Both metal and asphalt shingle roofs perform well in western North Dakota, but they suit different priorities. Asphalt shingles cost less upfront and are the most common choice for Williston homes, while metal roofing costs more to install but typically lasts longer and sheds snow more effectively. The right pick depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, and how much upfront cost you're willing to carry for lower long-term maintenance.
Which Roofing Material Costs Less Upfront?
Asphalt shingles are the lower-cost option for a full roof replacement, which is why they remain the default choice for most homes we work on in Williston, Watford City, and Tioga. Metal roofing carries a higher material and labor cost at install time. If you're working with a tighter budget or replacing a roof on a rental property, asphalt is usually the more practical starting point. You can compare both directly on our asphalt shingle roofing and metal roofing pages.
How Long Does Each Roofing Type Last in This Climate?
Asphalt shingles typically last 15-20 years in this region, with wide temperature swings and UV exposure wearing down the granules over time. Metal roofing generally lasts much longer — often several decades — because it doesn't lose granules and holds up better to the freeze-thaw cycling that's hard on other materials. That longer lifespan is the main reason homeowners choose metal even at a higher install cost.
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical lifespan | Shorter | Longer |
| Snow shedding | Moderate | Better |
| Hail resistance | Good, dependent on shingle class | Generally strong, can dent |
| Repair approach | Individual shingle replacement | Panel-level repair |
Which Handles Hail and Wind Better?
Both materials can take a hit from a Bakken-area hailstorm, but they show damage differently. Asphalt shingles bruise — granules get knocked loose and the mat underneath can weaken, which isn't always obvious from the ground. Metal panels are more resistant to hail overall but can dent on a hard enough strike, and dents are usually cosmetic rather than a leak risk. Wind resistance is strong on both when installed correctly, which is why proper fastening and flashing work matters as much as the material itself. If a storm has come through and you're not sure which type of damage you're looking at, our storm and hail damage restoration crew can walk the roof and tell you what you're dealing with.
What About Snow and Ice in Winter?
Metal roofing's smooth surface sheds snow faster than asphalt, which reduces the weight sitting on the roof deck through a heavy winter. That can also mean snow sliding off in a sheet near entryways or walkways, so gutter and drip-edge details matter more with metal. Asphalt holds snow longer, which insulates the roof somewhat but adds more sustained load. Neither is a dealbreaker for a Williston roof built to code — it's more a matter of what you want to manage around the property.
Which Roofing Material Is Right for Your Home?
- Choose asphalt shingles if: you want the lower upfront cost, you're not planning to stay in the home for decades, or you want a wide range of color and style options.
- Choose metal roofing if: you want to minimize how often you replace the roof, you deal with heavy snow load concerns, or you're building new and can budget for it from the start.
- Either way: get the roof inspected before you decide, since the condition of your current deck and flashing affects installation cost for both materials.
A professional roof inspection is the best next step if you're weighing a replacement — it tells us what's actually going on under the surface before you commit to either material. From there, our complete roof replacement service covers the tear-off, deck repair, and install for both asphalt and metal systems, whether you're in Williston, Watford City, Tioga, or Ray. Contact us to walk through which option fits your home and budget.