For most houses in Sioux Falls the best roof is an architectural asphalt shingle, and a Class 4 impact-resistant version is worth pricing because of hail. Metal is the main alternative. The right choice depends on your budget, your roof's shape and how your insurer treats hail.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, material prices, the pitch of the roof and what we find under the old shingles move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
What is the best roofing material for the Sioux Falls climate?
The best roofing material here is one that handles hail, strong wind, snow load and big temperature swings. Architectural asphalt shingles do that at the lowest cost, which is why most homes have them. Impact-resistant shingles and steel roofing stand up to hail better. Whatever you choose, the ice barrier, flashing and nailing matter as much as the product.
Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab?
Yes. Architectural shingles are thicker, heavier and less likely to lift in wind than 3-tab shingles. Published lifespans are 20 to 30 years for architectural and 15 to 20 for 3-tab. Nationally, architectural shingles cost $4 to $6 per square foot installed and 3-tab $3 to $5.
Is a metal roof worth the extra money?
A metal roof is worth it if you plan to stay a long time. It sheds snow well, resists wind when properly fastened and has a published life of 30 to 80 years or more. It costs $5 to $16 per square foot installed nationally. Two cautions for this area: large hail can dent it, and snow slides off in sheets, so snow guards are needed over doors and walks.
Is a metal roof noisy or hot?
No, not on a house. The noise people remember comes from metal over open framing in barns and sheds. On a home, the roof deck, underlayment and attic insulation deaden rain and hail. Metal also reflects much of the sun's heat, so it does not make the house hotter. A metal roof making popping or ticking noises is the panels growing and shrinking as the temperature changes, which happens fast here on a sunny winter morning. An occasional pop is normal. Loud, frequent popping can mean fasteners are too tight or the panels have no room to move, and that is worth an inspection.
What is a Class 4 impact-resistant shingle and do I need it?
A Class 4 shingle has passed the highest level of the UL 2218 impact test, in which a 2-inch steel ball is dropped on the shingle without cracking it. In hail country it is worth a serious look. Class 3 is the level below, tested with a 1.75-inch ball. It will not make a roof hail-proof, and very large hail still does damage. Some insurers offer a premium discount for a Class 4 roof and some attach conditions about cosmetic damage. We could not confirm a rule that applies to every South Dakota insurer, so ask your agent for the discount and the terms in writing before you pay for the upgrade.
Is a light or dark roof color better here?
In Sioux Falls, color is mostly a matter of looks. A dark roof absorbs more heat, which helps a little in our long winters and hurts a little in summer. With good attic insulation and ventilation the effect on your bills is small either way. Lighter colors show less fading. Check HOA rules before you choose.
What is underlayment and does it matter?
Underlayment is the water-shedding layer between the decking and the shingles, and yes, it matters. Synthetic underlayment covers the field of the roof. A self-adhered ice barrier goes at the eaves, where the city code requires it, and in valleys. If wind takes shingles off, the underlayment is what keeps rain out until the repair.
What are drip edge and flashing?
Drip edge is a metal strip along the eaves and rakes that sends water into the gutter and keeps wind-driven rain off the deck edge. Flashing is the metal that seals joints at chimneys, walls, valleys and vents. Most leaks start at flashing, not in the open shingles. Nationally, drip edge costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot installed. Worn flashing should be replaced with the roof, not reused.
Can solar panels go on my roof, and what if the roof needs replacing?
Solar panels can go on most roofs that are in good condition and face the sun. Put them on a roof with many years left, because taking the panels off and putting them back when the roof is replaced is a separate job. The solar company usually does it, charges for it and has to be booked before and after the roofing work. HomeGuide publishes no figure for it, so we give none. If the roof is past its middle age, replace it first. Ask the solar installer how its mounts are flashed. We do not install solar.
Tile or slate: can my house carry it?
Only if the framing was designed for it, or an engineer confirms it. Tile and slate weigh far more than shingles, and a roof here also has to carry snow. Both are rare in Sioux Falls outside a few older homes. Published national costs are $7 to $25 per square foot for tile and $10 to $30 for slate, installed. Lighter composite and metal products copy the look at a fraction of the weight.
What does a lifetime warranty really cover?
A lifetime shingle warranty covers manufacturing defects, and usually less than the word suggests. Full coverage of materials and labor normally applies for a set number of early years. After that it is pro-rated, so the payout shrinks each year. It does not cover hail, wind beyond the rated speed, poor installation or poor attic ventilation. Transfer to a new owner is often limited. Read the maker's document itself, not the brochure.
Is a cool or reflective roof worth it for my electric bill?
Not much in Sioux Falls. A cool roof reflects summer sun and trims air conditioning costs, which pays off in hot climates. Here the heating season is far longer than the cooling season, so the saving is small, and a dark roof gives back a little warmth in winter. Attic insulation and air sealing do more for your bills. On a commercial flat roof with heavy summer cooling, a white membrane can still make sense.
Does a more expensive roofing material always last longer?
No. A more expensive material lasts longer only if it suits the climate and is installed well. Published lifespans do rise with price in general: 20 to 30 years for architectural shingles and 30 to 80 or more for metal. But hail can end any roof early, and a costly roof with poor flashing still leaks. Here, money spent on impact resistance and careful installation often buys more years than money spent on a luxury look.
Is a cedar shake roof still worth it?
Rarely here. Cedar shake is uncommon in Sioux Falls. It needs regular upkeep, hail splits it, and some insurers charge more for a wood roof or will not write one. The published lifespan for wood shakes is 25 to 30 years. If you like the look, composite and stone-coated steel shakes copy it and handle hail better. Ask your insurance agent before choosing wood.
A free roof inspection with photos and a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your roof. Call (605) 273-7260 or send the form on this page.