7 Best Roofing Materials for Cold Climates and Snow
CeDUR Shiloh roof installed by Wood River Roofing on a Sun Valley, Idaho home.
Snowy winters, frigid temperatures, and constant freeze-thaw cycles can put serious stress on your roof. For homeowners in colder climates, roofing materials must do more than look good. They need to withstand relentless winter weather, prevent moisture damage, and bear the weight of snow accumulation.
In this article, you’ll learn which materials work best in harsh winters, how they compare, and why CeDUR is the smartest choice for snow-prone areas.
Common Roofing Materials for Cold Climates
Choosing a roof for cold climates requires more than just aesthetic preference—it demands performance. In this article, we’ll break down the most common roofing materials used in snow-prone areas, discuss their performance, and help you determine which one offers the best protection and value in the long run.
1. Metal Roofing – Great for Snow Shedding
Snow accumulation on a brown metal roof in cold winter conditions.
Metal roofs are a popular choice in snowy mountain regions for a reason. Their smooth, slippery surface allows snow to slide off easily, preventing heavy accumulation and reducing ice dam formation. They also hold up well to freezing temperatures and require minimal maintenance.
However, some homeowners find the look of standing seam panels a bit too industrial for their tastes. They can also be noisy during hail or sleet storms and prone to denting.
2. Asphalt Shingles – Budget-Friendly but Needs Upgrades
Architectural asphalt shingles are affordable, widely available, and perform decently in moderate cold climates. Upgraded, heavy-duty shingles with reinforced underlayment can offer better resistance to ice dams and wind-driven snow.
But in regions with significant snowfall or prolonged sub-zero temps, asphalt can degrade over time. Without proper attic ventilation and ice shielding, they may not offer the longevity homeowners need in snowy regions.
3. Slate – Durable and Elegant, But Heavy
Traditional stone roof with melting snow on a mountain home overlooking snowy peaks.
Slate roofs are known for their timeless appearance and exceptional longevity. They hold up well to temperature swings and snow loads when installed properly. Their fire resistance and durability make them a premium choice for traditional-style homes.
However, slate is extremely heavy and expensive. Not all homes are built to carry the weight, and installation requires highly specialized labor.
4. Rubber (EPDM) Roofing – Best for Flat Roofs
EPDM rubber roofing is a common solution for flat or low-slope roofs in cold climates. It’s flexible, resistant to ice buildup, and relatively inexpensive. While not common in residential applications, it performs well on commercial or modern-style homes.
That said, it doesn’t offer the style or texture of more traditional roofing materials, making it less desirable for visible residential installations.
5. Clay or Concrete Tile – Stylish but Susceptible
Snow melting on a traditional clay tile roof during winter.
While clay and concrete tiles offer good insulation and can handle certain cold climates, they may not fare well in areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. If water seeps into tiny cracks, it can freeze and expand, causing fractures over time.
Additionally, these tiles are heavy, fragile, and expensive to replace if damaged.
6. Natural Cedar Shakes – Beautiful but High-Maintenance
Cedar shakes have natural insulation value and look beautiful in forested, snowy environments. But in cold, wet climates, they’re highly susceptible to rot, mold, splitting, and maintenance issues over time.
That’s why many homeowners are turning to synthetic shakes—to keep the look they love without the risk. Synthetic shakes are engineered to mimic the character of natural wood shakes without the vulnerability.
7. CeDUR Synthetic Shakes – The Ideal Choice for Snowy Climates
CeDUR Shiloh roof on a charming cottage-style home, adding durability and curb appeal.
CeDUR synthetic shakes are purpose-built to perform in extreme environments. Designed to replicate the look of real cedar shakes, they bring timeless beauty to homes in snowy regions—without the vulnerability of natural wood.
Made from durable, high-density polyurethane, CeDUR shakes are Class A fire-rated, Class 4 impact-rated, and rigorously tested against freeze-thaw cycles. They won’t crack, rot, absorb water, or deteriorate with age. Their lightweight design places less strain on roof structures—a major advantage in areas that experience heavy snow loads. Plus, their authentic wood grain texture offers rustic beauty that metal or asphalt simply can’t match.
Homeowners drawn to traditional mountain or alpine aesthetics often choose cedar shakes—but natural wood comes with a long list of drawbacks. CeDUR overcomes these by delivering the warmth and curb appeal of real wood shakes with modern engineering and virtually no maintenance.
Other synthetic roofing materials may offer snow-shedding capabilities or impact resistance, but CeDUR is the only one that combines:
High insulation value
Class A fire resistance
Structural strength for snow and ice
Low-maintenance performance
Natural, handcrafted beauty
From high-altitude cabins to snowy suburban retreats, CeDUR provides unmatched value and long-term peace of mind.
If you’re looking for the best roof for snow—and one that adds charm and character to your home—CeDUR checks every box.
Cost and Lifespan Comparisons for Cold Climate Roofing Materials
Choosing the best roof for snow isn't just about performance—cost and longevity also matter. Here's a simplified comparison of how common roofing materials stack up in cold climates:
Asphalt Shingles: Low cost; lifespan of 15–30 years. Affordable but may require early replacement in harsh winters.
Metal Roofing: Medium to high cost; lifespan of 40–70 years. Excellent snow shedding and long-term performance.
Slate: High cost; lifespan of 75–100+ years. Extremely durable but expensive and heavy.
Clay/Concrete Tile: High cost; lifespan of 50–100 years. Long-lasting but vulnerable to freeze-thaw cracking.
Rubber (EPDM): Low to medium cost; lifespan of 20–35 years. Good for flat roofs but limited aesthetic appeal.
Natural Cedar Shakes: Medium cost; lifespan of 20–30 years. Attractive but requires significant upkeep in snowy climates.
CeDUR Synthetic Shakes: Medium cost; lifespan of 50+ years. Premium performance with minimal maintenance and exceptional cold-weather durability.
CeDUR hits a rare sweet spot in the roofing world—offering high-end performance and long-term reliability without the cost extremes of slate or the maintenance burden of wood. For homeowners in snow-heavy regions, it’s one of the most cost-effective investments for beauty, durability, and peace of mind.
The Best Roof for Snow Loads, Beauty, and Peace of Mind
CeDUR roof built for strength in snowy climates.
When it comes to protecting your home from snow, wind, ice, and sub-zero temperatures, the right roofing material makes all the difference. While many materials have their strengths, CeDUR synthetic shakes offer the perfect combination of:
Cold climate performance
Structural safety
Low maintenance
And enchanting, natural beauty
No other roofing product brings together this balance of aesthetics and winter-ready durability.
Ready for a Roof That Performs in Every Season?
Explore the CeDUR product line and reach out today to discover why more homeowners in cold climates are making the switch to synthetic.