If you live in the Twin Cities, you know that your roof doesn’t just sit pretty—it takes a beating from ice dams in Bloomington winters, spring hail in Burnsville, heavy summer sun in Edina, and wind-driven rain storms over in Maplewood.
That’s why more homeowners across Minneapolis and St. Paul are choosing roofing systems that balance durability, curb appeal, and cost. One of the most popular options? Composition roofing.
Whether you’re replacing a storm-damaged roof in Eagan or building a new home near Lake Nokomis, understanding what a composition roof is—and how it performs in our unpredictable Minnesota climate—can help you make a smart, long-term investment.
Key Takeaways
- A composition roof uses asphalt and fiberglass layers to protect homes with a durable, weather-resistant, and affordable design.
- Many Twin Cities homeowners pick composition shingles because they perform well in snow, hail, heat, and sudden cold snaps.
- Energy-saving shingles with UV protection help reduce attic heat and cooling bills during hot summers across the metro area.
- Krech Exteriors offers licensed roofing, clear pricing with no hidden fees, and a lifetime guarantee for every new installation.
What Is a Composition Roof?
A composition roof, also known as an asphalt shingle roof, is made from a blend of materials like fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral granules. This mix gives it the name “composition” because it’s literally composed of multiple layers designed for strength, flexibility, and weather resistance.
The most common type in the Twin Cities is the fiberglass-based asphalt shingle, which starts with a tough fiberglass mat, coated in asphalt for waterproofing, and finished with ceramic granules that protect against UV rays. These shingles come in several styles, including:
- Three-tab shingles – Flat and uniform, affordable but basic
- Architectural (dimensional) shingles – Thicker and layered, offering a more premium, textured look
- Luxury shingles – Designed to mimic slate or cedar shakes with added weight and style
Thanks to their affordability, reliability, and curb appeal, composition roofs are a top pick for Twin Cities homeowners in neighborhoods ranging from historic Summit Hill in St. Paul to the mid-century homes of Golden Valley.
And here’s the clincher: many composition shingles come with lifetime warranties, and at Krech Exteriors, we back our installations with an industry-leading lifetime guarantee on all new roofs.
How a Composition Roof Performs Through Twin Cities Seasons
From deep winter freezes to summer heat waves, here’s how a composition roof holds up in every corner of the metro through different seasons:
Winter in the Twin Cities
From January snowstorms in Roseville to subzero wind chills across Apple Valley, winter in the Twin Cities is no joke. The heavy snow loads, ice dams, and biting winds can wreak havoc on a poorly installed or outdated roof.
Composition shingles are up for the task—especially architectural-grade options, which are thicker and offer better wind resistance. Homes along Summit Avenue or in Como Park benefit from their ability to stand up to 30+ mph gusts blowing in off the Mississippi River.
Installed with proper attic ventilation and insulation, these roofs also help reduce ice damming, a constant issue for older homes in Nokomis and Macalester-Groveland.
And if you’re cost-conscious—as many first-time buyers in North Minneapolis or Brooklyn Park tend to be—you’ll appreciate how composition shingles deliver serious durability without the high price tag of slate or metal.
Spring in the Twin Cities
As the snow melts and rainstorms roll in, moisture protection becomes critical. March through May can bring back-to-back rain events and hailstorms, especially in the western suburbs like Eden Prairie and Minnetonka.
Composition roofs, especially those rated as impact-resistant, perform well here. Their layered construction is designed to absorb and deflect hail—reducing the risk of granule loss, cracking, or future leaks.
And here’s where long-term value kicks in again: rather than paying for costly storm repairs year after year, homeowners in areas like Inver Grove Heights can count on these shingles to hold strong during unpredictable spring weather—without draining their wallet.
Summer in the Twin Cities
July often brings 90°F days with heavy humidity, especially in urban heat islands like Downtown Minneapolis and Midway St. Paul. South-facing homes in Richfield, Eagan, and Woodbury are particularly prone to solar heat gain—but this is where energy-efficient composition shingles shine.
Many newer options come with UV-reflective granules that help reduce attic heat, making it easier to cool your home and potentially cutting your energy bills by up to 20%. This feature is a game-changer for homes without central AC or for top-floor bedrooms that get stifling by mid-afternoon.
It’s also a popular upgrade for eco-conscious buyers in neighborhoods like Powderhorn or Lynnhurst, looking to save on cooling costs without compromising curb appeal.
Fall in the Twin Cities
Autumn in the Twin Cities means cooler nights, colorful leaves, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles that can wear down aging roofs.
Areas like Highland Park and Shoreview see significant temperature swings in October and November, which can cause rigid materials to crack. Fortunately, composition shingles offer the flexibility needed to expand and contract without damage.
Their wide range of colors and textures also makes it easy to match your home’s style—whether you’re updating a craftsman-style home in St. Anthony Park or modernizing a split-level in Maple Grove before winter arrives.
Combine that with proper underlayment and ridge venting, and you’ve got a roofing system built to keep moisture out and maintain your home’s integrity through fall’s wet and windy days.
Get Expert Roofing Advice from a Trusted Local Team
Ready for a roof that works year-round in the Twin Cities?
At Krech Exteriors, we offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Our team is fully licensed and insured, and we’re proud to provide quality craftsmanship designed to last a lifetime—plus an industry-leading lifetime guarantee on every new roof we install.
Let us help you find the perfect roofing solution for your home. Whether you’re in the heart of St. Paul or out in the Lakeville suburbs, we’ll make the process easy and stress-free.
Call us today at (651) 349-6815 to schedule your free estimate or learn more about our composition roofing options.
