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Metal shingles are a long-lasting, low-maintenance roofing solution that combines the durability of metal with profiles that look like traditional asphalt shingles, shake, or slate.
At Prairie Exteriors, we install metal shingles across Madison and Dane County — purpose-built for the freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snowfall, and spring hail events that define this part of Wisconsin.
With more than 60 years of combined experience serving South-Central Wisconsin, we know what this climate demands from a roof, and we install accordingly.
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What makes metal shingles the right fit for Madison?
Metal shingles give Madison homeowners long-term performance without a dramatic change in their home’s appearance. They’re one of the fastest-growing roofing choices in the Midwest — and the reasons make sense when you look at this city’s specific conditions.
According to the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, Madison averages around 51 inches of snow per year. Add the freeze-thaw cycling that runs from November through April, and you have conditions that put real mechanical stress on roofing materials every single season. Metal shingles don’t absorb moisture, so they can’t crack or warp through that cycle the way asphalt can.
As both a Wisconsin shingle roofing company and a Madison metal roofing contractor, we carry both product lines. Our recommendations are based on what’s right for your home — not what we have excess inventory of.

How we approach every Madison roofing project
We’re a local contractor, not a national franchise. Our crews work in Madison year-round, across the full range of housing stock this city offers — from older bungalows on the isthmus to newer construction in Waunakee and Verona. That experience shapes how we approach every project.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Factory-trained installation: Metal shingle warranties are only valid when installed to manufacturer’s specifications by certified crews. We hold factory-training credentials and follow those standards on every job.
- Local expertise: We’ve spent decades working in Madison’s climate. We know how freeze-thaw cycles, ice dam conditions, and heavy snow loads affect roofing systems here specifically — and we install accordingly.
- Honest advice: We install both metal shingles and asphalt shingles. We’ll tell you which makes more sense for your home, your timeline, and your budget — even if that means recommending asphalt.
- Scalable crews: Roofing projects vary in size and complexity. We can scale our workforce to meet demand without compromising quality or timelines.
What Madison’s climate actually does to a roof

Madison’s climate creates roofing challenges that directly influence which materials perform and which ones don’t. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office documents the dramatic seasonal temperature swings that define South-Central Wisconsin winters — conditions that accelerate wear on softer roofing materials year after year.
Here’s what metal shingles do differently:
- Freeze-thaw resistance: Metal doesn’t absorb water, so it can’t crack or warp when temperatures swing above and below freezing repeatedly through winter and spring.
- Snow shedding: Metal shingles promote natural snow runoff, reducing static load on your roof structure during heavy accumulation events.
- Ice dam prevention: Metal conducts heat more evenly across the roof surface, reducing the conditions that cause ice dams to form at eave lines — a common and costly problem in Madison homes.
- Wind uplift resistance: Quality metal shingle systems are rated to withstand winds of 110–120 mph, well above the thresholds for severe storms common across Dane County in spring and summer.
- Hail impact resistance: Many metal shingle products qualify for a Class 4 impact resistance rating under UL 2218 testing — the highest available — meaning they’re built to absorb hail energy without cracking or shedding material the way asphalt can. Hail is a genuine seasonal risk in the Madison area, as tracked by NOAA storm data.
Our team can walk you through exactly how each of these factors applies to your home’s specific situation.
To find out which system is right for your home, contact us today.
Roofing Crews Trained to Succeed
INSTALLATION
We want your project to be easy and stress free, and we’ve figured out the best way to make that happen. By giving each of our crews specialized product training, we are able to offer you additional warranty options.
GUARANTEE
We are proudly certified by Owens Corning.
The metal shingle systems we install across Madison and Dane County
We offer a range of metal shingle systems, profiles, and finishes — matched to your home’s style, your structural requirements, and your long-term goals. Madison’s housing stock is varied, and the right system for an older isthmus home looks different from what suits a newer build in Middleton or Fitchburg. Our team walks you through every option and explains the tradeoffs before any decision is made.
Additional reading: types of metal shingles

