Whether you are installing a new roof or repairing a roof, you need to use the best roofing material. Especially if you live in the Northeast! Roofs protect you from rough winters, hot summers, intermittent natural calamities, and sea-salted winds.
Among the many kinds of roofing materials for residential homes in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), the three most popular ones are slate, asphalt, and metal. Consider each material’s pros and cons in choosing what is best for your home. Determine which offers the best value, too! And do not forget to consult with local roofing companies. They are the key to having your dream roofing installed.
Here is a closer look at the most well-known materials for residential roofing in New England.
Slate
Slate roofs are long-lasting, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. In fact, many Northeastern homes have them. Shingles made from smoothed slate stone are non-fading and solid. They offer superior fire protection too!
According to nytimes.com, slate roofs can last between 50 to 100 years if cared for properly. Houses with French, European, and Colonial styles look best with this kind of roofing. Though generally, any sturdy house can support it since a slate roof is quite heavy.
Also, note that its price is not necessarily low. This material is costly to install as well, so roofers are likely to charge you more.
Asphalt
Most American homes use asphalt roof shingles. And for a good reason! It is affordable, sturdy, and can be used with any home design, even with steep-pitched roofs. Asphalt shingles also come in high-end fibreglass options.
Fibreglass asphalt shingles, though pricier than the regular ones, are sturdier and more heavy-duty. They are also environmentally friendly because they are made from recycled materials.
Roofers generally work with asphalt shingles with ease. You can have roofing contractors install them over an existing roof, too! Asphalt is also low maintenance and has excellent fire protection capability. Its enemies, however, are high heat and high winds. Asphalt typically suffers scarring and tearing due to these natural elements.
Metal
Metal roofs are worth the investment. How come? Because they can last up to 50 years, have superior weather durability, require minimum maintenance, are light-weight, fire-resistant, and environmental-friendly.
Northeastern homes also make the most use out of them because of their heat-deflecting characteristic. They make you safe from overheating from the sun! For efficiency and safety, have professional roofing contractors handle metal roofing installation for you.
You may place metal roofing over existing roofs. These metals made from post-consumer recycled materials are also customizable in finish and color. For supreme durability, choose zinc and copper as metal types.
Metal roos are pricey, but their beauty and sturdiness make up for it. But how sturdy are they? Let us just say that they can last for decades.
Roofing Material Tips For New England Homeowners
Before ultimately deciding on a material, consider the cost of ownership and maintenance in addition to the details above. They play huge roles in your decision-making process since they deal with your roofing’s long-term sustainability.
For example, you might want to install a heavy-duty roof if you are going to use it for a long time. Or make sure to invest in a quality, long-lasting type of roofing material regardless of its cost. Maybe you want to remodel your house from time to time, so it is okay to buy inexpensive ones since you will replace them quite often? Examine maintenance, too! If you want a roof that you can set and forget, you might want to invest in the heavy-duty ones.
Frequently Ask Questions
1. What is the best roof for New England weather?
For the unpredictable and often harsh New England weather, metal, slate, and asphalt shingles are top choices. Metal roofing is lightweight, fire-resistant, and reflects heat, making it energy-efficient for warm and cold seasons alike. Slate is a premium choice known for its incredible durability (lasting 50-100 years) and aesthetic appeal but requires a more substantial initial investment. Asphalt shingles, particularly fiberglass options, are affordable and versatile for various architectural styles, though they may require more maintenance over time compared to metal or slate.
2. What are the best roof shingles for New England?
The best shingles for New England are fiberglass asphalt shingles and slate shingles. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are a cost-effective option with decent durability, making them suitable for many homes. Slate shingles, while pricier, are ideal for those who prioritize long-term durability and a classic New England aesthetic.
3. What is the best roofing material for Massachusetts?
For Massachusetts, slate and metal are excellent choices due to their longevity and resilience against extreme weather. Metal roofing stands out for energy efficiency, while slate is prized for its durability and aesthetic, which aligns well with traditional Massachusetts architecture. Asphalt shingles are also widely used because of their affordability, although they may require more frequent replacement
4. Which type of roof is the most durable?
Slate roofing is typically the most durable, lasting up to 100 years with proper care, followed by metal roofing, which can last around 50 years. Both materials offer excellent protection against fire, high winds, and severe weather, which are common in New England
5. Which roof covering has the longest life expectancy?
Slate roofs have the longest life expectancy among standard residential roofing materials, often outlasting 100 years if well-maintained. Metal roofs also have a substantial lifespan, generally lasting about 50 years, while asphalt roofs usually last 20-30 years
6. What is the best long-term roofing material?
Slate is considered the best long-term roofing material due to its impressive longevity and low maintenance. Although the upfront cost is high, its durability can make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners planning to stay long-term. Metal is also an excellent long-term option, combining durability with lower aesthetic and energy efficienc
