When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt and metal both perform well, though they excel at different things — freeze-thaw cycles, snow load, and wind all shape the right choice. As a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011, serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
Matching Material to Weather
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles: Quality asphalt systems last 50+ years and handle temperature swings without cracking. Homeowners researching the best roof shingles land here most often.
- Standing-Seam Metal Roofing: Metal lasts 70+ years and sheds snow before loads accumulate. That single trait matters enormously.
- Impact Resistance Counts Here: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles pass the UL 2218 impact test with a Class 3 rating. Falling branches are a genuine risk under mature pines.
- Snow Load Capacity: Many roofs handle 20 pounds per square foot. One foot of heavy wet snow can exceed that alone. Material choice works alongside structural capacity.
- Ventilation Is Not Optional: Proper airflow lets warm air shift out through vents while cooler air replaces it. Condensation drops and insulation performance holds.
- Energy Performance Differences: Research shows metal roofs can save meaningful energy compared with asphalt. Reflectivity and thermal behavior explain much of that gap.
- Warranty Backing Seals the Decision: Our 50-year comprehensive warranty with unlimited wind speed coverage applies across both material paths.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Asphalt | 50+ year life, Class 3 impact rating, 68% ROI | Requires attentive ventilation design | Most homes seeking proven value | $35,701 average |
| Standing-Seam Metal | 70+ year life, sheds snow, 50% ROI | Higher upfront investment | Steep roofs and heavy-snow exposure | $56,282 average |
Picking the Right System for Your Home
Best Approach for Your Home
Top Recommendation: Architectural asphalt shingles for homeowners who want proven performance and the strongest return.
Best for Heavy Snow: Metal roofing that sheds accumulation before weight becomes a structural concern.
Best for Whole-System Confidence: GAF 6-layer installation with ventilation, leak barrier, and ridge cap working together.
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Still have questions about What Roofing Materials Handle the Weather Best? See the areas we serve and talk to your local roofing contractor.
Last Updated: August 2026
Sources:
- Asphalt roof replacement averages $35,701 and metal averages $56,282 across New England. Coastal Windows & Exteriors references JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value — New England, regional cost data for New England roofing projects. (2026)
- Asphalt roof replacement returns 68% and metal roof replacement returns 50%. Coastal Windows & Exteriors references JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national return-on-investment data for roofing replacement. (2026)
- Many roofs are designed for a 20-pound-per-square-foot snow load, and one foot of heavy wet snow can exceed 20 pounds per square foot. Coastal Windows & Exteriors references GAF How Much Snow Can a Roof Handle Safely, GAF’s guidance on snow loads and structural warning signs. (2026)
- Proper ventilation allows warm air to shift out through vents and be replaced with cooler air, reducing condensation. Coastal Windows & Exteriors references GAF Best Roofing Materials and Colors for Energy Efficiency, GAF’s guidance on ventilation and roofing energy performance. (2024)
- Metal roofs can save significant energy in comparison to asphalt. Coastal Windows & Exteriors references Oak Ridge National Laboratory Roofing Energy Study, a research paper comparing energy performance across roofing materials. (Accessed August 2026)
