Why Pennsylvania Weather Demands the Right Roofing Material
Pennsylvania's climate is one of the most demanding in the country for roofing systems. In the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties, your roof faces:
- ■Temperature swings of 100°F+ — From -10°F winter lows to 95°F+ summer highs
- ■30-40 inches of snow per year — Including heavy, wet nor'easter snow
- ■Ice dams — The #1 cause of roof damage in our region
- ■35-45 thunderstorm days per year — With hail, high winds, and heavy rain
- ■UV exposure — 200+ sunny days that degrade roofing materials over time
The material you choose needs to handle all of this — not just one or two conditions. Here's how each option performs.
Asphalt Architectural Shingles
The most popular choice in the Lehigh Valley — and for good reason.
Architectural (also called dimensional or laminate) shingles are the standard for Pennsylvania homes. They've evolved significantly from the flat, basic 3-tab shingles of decades past.
Performance in PA Weather
- ■Wind resistance: Rated for 110-130 mph winds (Class F or H)
- ■Impact resistance: Available in Class 4 (highest) for hail-prone areas
- ■Snow/ice: Performs well with proper ice and water shield underlayment
- ■Temperature cycling: Handles PA's freeze-thaw cycles well
- ■UV resistance: Ceramic-coated granules reflect UV and resist fading
Pros
- ■Best value for money — premium protection at a mid-range price
- ■Wide variety of colors and styles
- ■Easy to repair if individual shingles are damaged
- ■Compatible with all roof pitches (4/12 and above)
- ■Manufacturer warranties up to 50 years
Cons
- ■Shorter lifespan than metal or slate (25-30 years)
- ■Can be damaged by severe hail
- ■Not as energy-efficient as metal
Cost in the Lehigh Valley
$4.50-$7.00 per square foot installed | $8,000-$13,500 for an average home
Best Brands for PA
- ■CertainTeed Landmark — Our top recommendation. Excellent wind and impact ratings.
- ■GAF Timberline HDZ — Industry standard with strong warranty program.
- ■Owens Corning Duration — SureNail technology for superior wind resistance.
Metal Roofing
The premium choice gaining popularity across Pennsylvania.
Standing seam metal roofs have become increasingly popular in the Lehigh Valley, especially for homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term.
Performance in PA Weather
- ■Wind resistance: Rated for 140+ mph winds — virtually wind-proof
- ■Impact resistance: Steel panels resist hail better than any shingle
- ■Snow/ice: Snow slides off naturally, reducing ice dam risk significantly
- ■Temperature cycling: Expands and contracts without cracking or breaking
- ■UV resistance: Reflective coatings reduce heat absorption by 25-40%
Pros
- ■Longest lifespan of common materials (40-70 years)
- ■Virtually maintenance-free
- ■Energy efficient — can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%
- ■Snow shedding reduces ice dam risk
- ■Increases home resale value
- ■100% recyclable at end of life
Cons
- ■Higher upfront cost (2-3x asphalt)
- ■Requires specialized installation crews
- ■Can be noisy in heavy rain without proper insulation
- ■Denting possible from large hail or falling branches
- ■Fewer contractor options for installation
Cost in the Lehigh Valley
$8.00-$14.00 per square foot installed | $15,000-$27,000 for an average home
Synthetic Slate
The look of natural slate without the weight or cost.
Synthetic slate tiles are made from engineered polymers that mimic the appearance of natural slate while weighing 75% less.
Performance in PA Weather
- ■Wind resistance: Rated for 110+ mph winds
- ■Impact resistance: Class 4 — the highest rating. Virtually hail-proof.
- ■Snow/ice: Performs well; textured surface prevents snow slides
- ■Temperature cycling: Engineered to flex with temperature changes
- ■UV resistance: Excellent — won't fade or degrade like natural slate can
Pros
- ■Beautiful slate appearance at 40-60% of the cost
- ■Lightweight — can be installed on standard roof structures
- ■50+ year lifespan
- ■Class 4 impact resistance (best available)
- ■Low maintenance
Cons
- ■Higher cost than asphalt
- ■Relatively new product — less long-term track record
- ■Fewer color options than asphalt
- ■Not all contractors are experienced with installation
Cost in the Lehigh Valley
$9.00-$15.00 per square foot installed | $17,000-$29,000 for an average home
Natural Slate
The century-long solution for historic homes.
Natural slate is quarried stone — and Pennsylvania is one of the country's largest slate-producing regions. Many historic homes in Bethlehem's older neighborhoods still have their original slate roofs from 100+ years ago.
Performance in PA Weather
- ■Wind resistance: Excellent — individual tiles are heavy and secure
- ■Impact resistance: Good for small hail; can crack under large hail
- ■Snow/ice: Heavy snow loads are a concern — structure must support the weight
- ■Temperature cycling: Natural stone handles freeze-thaw well
- ■UV resistance: Impervious — stone doesn't degrade from sunlight
Pros
- ■75-100+ year lifespan — the longest of any roofing material
- ■Unmatched natural beauty
- ■Fireproof
- ■Locally sourced in Pennsylvania
- ■Increases property value significantly
Cons
- ■Very expensive
- ■Extremely heavy — requires reinforced roof structure
- ■Fragile when walked on — repairs require specialized skills
- ■Very few contractors qualified to install
- ■Individual tiles can crack from impact
Cost in the Lehigh Valley
$15.00-$25.00 per square foot installed | $29,000-$48,000 for an average home
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Architectural Shingles | Metal | Synthetic Slate | Natural Slate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 40-70 years | 50+ years | 75-100+ years |
| Wind Rating | 110-130 mph | 140+ mph | 110+ mph | Excellent |
| Hail Resistance | Good (Class 4 available) | Excellent | Excellent (Class 4) | Good |
| Snow Performance | Good with ice shield | Excellent (sheds snow) | Good | Good (heavy) |
| Energy Efficiency | Average | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Maintenance | Low | Very Low | Low | Moderate |
| Cost (Avg Home) | $8K-$13.5K | $15K-$27K | $17K-$29K | $29K-$48K |
| Cost per Year | $300-$450 | $250-$400 | $300-$500 | $300-$500 |
| Best For | Most homes | Long-term owners | Historic look | Historic homes |
Our Recommendation for Lehigh Valley Homeowners
For most homeowners in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the surrounding Lehigh Valley:
Architectural shingles are the best overall value. Specifically, we recommend CertainTeed Landmark or Landmark Pro shingles. They offer:
- ■Excellent performance in all PA weather conditions
- ■25-30 year lifespan with proper installation
- ■The best price-to-performance ratio
- ■Wide color selection to match any home style
- ■Enhanced warranty coverage through our ShingleMaster certification
Consider metal roofing if you plan to stay in your home 15+ years, want to eliminate ice dam concerns, or prioritize energy efficiency and long-term value.
Consider synthetic slate if you love the look of slate but your home's structure can't support the weight of natural stone, or if you want the highest possible hail resistance.
Get a Material Recommendation for Your Home
Every home is different. Roof pitch, structure, aesthetic preferences, budget, and how long you plan to stay all factor into the best material choice.
Get your free estimate or schedule a consultation — we'll inspect your roof, discuss your options, and recommend the best material for your specific situation. No pressure, no obligation.
Call (835) 248-0004 or contact us today.