In New York, because there is a very severe weather of winter, lots of snow, hail, heavy wind and raining storms and the environment can be very brutal with heavy snowfall, freezing temperature and ice accumulation. Choosing the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York city is very crucial because just the roof is the barrier and defence line to control any hard or harsh elements. So to avoid all these problems and alarming elements the choice of Roofing NYC is the bestest in New York City because it has an ability to shed ice and snow, it also reduces the risk of ice dams and structural damage. The asphalt shingles with high quality and Slates can both also be a good and beneficial choice in Winter season, maybe they require some maintenance but they also can provide snow-resistant roofing materials and durability to property.
Best and better material of Roofs in Snowy Climate in New York City:
Here we have some list of top and better Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York, which can protect property from any severe climate
Material for Roofs | Shed for Snow and best for | Durability | Life Span | Insulation | Cost |
Metal Roofing | Excellent for steep slope and snow areas | High | 40 to 60 Years | Moderate | $7 to $15 |
Asphalt shingles | Moderate Snow and budget Friendly | Moderate | 15 to 30 years | Moderate | $3 to $6 |
Slate Roofing | Good Long term value with historic homes | Very High | 75 to 150 Years | High | $20 to $30 |
Rubber Roofing | Poor flat and low slope with roof drainage | Moderate | 20 to 30 | High | $5 to $8 |
Synthetic Asphalt | Good Snowy appeal with aesthetic appeal | High | 30 to 50 | High | $6 to $10 |
Cedar Shaking | Moderate Rustic look and snowy areas | Moderate | 20 to 40 | Good | $8 to $12 |
Here is more detailed breakdown of best roofing material:

- Metal Roofing
- Asphalt Shingles
- Slate Roofing
- Rubber Roofing
- Synthetic Asphalt
- Cedar Shaking
Metal Roofing:
Metal Roofing is considered the most Shed, durable and most long lasting material for roofs as compared to traditional material. It is known for its resistance to severe weather damages including heavy wind, hail, snow and fire which gives more beneficial resistance and is more energy efficient than any traditional one. Even metal roofing has a high upfront cost but it is the long term choice due to its longevity and reduced maintenance need properties. It is often listed among the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York due to its excellent snow-shedding ability and durability.
Here we have some Types of metal roofing;
Aluminium, Naturally energy efficient and light weight.
Copper, it is the most expensive option but also known for its exceptional longevity and distinctive appearance.
Steel, Used as coating for corrosion resistance.
Standing Seam, It offers a contemporary and sleek look characterized by vertical panels with ribs and fasteners, wide and flat.
Stone-Coated Steel, Foe rust and corrosion resistance, it incorporates zinc and aluminium alloys with granular coating.
Corrugated, its features are wavy patterns and used in agriculture and industrial settings.
Benefits of Metal Roofing;
Variety of styles and Colors, It is customizable and can be changed according to architecture style.
Weather Resistance, it has excellent resistance against severe weather like wind, hail and storm etc.
Energy Efficient, it potentially reduces the cooling cost and also can reflect solar heat.
Durability and Longevity, metal roofing can last for decades.
Low Maintenance, generally doesn’t need any maintenance when installed.
Asphalt Shingles:
Due to the properties like versatiles, ease of installation and affordability, Asphalt Shingles is a very popular roofing material. Its consistency depends on fiberglass mat and organic felt base topped with mineral granules and coated with asphalts. All these granules provide UV protection, colors and enhance durability. While not always considered the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York, premium asphalt shingles can perform well in moderate snowy conditions when installed properly.
Here we have some Types of Asphalt Shingles;
Architectural dimensional shingles, It has increased durability as compared to three dimensional shingles, made up of multiple layers providing a more textured and dimensional look as it is commonly known as dimensional shingles.
Strep of 3 Tab Shingles, Featuring a strip and flat with three dimensional tabs, it is the most basic and cost effective option.
Luxury Shingles, offer a premium aesthetic and enhanced performance because these are high end shingles which are designed to enhance or mimic the most expensive material like wood slate or shake.
Benefits of Asphalts Shingles;
Easy Installation, Asphalt Shingles has the ability to install easily, it often reduces the labor cost and project timeline.
Durability: They can provide reliable protection against all weather changes and disasters like heavy rain, wind, and storms etc.
Low Maintenance, it cost very minimal charges while the occasional maintenance and some inspection.
Affordability, as compared to slate and tile asphalt shingles, are more budget friendly.
Versatility, regarding versatility they come in different styles, colors and shapes to define architecture designs.
Slate Roofing:
Slates are natural products so it has exceptional durability with different colors and types and its longevity. These are of two types one is soft slate and other one is hard each of them has different cost consideration and life span. Because of its resistance to all sudden changes of climate like wind, fire, hail and others it is desirable and sustainable roofing material. Slate is widely regarded as one of the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York due to its high weight, density, and durability under pressure.
Here we have some Types of Slate Roofing;
Soft Slate, it shares the same resistance as hard slate does like against moisture, fire and weather damages and it can last till 50 to 125 years.
Hard Slate, it is most highly durable, long lasting and resistant to weather changes like wind, fire and hail etc and it can last 75 to 200 years.
Synthetic Slate, this type of slate is more cost friendly and alternate to natural slates and mimic the natural slates being less expensive and being lighter.
Natural Slate, this kind of slates holds both types of slates soft and hard varies from region to region and country to country with different colors, textures and shapes.
