When upgrading a home’s exterior, small architectural details often make the biggest statement. A perfect example is a recent project in Edina, Minnesota, where we installed a custom black standing seam metal accent roof over a front window bump-out.
While the main home features classic dark architectural asphalt shingles, adding a metal accent breaks up the roofline and introduces a premium, modern contrast.
Why Choose Standing Seam for Accent Roofs?
Accent roofs—like those over porches, bay windows, or garages—are highly visible from the street. Standing seam metal is an excellent choice for these focal points for several practical reasons:
- Striking Visual Contrast: The clean, vertical lines of standing seam panels contrast beautifully with the textured look of traditional asphalt shingles.
- Superior Water Shedding: Window bump-outs and porches often have lower slopes. Metal panels handle water and heavy Minnesota snow shedding effortlessly.
- Zero Exposed Fasteners: Because the clips and screws are hidden beneath the interlocking seams, there is no risk of leaks or backed-out screws over your front entryway.
The Project Details
For this Edina home, the goal was to complement the existing dark shingles while giving the front facade a distinct, high-end feature.
- Material Selection: We utilized a heavy-gauge, matte black standing seam panel system. The matte finish eliminates harsh glare while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
- Precision Flashing: On small accent roofs, the flashing work where the metal meets the house siding is everything. Our team custom-bent the counter flashing on-site to verify a watertight seal against the home's exterior walls.
- Snow Management: Given the pitch over this specific window feature, we planned the installation to ensure proper runoff away from the lower walkways.
Local Expertise Matters
Roofing in the Twin Cities metro requires a deep understanding of our freeze-thaw cycles. An accent roof isn't just decoration—it has to handle ice damming and heavy snow loads just like the main roof. By pairing durable asphalt shingles on the main slopes with precision-engineered standing seam on the accents, you get the best of both worlds: maximum curb appeal and long-lasting protection.
