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.
Common Roofing Materials in Pennsylvania
Asphalt Shingles
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.
Clay Tile and Slate Roofing
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:
- Metal Roofing: Weigh up to 1.6 lbs. per square foot
- Wood Shingles/Shakes: Weigh up to 4.5 lbs. per square foot
- Asphalt Shingles: Weigh up to 4.3 lbs. per square foot
- Slate Roofing: Weigh up to 6 - 8 lbs. per square foot
- Clay or Concrete Tile: Weigh up to 6 -11 lbs. per square foot
Wood Shake Roofing
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
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.
Weather Factors to Consider
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.
Snow and Ice
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!
Wind
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
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.
Fire
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 apart from materials like wood shakes, asphalt shingles, and clay tiles.
In the image below, the house in the middle has a DECRA Metal Roof, while the two surrounding homes are engulfed in flames.
Why Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Stands Out
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:
- Long Lifespan: Metal roofing lasts roughly two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, such as wood shakes, asphalt shingles, and ceramic tiles.
- Low Maintenance: Metal roofing requires significantly less upkeep compared to other roofing materials, saving you both time and money over the years. Unlike wood shakes, metal roofs are resistant to moss and mildew growth, which means you won’t need regular treatments to prevent these issues.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs are designed to reflect the sun's rays, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by your home. This keeps your indoor spaces cooler during hot summer months, saving you up to 25% on cooling costs. Additionally, metal roofs are compatible with solar panels, providing a durable and stable surface for mounting.
- ROI: Installing a metal roof can increase your home’s value by up to 6%, allowing you to recoup approximately 60-70% of its initial installation cost. With DECRA, you also get the added benefit of a lifetime limited warranty. This warranty is even transferable to future homeowners, making your property more attractive to potential buyers.
- Insurance Benefits: Many homeowners qualify for insurance discounts thanks to the durability of metal roofs. Their impact resistance to extreme weather conditions make them a preferred choice for insurers, potentially lowering premiums. Additionally, installing a metal roof may help protect you from having your insurance policy dropped, especially in areas prone to natural disasters.
Curious how a DECRA Metal Roof would look on your Pennsylvania Home?
One of the best things about DECRA metal roofing is that you don’t have to trade looks for all the practical advantages listed above. DECRA 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 could transform the appearance of your home? You can request a complimentary sample, or for a full view, try our visualization tool.
