Choosing a new roof is about more than selecting a color or comparing estimates. The material you choose affects your property’s durability, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, appearance, and long term value.
New Hampshire properties also face demanding conditions. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, strong winds, rain, ice, and significant seasonal temperature changes can all put stress on a roofing system.
So, what are the best roofing materials NH property owners should consider?
The answer depends on the type of property, roof design, budget, expected lifespan, and performance priorities. For residential properties, asphalt shingles and metal roofing are two of the most practical choices. For commercial buildings with flat or low slope roofs, EPDM is a proven option.
Here is how they compare.
Asphalt Shingles: A Practical Choice for NH Homes
Asphalt shingles remain one of the most widely used roofing materials for residential properties because they provide a strong balance of cost, durability, appearance, and installation flexibility.
Today’s asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, allowing homeowners to coordinate their roof with their home’s architecture. Quality shingles can also resist wind, UV exposure, moisture, and seasonal weather.
Another advantage is value. Asphalt roofing typically costs less upfront than many premium roofing systems while still providing reliable protection when properly installed and maintained.
Derek Cook’s Roofing installs high quality asphalt shingle systems and provides inspections, repairs, maintenance, and complete replacements. The company also recommends professional inspections to identify problems such as curling, missing shingles, exposed nails, and other early signs of deterioration.
Best suited for:
- Single family homes
- Traditional and contemporary home designs
- Homeowners seeking a balance of cost and performance
- Properties requiring a versatile range of styles and colors
- Roof replacements where value is a primary consideration
Metal Roofing: Long Term Performance and Durability
For property owners focused on longevity, metal roofing deserves serious consideration.
Metal roofing can provide exceptional resistance to snow, rain, wind, and other environmental conditions. It is also lightweight, requires relatively little maintenance, and can improve energy efficiency through reflective coatings that reduce solar heat absorption.
Modern metal roofing is also more versatile than many homeowners realize. Today’s systems can be designed to resemble traditional shingles, slate, or tile, giving property owners more choices when balancing performance with architectural style.
A properly installed metal roof can last approximately 40 to 70 years, depending on the system and conditions. That extended service life can make metal roofing a valuable long term investment.
Best suited for:
- Homeowners planning to remain in their property long term
- Homes exposed to demanding weather conditions
- Properties where durability is a top priority
- Commercial buildings requiring a long lasting roofing system
- Property owners interested in reduced maintenance
Metal roofing can carry a higher initial investment than asphalt shingles, but its longevity and performance can make the additional cost worthwhile for the right property.
EPDM Roofing: A Strong Option for Commercial Buildings
Residential properties are not the only buildings that require specialized roofing systems.
Many commercial properties have flat or low slope roofs that require materials specifically designed for those applications. EPDM, a synthetic rubber roofing membrane, is one such option.
EPDM has been used for commercial roofing for decades and is recognized for its resistance to UV exposure, weathering, and aging. It is also flexible, puncture resistant, and relatively low maintenance.
That makes it a practical choice for businesses that want dependable protection without the maintenance demands of some other systems.
Best suited for:
- Commercial properties
- Flat and low slope roofs
- Warehouses and similar buildings
- Businesses prioritizing durability and maintenance efficiency
- Property owners looking for a cost effective commercial roofing system
Which Roofing Material Is Best for Your Property?
There is no universal winner when comparing roofing materials. A homeowner replacing an aging residential roof may find that asphalt shingles offer the right combination of affordability, appearance, and performance. Another homeowner may prefer metal because they want decades of service and minimal maintenance.
A commercial property with a low slope roof may require an entirely different solution, making EPDM a more appropriate choice. The right decision should account for more than the material itself.
Consider:
- Property type: Residential and commercial buildings often have very different roofing requirements.
- Roof design: Pitch, drainage, existing materials, and structural considerations can affect material selection.
- Weather exposure: NH roofs need to perform through snow, ice, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
- Expected lifespan: Consider how long you plan to own the property and how frequently you want to replace the roof.
- Maintenance: Some systems require more ongoing attention than others.
- Budget: Look beyond installation cost and consider long term value.
- Installation quality: Even premium roofing materials cannot perform properly when the roofing system is poorly installed.
The Material Is Only Part of the Roofing System
A roof is more than its visible surface. Underlayment, flashing, ventilation, drip edge, fasteners, decking, and proper installation all contribute to how effectively a roof protects a building. This is why comparing roofing materials based solely on price can be misleading.
A lower initial estimate does not necessarily represent the better investment if the system is not properly designed or installed. At Derek Cook’s Roofing, the process begins with evaluating the property and determining which roofing solution fits its specific needs.
For asphalt installations, Derek Cook’s Roofing uses corrosion resistant or galvanized steel nails in accordance with building code requirements and manufacturer recommendations. The goal is straightforward: build a roofing system that performs as it should, not simply install a surface that looks good on completion day.
Work With the Most Trusted Roofing Contractor in NH | Derek Cook’s Roofing Specialists
Whether you are replacing an aging residential roof or evaluating options for a commercial property, the best material is the one that fits the building and your long term goals.
Asphalt shingles offer dependable residential performance and strong value. Metal roofing provides exceptional durability, longevity, and energy efficiency for homeowners and businesses seeking a long term solution. EPDM provides a durable, low maintenance option for many commercial flat and low slope applications.
Derek Cook’s Roofing has served New Hampshire property owners for decades, providing inspections, repairs, replacements, maintenance, and roofing solutions for residential and commercial properties. The team serves customers within approximately 50 miles of Manchester, NH, as well as areas throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
If your roof is approaching the end of its service life, do not wait for a leak to determine what comes next. A professional evaluation can help you understand your options and choose a roofing material based on performance, property requirements, and long term value.
