When choosing a roofing material for your Pennsylvania home, consider the state’s unique climate, architectural styles, and the long-term performance of your investment. Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, from hot, humid summers to freezing, snowy winters, so you’ll need a roof that can handle it all.
Below, we dive into the most common roofing materials on the market and explain why some are better suited to Pennsylvania’s diverse weather conditions than others.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in Pennsylvania, and for good reason. They’re affordable, easy to install, and available in a wide variety of colors. However, durability is a trade-off. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years, so they may need replacement sooner than other options.
Slate is a classic choice, especially for homes with traditional architecture. Known for its longevity, slate roofs can last many years with proper maintenance. However, like clay tiles, slate roofs are expensive, require professional installation, and are extremely heavy. In fact, older homes may need additional framing support to handle the weight of either slate or clay tile roofs. Additionally, both materials can be fragile under impact and may crack or break if not handled carefully.
Here’s a breakdown of the weight of common roofing materials:
Wood shakes provide a charming, rustic appearance that complements historic homes, particularly in areas like Pennsylvania’s Northeast. However, wood is less durable than metal or slate and requires regular maintenance to prevent issues like mold, rot, and fire damage. While beautiful, it’s not as weather-resistant as other options.
Metal roofing is gaining popularity in Pennsylvania due to its exceptional durability and efficiency. Stone-coated metal roofing, for example, performs well in nearly any condition, making it ideal for the state’s harsh winters and hot summers.
Unlike asphalt roofs, a well-maintained metal roof can last between 40 and 80 years. This makes it a great option for homeowners looking to invest in long-term performance without the hassle of frequent repairs or replacements.
No matter how long you've lived in Pennsylvania, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. Your roofing material must be durable enough to handle these fluctuating conditions.
Pennsylvania’s winters demand roofing materials that can handle heavy snow loads and freezing temperatures. DECRA’s lightweight, non-porous design ensures snow and ice slide off before they can accumulate, reducing the risk of ice dams and minimizing damage from heavy snowfall. This keeps your home safe and secure through even the harshest winter conditions.
Still not convinced? Take a look at these two homes. Notice how the roof on the left has little-to-no snow accumulation? That’s the power of a DECRA roof!
Pennsylvania’s weather can also bring high winds. DECRA Metal Roofing has been tested to withstand hurricane-force winds, including Miami-Dade’s rigorous standards. It also features a warranty for winds up to 120 miles per hour, providing added peace of mind no matter where you reside.
Hail can cause serious roof damage, particularly in regions like Pennsylvania where hailstorms are common. Older roofs covered with asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or wood shakes are especially vulnerable. Damage can include splitting, cracking, and pitting, leading to water leaks into the roof decking or home interior and costly insurance claims.
DECRA Metal Roofing products carry the highest Class 4 UL rating, meaning they can resist impacts from two-inch hailstones falling from 20 feet or more. DECRA is even warrantied for hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter.
Pennsylvania experiences a high number of structure fires each year, and home fires account for more fatalities than any other location. This makes fire safety a vital consideration for homeowners.
DECRA Metal Roofing offers peace of mind with its Class A fire rating—the highest possible—providing protection against flames penetrating the roof decking or attic. This exceptional level of fire resistance sets DECRA by IKO apart from materials like wood shakes, asphalt shingles, and clay tiles.
In the image below, the house in the middle has a DECRA by IKO Metal Roof, while the two surrounding homes are engulfed in flames.
Choosing the best roofing material for your Pennsylvania home means understanding your needs and priorities. While shingles and shakes are popular, stone-coated metal roofing offers greater long-term value. Here’s why:
One of the best things about DECRA by IKO metal roofing is that you don’t have to trade looks for all the practical advantages listed above. DECRA by IKO comes in a wide range of colors and styles to match virtually any home style in Pennsylvania. Choose from metal tile roofing, metal shingle roofing, or metal shake roofing to coordinate with your home’s aesthetics.
Want to see how DECRA by IKO could transform the appearance of your home? You can request a complimentary sample, or for a full view, try our visualization tool.