The roofing materials that hold up best pair long-life architectural asphalt (50+ years) with standing seam metal (70+ years) built for this climate. Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011 as a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor and woman-owned exterior remodeling company serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, and we bring material samples to every consultation so you can weigh roofing materials side by side.
Materials That Earn Their Keep in a Northern Climate
- Architectural asphalt shingles: Quality asphalt lasts 50+ years when a certified crew installs it. Weight and layering help these shingles resist wind uplift on exposed ridgelines.
- Standing seam metal roofing: Metal reaches 70+ years of service life. Snow slides off the panels instead of sitting on them through a long northern winter.
- Algae-resistant shingle options: Shaded north slopes invite the algae that feeds on shingles. Modern granule technology slows that discoloration across decades of exposure.
- Impact and wind performance: Our systems carry a 50-year comprehensive warranty including unlimited wind speed coverage. That matters on any roof facing open river corridors.
- Leak barrier membrane: Self-adhering membrane at the eaves blocks water pushed back by ice dams. Every full system we build includes this layer.
- Ventilation components: Ridge vents exhaust warm air while soffit vents pull cooler air in. Balanced airflow reduces condensation and protects insulation.
- Energy performance: Metal roofs can save meaningful energy compared with asphalt. Long-term utility savings belong in your material comparison.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | 50+ year life, wide style range, familiar repairs | Shorter life than metal | Most village homes | About $35,701 average in New England |
| Metal roofing | 70+ year life, sheds snow, strong energy performance | Higher upfront cost | Steep roofs and long horizons | About $56,282 average in New England |
Choosing Between Asphalt and Metal
- Top Recommendation: Architectural asphalt for owners who want 50+ years of protection at a moderate investment.
- Best for Longest Service Life: Metal roofing, engineered to stand for 70+ years with light upkeep.
- Best for Snow-Heavy Slopes: Panels that shed accumulation instead of holding it above the eaves.
Curious which material suits your roofline and your budget? We bring samples, walk your property, and explain the tradeoffs without pressure. Book a free consultation and compare the options side by side. Learn more about the best roof shingles for New England before you decide.
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Still have questions about what roofing materials hold up best in cold-climate weather? See the areas we serve and talk to your local roofing contractor.
Last Updated: September 2026
Sources:
- Metal roofs can save significant energy in comparison to asphalt. Coastal Windows & Exteriors Oak Ridge National Laboratory Buildings Research, federal laboratory research comparing energy performance of metal and asphalt roof assemblies. (Accessed September 2026)
- The average asphalt roof replacement runs $35,701 in New England, and metal averages $56,282. Coastal Windows & Exteriors JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value New England, regional cost data for roofing replacement projects. (2026)
- Proper ventilation shifts warm air out through vents and reduces condensation. Coastal Windows & Exteriors GAF Ice Dams Technical Bulletin, GAF technical guidance on attic ventilation and insulation performance. (Accessed September 2026)
