Planning a Metal Roof Around Duluth Snow and Steep Lots
By late February, a lot of Duluth homeowners have had snow sitting on their shingles since December, with ice building up along the eaves. The city gets about 90 inches of snow in an average season. Minnesota’s building code also requires homes in St. Louis County to be built for a heavier snow load than homes in the Twin Cities.
That’s a big reason homeowners here start looking at metal. Snow slides off a metal roof far more easily than it does off shingles. On a steep roof, that snow can come down hard on front steps, sidewalks, cars, or the yard next door, so planning for it is part of designing the roof.
As a metal roofing contractor in Duluth, MN, Empire Roofing starts every project with a free roof inspection. We look at the condition of your current roof and the house underneath it, then talk through which metal options make sense.
See What a Metal Roof Would Take on Your Home
A free inspection gives you clear answers on fit, options, and next steps, with no pressure to commit.
What Lake Superior Wind Means for a Duluth Metal Roof
The panels are the part of a metal roof you see from the street. Under them, clips or screws hold each panel in place, and a waterproof layer keeps out rain and melting ice. In Duluth, wind off Lake Superior pulls hard on those panels and their edges. During the October 10, 2018 storm, the National Weather Service recorded many gusts over 50 mph around the Twin Ports.
How the panels attach matters in that kind of wind. Standing seam panels hook together along raised seams and are held down by clips or fasteners hidden under the seams. That means no screws go through the roof surface. Screw-down panels, like corrugated metal, are fastened through the top. Those screws have rubber washers that wear out over the years and need an occasional check. Screw-down panels usually cost less up front, while standing seam needs less upkeep later.
Location plays a role too. Homes on Park Point and along the shoreline take wind straight off the water. Homes up the hill sit several hundred feet higher, so they often get more snow and colder winter temperatures than homes by the lake. Where your house sits is worth weighing when you pick a panel type.
Metal Roofing Options for Duluth Homes
We install several types of metal roofing, and the best match depends on your home’s style, roof shape, and budget. Below are the main options, plus the add-ons that matter most in a snowy climate.
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing: A clean, modern profile that suits simpler rooflines.
- Metal Shingles: Individual metal pieces styled to look like slate or wood shake.
- Stone-Coated Steel Roofing: Steel panels with a textured stone finish and a traditional look.
- Corrugated Metal Roofing: A budget-friendly wavy panel used on homes, garages, and outbuildings.
- Snow Guard Systems: Rails or pads that hold snow in place and let it release gradually.
- Metal Roof Repair: Fixes for loose panels, open seams, leaking pipe boots, and damaged trim.
Each option has its own trade-offs in cost and appearance. Metal generally costs more up front than asphalt shingles, so we walk through the numbers for your home before you decide.
Find the Metal Roof That Fits Your Budget
What to Expect When an Older Duluth Home Switches to Metal
About 43% of Duluth’s homes were built before 1940, according to the City of Duluth’s 2025 housing study. Many of these houses have had several roofs over the decades, and a metal installation on one of them follows a few predictable stages.
Uncovering What’s Under the Old Roof
Many older homes have two layers of shingles, and some still have cedar shakes underneath. Those layers come off so the wood decking can be checked. Plank decking can have gaps, soft spots, or rot from past leaks, and those boards are repaired or covered with new sheathing before anything else goes on.
Working Around Steep Pitches and Dormers
Many early 1900s homes have steep roofs, dormers, and several valleys. Each of those spots needs custom-fit trim and flashing to keep rain and snowmelt out. Steep pitches also shed snow faster, which affects how many rows of snow guards a roof needs and where they go.
Choosing a Look That Fits the House
Standing seam can look sharp on an older home, but some owners want something closer to the original roof. Metal shingles and stone-coated steel keep a more traditional texture. If your home is a local historic landmark or sits in a local historic district, a roof material change that alters how the house looks needs approval from Duluth’s Heritage Preservation Commission first. That review can add about a month to your timeline.
Planning for these details up front keeps the middle of the project free of surprises. Empire Roofing walks you through what the roof inspection found before work begins, so you know exactly what the project involves.
