks great and lasts.

Talk with Oakwood Exteriors today to compare your options, timeline, and installation details without pressure. Call 715-432-8202 and get a plan tailored to your home and our Central Wisconsin weather.