Roofing Material Guides
The Problem, Stated
Choosing a roofing material isn’t a straightforward purchase decision. Most homeowners know asphalt shingles exist, have heard of metal roofing, and maybe know that wood shakes or slate are options — but they don’t know why a contractor would recommend one type over another for a specific property, what the actual trade-offs are, or how long you can reasonably expect any material to perform in New Hampshire’s challenging climate. We manage properties across the state, so we’ve had to evaluate these material choices for every property in our portfolio, across different elevations, exposures, and building structures. After years of maintaining roofs through our winters, we’ve learned that the cheapest option at purchase time is almost never the right choice, and marketing claims from manufacturers rarely account for real performance. Understanding the full cost over a material’s lifetime — and how to approach roofing financing — is essential before you commit. This guide walks through what actually matters when you’re deciding on a roofing material.
Questions to Ask Before Committing
What’s the expected lifespan of this material in actual use?
Don’t rely on manufacturer warranties alone — those numbers assume perfect conditions, proper ventilation, and consistent maintenance. In practice, asphalt shingles typically perform for 15 to 20 years in New Hampshire, though some premium architectural grades with reinforced backing last 25 years or longer if they never experience significant impact or wind damage. Metal roofing can exceed 40 years and sometimes 50 under good conditions. Wood shakes last 20 to 25 years if maintained annually. The real question to ask your contractor is: what does this material cost over its full lifespan, including maintenance? A cheaper material that needs replacement in 12 years costs more than an expensive material that lasts 30.
How does this material perform through New Hampshire winters?
Wind, ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy snow all matter, and they matter differently for each material. Asphalt shingles can become brittle and fail at the edges when temperatures drop sharply — especially if the roof doesn’t have adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Metal panels shed snow and ice quickly, which is both an advantage (less weight accumulation on the structure) and a drawback (falling ice can be hazardous to people below). Wood shakes absorb moisture and are prone to rot if not in direct sun. Your contractor should explain not just how each material handles the season’s average days, but how it performs during the worst weather your region typically sees — wind gusts, ice storms, and sudden temperature swings.
Will this material work with my existing structure?
Different materials have different weights, and that weight matters more than many homeowners realize. Your home’s framing was built to support a certain load — the live load rating determines what you can safely put on top of the walls. Upgrading to a much heavier material like slate, concrete tiles, or heavy wood shake may require structural reinforcement underneath, which significantly adds to your project cost. Conversely, switching to a lighter material sometimes allows you to leave old layers of shingles in place, which saves cost and minimizes disruption. A good contractor will assess what your structure can handle before recommending a material, and will be honest about whether reinforcement is needed. For a full overview of what to expect, see planning a roofing project from start to finish.
What It Should Look Like When Done
What to Consider First
Asphalt Shingles
The most common choice in New Hampshire and the most affordable initial investment. Standard three-tab shingles cost less to install; architectural grades offer better wind resistance, more attractive appearance, and longer performance warranties. Both types weather UV exposure over time, so color fading is normal after five to ten years. One advantage: easy for contractors to repair with spot replacements when damage occurs, and finding shingle matches is simple for years to come.
Metal Roofing
Higher upfront cost, but extreme durability in New Hampshire’s climate. Metal resists wind, sheds snow and ice efficiently, and performs exceptionally well through freeze-thaw cycles because the material doesn’t absorb water. Most metal roofing lasts 40 to 50 years. The tradeoffs: noise during heavy rain or hail unless you add sound dampening underlayment, higher installation costs, and you need a contractor with specific metal roof expertise — not every roofer is qualified.
Specialty Materials
Wood shakes, concrete tiles, slate, composite shingles, and rubber-composite alternatives each have specific performance profiles, and each comes with its own demands. Some look premium but require regular maintenance — wood shakes need treatment to resist rot. Others are extremely heavy and require structural evaluation. Cost varies dramatically, sometimes by multiples of standard options. Most specialty materials are worth considering only if your property’s design calls for them specifically, or if you’re committed to staying in the property for decades.
Preparing for Installation
Before your contractor arrives for the work, you’ll want to understand the practical realities of what to expect. This checklist from Ask This Old House walks you through the key questions and preparations that matter for any roofing project:
Having this foundation of knowledge — what to look for in your contractor’s recommendations and how to understand the trade-offs between materials — will help you make the decision with confidence.
The Mistake Most People Make
The biggest mistake we see is choosing material based on price alone, then being shocked when the contractor explains that the cheaper material needs replacement in 12 years instead of 25 — or when the insurance company denies a claim because the material failed outside its rated lifespan. This is one of several common mistakes that cost property owners thousands in unexpected repairs.
— Property management assessment, based on five years of maintenance records
Learn More
For deeper research on material options and performance:
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association — the trade group representing asphalt shingle and membrane manufacturers, with separate guidance for homeowners and installers
- Cool Roof Rating Council — independent factsheets rating roofing materials by solar reflectance and heat performance