Why Duluth Homeowners Choose Empire Roofing for Metal Roofs
Our office sits on London Road, and the owner is a Duluth native. Working with a local team means the people who installed your roof are easy to reach long after the job is done.
Our crews lay tarps to catch debris during tear-off and sweep the yard with a magnet before we leave. Metal systems come with manufacturer warranties, and we’ll walk you through the exact coverage for your roof during your estimate. Financing is available if you’d like to spread out the cost.
If an inspection shows asphalt shingles would serve your home better, we’ll tell you. An honest recommendation is part of finding a roof that fits your house and your budget.
What Duluth Homeowners Say About Their New Roof
Read more from Twin Ports homeowners on our customer reviews page.
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“Just shows what a family-owned business can do right! Go Nelsons! Michael was quick, professional and right on with his estimate. We were amazed at the speed and timeliness of the work on our garage. The office staff was great to work with on the invoice and billing. Would use them again in a heartbeat. Surely will for the roofing on our house, coming up.”
– Jean J., Verified Customer
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“Great company ! Communication was a strong point. Roofing crew was great. Did the entire roof in one day and cleaned up everything. I highly recommend them !”
– Julia L., Verified Customer
Get Answers About Your Roof From Our Team
Metal Roofing Across Duluth, From Lakeside to Gary-New Duluth
We install metal roofs along the full length of the city, from Lakeside-Lester Park and Congdon Park on the east end to Lincoln Park, Spirit Valley, Morgan Park, and Gary-New Duluth to the west. Homes on Park Point, in Central Hillside and East Hillside, and up in Duluth Heights and Piedmont Heights are all part of our Duluth roofing service area.
From our office on London Road, it’s a short drive to homes near Enger Tower, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and Glensheen. We also work in nearby Hermantown, Proctor, Rice Lake, Lakewood Township, and Superior across the bay.
Duluth Metal Roofing Contractor FAQs
Will a metal roof rust this close to Lake Superior?
Is a metal roof noisy during rain or hail?
How much does a metal roof cost in Duluth?
Can a metal roof be installed in late fall or winter?
Does a metal roof attract lightning?
Will a metal roof rust this close to Lake Superior?
Not from the lake itself. Lake Superior is fresh water, so the salt-spray corrosion that shortens metal roof life on ocean coasts is less of a concern here. Rust on a metal roof usually starts at scratches, cut panel edges, or fasteners made from a mismatched metal. That makes proper materials and careful installation more important than distance from the shoreline.
Is a metal roof noisy during rain or hail?
Most homeowners notice little difference in everyday rain when metal goes over solid decking and underlayment with an insulated attic below. Hard rain and hail can sound louder than on shingles, especially over vaulted ceilings or rooms with little insulation. If noise is a concern, ask about added sound-dampening underlayment during your inspection.
How much does a metal roof cost in Duluth?
Most metal roofs in the Duluth area run about $10 to $18 per square foot installed. Where your project lands in that range depends on the panel type, the size and pitch of your roof, and how much decking needs repair once the old shingles come off. Your free estimate breaks down each of those costs for your home.
Can a metal roof be installed in late fall or winter?
Often, yes. Asphalt shingles need warm weather to seal, but metal panels attach mechanically, so cold temperatures matter less. Snow, ice, and short daylight hours can still slow a project in Duluth, which is why late summer and early fall remain the easiest times to schedule. Our guide to replacing a roof in winter covers what to expect.
Does a metal roof attract lightning?
No. A metal roof does not make a home more likely to be struck. The National Weather Service says height, pointy shape, and isolation control where lightning strikes, and that metal makes no difference. Metal roofing is also noncombustible, so the roof itself won’t catch fire the way wood shakes can.
Talk Through Your Metal Roof Options With a Local Team
Choosing metal is a big decision, and clear information makes it easier. Our team will look at your roof, explain which metal options suit it, and give you a free estimate you can take your time with. Reach out to set up a visit, or call with any questions about your home.
