New England weather is notoriously tough on roofs. Between heavy snow loads, ice dams, hurricane-force winds, and intense summer UV exposure, your roofing material needs to be up to the challenge. Here's a breakdown of the best options.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
The most popular choice for Rhode Island homes, and for good reason. Modern architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminate shingles) offer excellent wind resistance (up to 130 mph), impact resistance, and a 30–50 year lifespan. CertainTeed Landmark is our go-to recommendation.
Pros: Affordable, versatile color options, excellent warranties, proven track record Cons: Shorter lifespan than premium options, can be vulnerable to algae in humid climates
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has surged in popularity across New England. Standing seam panels shed snow effortlessly, resist ice dams, and can last 50+ years with minimal maintenance. They're also energy-efficient, reflecting solar heat in summer.
Pros: 50+ year lifespan, snow shedding, fire-resistant, recyclable Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires specialized installation, can be noisy in heavy rain
Cedar Shake
For that classic New England aesthetic, cedar shake is hard to beat. It provides natural insulation and a beautiful weathered look over time. However, it requires more maintenance than other options.
Pros: Stunning appearance, natural insulation, eco-friendly Cons: Higher maintenance, fire risk (unless treated), shorter lifespan than metal
Synthetic Slate & Shake
Get the look of natural slate or cedar without the weight or maintenance. Products like DaVinci Roofscapes offer remarkable realism with 50-year warranties and Class 4 impact resistance.
Pros: Lightweight, durable, low maintenance, authentic appearance Cons: Higher cost than asphalt, limited contractor experience
Our Recommendation
For most Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts homes, we recommend CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingles. They offer the best balance of performance, aesthetics, and value — and as a CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ credentialed contractor, we can offer their industry-best SureStart Plus™ warranty.
Want help choosing the right material? Get a free consultation from Peak Exteriors.