Benefits of Slate Roofing;
Environmental Benefits, Slate is a natural and recyclable material which can give lots of environmental benefits as sustaining roof material.
Increased Home value, it is the most desirable slate type which can enhance overall property.
Aesthetic Appeal, it gives a natural and elegant look which can enhance aesthetic appeal to property.
Durability and Longevity, these are most long lasting and often can last for centuries or more than a century.
Fire Resistance, this has an ability to resist fire.
Weather Resistance, this makes it most demanding by having a resistance to weather damages like wind, hail, fire moisture.
Rubber Roofing:
EPDM ( Ethylene Propylene diene Monomer) which can offer excellent services and resistance against weather changes and waterproofing for low slope and flat roofs. Other types like PVC and TPO have an ability to be chemical resistant and energy efficient. While typically used on flat roofs, some rubber roofing options can also be part of the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York when designed with proper drainage.
Here we have some types of Rubber Roofing;
EPDM (Ethylene, Propylene Diene Monomer), it is the most effective and popular choice for both residential and commercial property because of its longevity, durability and cost effectiveness. It gives synthetic vibes which give longevity, weather resistance and temperature fluctuates.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), it is known for its longevity, durability and resistance for punctures and impacts. It is energy efficient by reducing cooling costs.
PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride), it gives environment suitability where there are chances of chemical and pollutants are present.
Benefits of Rubber Roofing;
Easy Installation, It is Among the most easy installation, especially for EPDM which install in large units.
Cost Effective, it is most cost effective and friendly when installed because at time of choice it may have cost more than other units but when installed doesn’t need any maintenance so it is the best choice.
Low Maintenance, when installed it doesn’t need any maintenance in the long term so it does not have any costly maintenance.
Energy Efficiency, PVC and EPDM by consuming sunlight reduces the energy efficiency to fulfil the need of air conditioning.
Water Proofing, it provides a seamless waterproof barrier against water leakage.
Weather Resistance, all these types have an ability to resist weather changes.
Durability and Longevity, rubber roofing especially EPDM can last for 20 to 30 years and more with proper maintenance.
Environmental Friendly, TPO and EPDM are recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Synthetic Asphalt:
To enhance its properties it refers to asphalt modified with fiber, polymers and other materials.These modification can improve characteristics performance like cracking, fatigue and resistance to rutting. These can bi include fiber reinforced asphalt, polymer modified asphalt and asphalt containing other material.This kind of asphalt have lots of benefits. Some high-performance types of synthetic asphalt are considered among the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York for cost-effective and durable solutions in extreme climates. If your roof is nearing the end of its life cycle, explore Roof Replacement NYC options for a full upgrade.
Here we have some types of synthetic Asphalt;
Polymer-Modified Asphalt, polymer modified asphalt to enhance its properties it uses polymers like SBS, SBR, EVA, these can improve elasticity, reduce temperature and increase resistance.
Fiber Reinforced Asphalt, this type of synthetic asphalt tensile strength and tracking resistance.
Asphalt with Recycled Material, can be incorporated into new asphalt mixes, improving sustainability and potentially reducing cost.
Benefits of Synthetic Asphalt;
Enhance performance under heavy load, Synthetic asphalt can bear heavy load of traffic because it is used in heavy traffic areas.
Improved temperature resistance, it can be withstand in extreme weather cracks in cold weather and rutting in hot weather.
Increased durability, due to its increased durability, payment with synthetic asphalt has very low maintenance cost.
Low maintenance, it has no need of any maintenance when installed, if in any case there is need then very minimal cost is required.
Environmental benefits, using recycling of asphalts make it environmental benefits.
Customization, by adjusting to customize the type and amount, allowing for customization based on climate, traffic and other factors.
Cedar Shaking:
Cedar shaking is a type which refers to use cedar wood pieces either hand split and taper sawn for roofing and siding applications. This has different categories based on style, base, appearance and longevity. It can offer insulation, durability and natural beauty with several benefits like weather resisting and lower environmental impact. Cedar may not be the first choice when evaluating the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York, but it provides natural insulation and weather protection when installed correctly.
Here we have Different Types of Cedar Shaking;
Taper-Sawn, serving with a smoother and more uniform appearance.
Split Handed, In the splitting process, its texture is rugged used to create them.
Grades are also graded used as quality with common, select and full straight grain commonly used as higher grades means better resistance to element and long lasting lifespan and vice versa.
Benefits of Cedar Shaking:
Durability and Weather Resistance, its natural ability of having oil make it resistant to rot, decay, insect and weather resistance like heavy rain, wind etc.
Natural Beauty and Curb Appeal, cedar offers warm and aesthetic appeal that enhance home apperance.
Sustainability, it is recyclable and renewable, which reduces landfill waste.
Noise Reduction, helps to dampen noise and keep the inner environment noiseless.
Versatility, it carries various styles and shapes.
Insulation, provides thermal insulation, lower internal temperature and reduces energy cost.

FAQs;
Which Roofing material is best in winter in New York City?
Metal roofing is the best for the winter season in new york city due to its weather resistance ability, durability and low maintenance.
Do we need a steep roof in winter?
Yes because it helps to pitch snow slides easily, reducing ice dams and weight accumulation.
How does Snow affect roofs in winter?
If roof material is not properly checked and installed it can bring ice dams, reduce weight accumulation.
What are the Best Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow in New York?
The best roofing materials for heavy snow in New York include metal roofing, slate, and high-quality asphalt shingles. These options offer strong resistance to snow buildup, ice dams, and cold weather damage.