Steel metal shingles
Steel roofing is one of the strongest and most cost-effective metal options available, making it a practical choice for most Madison residential applications. With painted coatings and Galvalume finishes, steel shingles resist corrosion and deliver low-maintenance performance for decades.
Aluminum metal shingles
Aluminum roofing is naturally corrosion-resistant and lighter than steel — a strong choice where moisture exposure is a particular concern, such as homes near Madison’s lakes or low-lying areas across Dane County. Aluminum shingles carry a higher upfront cost than steel but require virtually no maintenance over their lifespan.
YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR ROOF REPLACEMENT
Upgrade to a durable metal shingle roof with help from Prairie Exteriors. Built to protect your home.
Client Reviews
Based on 150+ Google Reviews
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David Lory
1 review3 months agoWe had siding and roof replaced due to hail damage. they were excellent from the first contact to the final walk through. Prices were fair, the teams that did the work were competent and respectful and worked to get things done in a timely manner. very impressed with this company.
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Hal Bergan
1 reviews5 months agoWe were very pleased with the performance of Prairie Exteriors on our siding project. Their work was timely and their crew highly professional. Luis Madrigal did an outstanding job leading the project and keeping us up to date on Prairie’s progress. We would look to the company again for any subsequent exterior projects.
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Daniel Schmoldt
16 reviewsa month agoVery price competitive, even without the optional cash discount. Everyone that we were in contact with was prompt, courteous, and professional. Our deck replacement was completed on time and with excellent results.
Stamped and architectural profile shingles
Stamped metal shingles replicate the look of traditional asphalt shingles, wood shake, or slate — with the durability and low maintenance of metal. If you like the appearance of your current roof but want the performance benefits of metal, a stamped profile is often the most seamless upgrade path available.
This is a practical option for Madison’s older established neighborhoods where curb appeal and streetscape consistency matter.
Pine-Crest Shake
Pine-Crest Shake is a premium, stone-coated metal roofing system designed to replicate the rustic, deep-wood grain appearance of hand-split cedar shakes while providing the superior durability of 26-gauge Galvalume steel. These panels are engineered for high performance, boasting Class A fire ratings, Class 4 hail impact resistance, and the ability to withstand hurricane-grade, 120 mph winds, making them ideal for long-term residential protection.
Available in a variety of colors, Pine-Crest Shake is lightweight and can be installed over solid decking or battens, often allowing for direct installation over existing roof materials to save on tear-off costs. The system is backed by a 50-year, transferable limited warranty, offering a low-maintenance, secure, and energy-efficient solution that won’t curl, break, or burn.
Pine-Crest Shake Panels
Barclay

Charcoal

Dover

Gold River

Harborwood

Ironwood

Sage Green

Stirling Gray

Timberwood

Cottage Shingle Panels Square
Barclay HD

Charcoal HD

Ironwood HD

Timberwood HD

Does replacing a roof with metal shingles in Madison require a permit?
Yes — roofing replacements in Madison require a permit through the City of Madison Building Inspection Division. Requirements vary depending on whether the project is a full tear-off or an overlay. Prairie Exteriors handles the permit application as part of our standard process, so homeowners don’t need to manage that step separately.
How does Madison's older housing stock affect a metal shingle installation?
Homes in Madison’s established neighbourhoods often have steeper pitches, complex rooflines, and decking that hasn’t been inspected in years — all of which affect installation planning. Prairie Exteriors factors this into every pre-project assessment. If we find soft decking or structural issues once the existing roof is removed, we address them before any new shingles go on.
Can metal shingles be installed on a Madison home in a historic district or with HOA restrictions?
Some Madison historic districts and HOAs have material or appearance requirements that affect roofing choices. Pine-Crest Shake’s architectural profile closely resembles traditional asphalt shingles, making it more likely to meet aesthetic guidelines than standing seam or exposed fastener systems.
We recommend confirming requirements with your HOA or the City of Madison Historic Preservation office, and our team can help work through those requirements with you.
Is it possible to install metal shingles on a Madison home during winter?
Metal shingle installation can proceed in cold weather, though extreme cold and active snowfall raise safety and underlayment adhesion concerns. Prairie Exteriors schedules around Wisconsin’s weather conditions and won’t begin a job in circumstances that could compromise the result. We provide a realistic timeline before work starts and communicate clearly if conditions require a delay.
What should Madison homeowners do if they have existing ice dam damage before a roof replacement?
Ice dam damage — including water staining, compromised decking, and damaged fascia — is common in Madison homes and is assessed as part of Prairie Exteriors’ standard pre-installation inspection. We identify and repair existing damage before new roofing goes on. Where ice dams have been a recurring issue, we also recommend reviewing attic insulation and ventilation, which are the primary causes regardless of roofing material.