What’s the Best Roofing Material for Michigan Winters?

Michigan weather is no joke. Snow, wind, freezing temps, spring storms, and the occasional heat wave mean your roof needs to handle a bit of everything. So what’s the best material?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what works well here and why:

Asphalt Shingles (Most Common Choice)
They’re durable, cost-effective, and perform well in our freeze-thaw cycles. Today’s architectural shingles have better wind ratings and hold up far longer than the old three-tab style. For most homeowners, this is the sweet spot between price and performance.

Metal Roofing
More expensive upfront, but extremely durable. Metal sheds snow easily, resists high winds, and can last 40-70 years. It’s great for cabins, lake homes, and places that see heavy snowfall. It’s also fire-resistant and low-maintenance.

Synthetic Materials
These mimic slate or cedar but weigh less and handle cold weather better. They’re a higher-end option, but they bring excellent durability and great curb appeal for historic or custom homes.

Why good ventilation matters more than the material
Even the best roof won’t perform well if your attic can’t breathe. Proper ventilation keeps ice dams down, reduces moisture, and extends the life of your shingles. If you’ve had issues with ice dams or attic condensation, it’s worth bringing up during an inspection.

Bottom line:
For most Michigan homes, high-quality architectural shingles are the most reliable and budget-friendly. But metal and synthetics are great choices if you want maximum longevity. The right choice depends on your home, your budget, and your long-term plans.