The Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials for Harsh Climates

When choosing the right roofing materials for harsh climates, durability and performance are key. At Pete’s Builders, we understand the importance of selecting the best roofing materials to withstand extreme conditions such as heavy snow, high winds, and intense heat. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different roofing materials for harsh climates to help you make an informed decision for your roof replacement.

Do You Need a New Roof for Roofing Materials for Harsh Climates?

If your roof is showing signs of wear, leaks, or structural damage, it may be time for a roof replacement. Investing in a high-quality, long-lasting roofing system ensures the protection of your home and enhances its value.

Are You Trying to Decide Which Roofing Material to Choose for Your Roof Replacement?

With various roofing options for different climates, selecting the best one can be overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of residential roofing materials, their pros and cons, and their suitability for harsh weather conditions.

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

A budget-friendly option, 3-tab asphalt shingles are lightweight and easy to install.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Affordable
  
  
  • Readily available
  
  
  • Simple installation
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Short lifespan (≈20 years)
  
  
  • Prone to wind damage
  
  
  • Requires frequent maintenance
  
  
  
  

Architectural Asphalt Shingles

A more durable and visually appealing upgrade from 3-tab asphalt shingles.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Longer lifespan (22-25 years)
  
  
  • Available in various colors and styles
  
  
  • More durable than 3-tab shingles
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Higher cost than 3-tab shingles
  
  
  • Can be damaged by hail
  
  
  • Requires regular maintenance
  
  
  
  

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

Designed to mimic the look of slate or wood, these impact-resistant shingles offer high durability.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • High curb appeal
  
  
  • Excellent weather resistance
  
  
  • Long lifespan (≈30 years)
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Expensive
  
  
  • Requires professional installation
  
  
  
  

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

An economical metal roofing option, but requires periodic maintenance.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Affordable metal roofing choice
  
  
  • Durable and weather-resistant
  
  
  • Available in multiple colors
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Screws must be replaced over time
  
  
  • Prone to leaks if not maintained
  
  
  • Noisy during rainstorms
  
  
  
  

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

A premium roofing system ideal for extreme weather conditions.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Long lifespan (30-50 years)
  
  
  • High energy efficiency
  
  
  • Withstands strong winds and heavy snow
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Expensive
  
  
  • Requires skilled installation
  
  
  • Potential for oil canning
  
  
  
  

Synthetic Shingle Roofing

A composite shingles option that mimics slate or cedar shake but with better durability.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Highly durable
  
  
  • Eco-friendly roofing option
  
  
  • Resistant to cracking and weather damage
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Higher upfront cost
  
  
  • Limited availability compared to traditional materials
  
  
  
  

Cedar Shake Roofing

Aesthetic and natural, cedar shake roofing provides excellent insulation.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Beautiful appearance
  
  
  • Durable in moderate climates
  
  
  • Provides natural insulation
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Requires annual maintenance
  
  
  • Expensive
  
  
  • Prone to rot and mold in humid conditions
  
  
  
  

Slate Roofing

A premium long-lasting roofing option that can last a century.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Very high curb appeal
  
  
  • Long lifespan (75-100 years)
  
  
  • Fire and weather-resistant
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Heavy (requires structural reinforcement)
  
  
  • Expensive installation
  
  
  • Fragile and difficult to repair
  
  
  
  

EPDM Roofing (Low Slope Only)

A roofing membrane commonly used for flat or low-slope roofs.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Durable and weather-resistant
  
  
  • Eco-friendly option
  
  
  • Easy maintenance
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Absorbs heat (less energy-efficient in hot climates)
  
  
  • Requires professional installation
  
  
  
  

PVC Roofing (Low Slope Only)

A strong, energy-efficient roofing choice for flat roofs.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Fire-resistant
  
  
  • Flexible in extreme temperatures
  
  
  • Resistant to chemicals and grease
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Expensive
  
  
  • Can shrink over time
  
  
  
  

TPO Roofing (Low Slope Only)

A more affordable roofing membrane alternative to PVC.

• Pros:
  
  
  
  • Cost-effective
  
  
  • Durable in all climates
  
  
  • Resistant to mold and algae
  
  
  
  


• Cons:
  
  
  
  • Quality varies by manufacturer
  
  
  • Can rip from heavy foot traffic