Whether you live in the inland hills of Vermont and New Hampshire or along the Atlantic coast, New England has no doubt shown you the wide range of its weather. And these days, that might mean 80 degrees one week and snow the next!
What’s the best roofing material for New England homes given these extremes? You don’t have to give up curb appeal either to enjoy the superior protection metal roofing provides. Keep reading to learn how metal roofing is ideal even for traditional homes where you might otherwise pick conventional roofing that offers less weather resistance.
2 Key Roofing Concerns: Weather Extremes and Historical Authenticity
New England Weather Is a Year-Round Roller Coaster
From the Canadian border to the shores of Connecticut and Rhode Island, New Englanders experience virtually every type of weather on the spectrum. Often, extreme weather changes occur over a period of just a few days.
Most of the six New England states see a fair share of winter snow and ice, and freezing temperatures may last for weeks on end. But summers can be hot and muggy, with temperatures well into the 90s. In fact, a study from earlier this decade shows that the Northeast is warming faster than many parts of the US.
This trend contributes to more severe storms, in addition to the nor’easters that blow through periodically. Coastal New England has been the recipient of hurricane remnants (Hurricane Bob being the last official hurricane in 1991) and severe hailstorms that cause costly property damage. Research has found that hailstorms are becoming more frequent in the Northeast, and the size of hail is growing, with hailstones as large as 2 inches in diameter. And tornadoes have even touched down on Cape Cod recently, ripping the roofs off homes and businesses.
The combination of these threats means New Englanders need roofing that can handle a tremendous range of weather conditions. And when droughts strike in between stormy times, they also need roofing that offers the best in wildfire protection. We discuss why metal roofing is a top choice for this reason in the section below.
Roofing Needs to Match Traditional Home Styles
Finding the right roof for a New England home isn’t simply a matter of choosing the most practical material. Homes in this part of the United States are often 100 years old or older. Or they are reproductions built to look like traditional homes. Typical styles include two-story Colonials, dormered Cape Cods, and salt boxes, where the roof extends longer on one side, designed in the past to hold back weather and improve winter energy efficiency.
You’ll probably see more wood shake roofing in New England than anywhere else in the country, as this is a traditional material to match exterior cedar shingles or dark-stained clapboards. Other common more old-fashioned roofing materials are natural slate, copper, and tin. In protected historic areas, homeowners must maintain the authenticity of their properties by using roofing that matches the aesthetics of when they were built.
For homeowners who want that perfect combination of weather protection (see below) and authenticity, a stone-coated metal roof is a great option. It offers the look of traditional shingles, tiles, or shakes with all the modern weather resistance needed for what Mother Nature is handing out today. And you’ll find metal roofing in an array of colors that match any home’s paint scheme for the utmost in curb appeal. It’s popular in North America for historic homes and public buildings where authenticity is a top priority.
How Metal Roofing Stands Up to Weather in the Northeast
From Providence to Presque Isle to Peacham, stone-coated metal roofing is ideal to protect homes from the roller coaster of New England Weather. Most asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and ceramic tiles just aren’t up to the job, and some, like tile, also won’t work with the aesthetics of New England homes.
Hail Impact Resistance
Metal roofing won’t crack, chip, or split under hail impact, like traditional roofing material typically does. Look for a roofing product with the highest impact resistance rating from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which is a Class 4 rating.
Even better, top-performing metal roofing will warranty the material to resist damage from hailstones as large as 2.5 inches across—that’s as big as a tennis ball. Remember, hail is trending larger in the Northeast, so the better the impact resistance, the more your home will be prepared.
Resistance to Wind Uplift
In heavy winds, especially when pressure under the roof is different from pressure above, wind uplift can occur. This can peel a roof right off a home in large segments. So, you want a roof that’s warrantied against wind damage in hurricane-force winds. What do homeowners in Florida and Gulf states install? That’s what you want in New England too.
Protection from Wind-Driven Rain
Rain pushed by wind into small roof openings can damage the underlayment and decking, as well as the roofing surface material itself. It can also cause water damage inside the home. You’ll find metal roofing systems that protect you from this by using an interlocking installation mechanism that eliminates cracks and crevices where water can enter.
Sturdiness Under Snow and Ice
Stone-coated metal roofing is ideal for use in heavy snow areas. It’s both lightweight and sturdy. This means it can hold thick snowfall without sagging. And the exterior coating helps snow slide off. The hollow core keeps roof temperatures stable, which discourages the formation of ice dams that form during freeze-thaw cycles.
Energy Efficiency in Hot Weather
Metal roofing is great at reflecting the sun’s heat, unlike many other types of roofing, especially asphalt shingles. This keeps your home more comfortable in warm weather. And during those weeks when you have to run the AC, a metal roof can help reduce cooling costs by up to 25%, depending on roof color choice.
DECRA by IKO Shake XD in Pinnacle Grey | DECRA by IKO Shake in Shadowood
>>>Related Resource: Read the Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Metal Roofing.
Highest Possible Fire Rating
Metal roofing is noncombustible, which is best in case of wildfire. But for greater peace of mind, look for roofing material with a Class A fire rating from UL. That way, if your area finds itself in a drought state, your home will be less vulnerable if a wildfire breaks out.
Low Maintenance in All Climates
Metal roofing resists oxidation, rust, and corrosion in any type of climate, but this is particularly helpful if you live in a humid or coastal area. It also won’t facilitate the growth of mold, mushrooms, or lichens, which can be a problem with natural wood shake roofing.
Stone-coated metal roofing pressed into shake patterns is available in grey hues, too, so you don’t have to wait for it to weather from natural wood tones in order to match the rest of a shingled home. That’s perfect for places like coastal Connecticut or Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, where silvery shingles are always in style.
The Financial Benefits of Installing a Metal Roof
Selecting a metal roof for your remodel or new home also brings many financial advantages:
- Longevity - Metal roofs last decades, meaning you have fewer roof replacements for as long as you own the property.
- Insurance discounts - Carriers prefer metal roofing because it results in fewer claims, at a time when some homeowners are losing coverage.
- Increase in home value - Boost your home equity or home selling price by up to 6%, which is great for your bank account.
See Your New England Home with a DECRA by IKO Metal Roof
DECRA by IKO makes stone-coated roofing that suits New England homes perfectly. You don’t have to wonder what it would look like on your Cape Cod, Colonial, or more contemporary home. Simply use our online visualization tool to see the incredible curb appeal that you get with DECRA by IKO…all without sacrificing any of the weather or financial benefits listed above.
