Quick Answer: Best Roofing Material for NJ
Architectural asphalt shingles are the best choice for most NJ homes — they balance cost ($5.50–$8.00/sq ft), durability (25–30 years), and weather resistance well. For premium longevity, metal roofing (40–70 years) offers the best long-term value. For historic homes, natural slate is unmatched.
In This Guide:
Choosing a roofing material is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home. The right material protects your family, improves energy efficiency, and adds curb appeal for decades. The wrong choice can mean premature failure, costly repairs, and wasted money.
New Jersey's climate presents specific challenges: freeze-thaw cycles that can crack inferior materials, nor'easters with winds exceeding 60 mph, summer humidity that promotes algae growth, and occasional hail. Not every roofing material handles these conditions equally well.
This guide compares every major roofing material available to NJ homeowners with honest assessments of cost, performance, and NJ-specific pros and cons. For pricing details, see our roof replacement cost guide.
Roofing Materials Comparison Table
| Material | Lifespan | Cost/Sq Ft | Wind Rating | Energy Efficiency | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural ShinglesMost Popular | 25–30 yrs | $5.50–$8.00 | Up to 130 mph | Good | Low | Most NJ homes |
| 3-Tab Shingles | 15–20 yrs | $4.50–$6.50 | Up to 60 mph | Fair | Low | Budget projects |
| Standing Seam Metal | 40–70 yrs | $9.00–$16.00 | Up to 140+ mph | Excellent | Very Low | Long-term homes |
| Natural Slate | 75–100+ yrs | $18.00–$40.00 | Up to 110 mph | Good | Moderate | Historic, luxury |
| Clay/Concrete Tile | 50–75 yrs | $10.00–$22.00 | Up to 125 mph | Good | Low–Moderate | Mediterranean style |
| TPO (Flat) | 20–30 yrs | $5.00–$9.00 | Up to 80 mph | Good–Excellent | Moderate | Low-slope, commercial |
| EPDM Rubber (Flat) | 20–25 yrs | $5.00–$8.00 | Up to 80 mph | Fair–Good | Moderate | Low-slope, residential |
| Cedar Shake | 30–50 yrs | $10.00–$18.00 | Up to 110 mph | Good | High | Craftsman, rustic |
*Costs are installed prices for Essex County, NJ including materials and labor. Wind ratings based on manufacturer testing; actual performance depends on installation quality.
Asphalt Shingles: The NJ Standard
Asphalt shingles account for roughly 75% of all residential roofs in New Jersey, and for good reason. They offer the best combination of affordability, aesthetics, and performance for our climate.
Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminate shingles) are the current standard. They are thicker than basic 3-tab shingles, provide a more attractive layered appearance, and are rated for winds up to 130 mph — important for NJ nor'easters. Major brands include GAF Timberline, Owens Corning Duration, and CertainTeed Landmark.
NJ Pros
- Most affordable option per square foot
- Wide color selection to match any home style
- Easy to repair — matching shingles readily available
- Algae-resistant versions available for NJ humidity
- Impact-resistant options rated for hail
- Quick installation (often 1–2 days)
NJ Cons
- Shorter lifespan than metal or slate
- Freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate granule loss
- Vulnerable to moss/algae in shaded areas
- 3-tab shingles under-perform in NJ wind events
- Not recyclable (goes to landfill)
Learn more about asphalt shingle roofing installation and options available for your home.
Metal Roofing: Premium Longevity
Metal roofing has grown significantly in popularity across New Jersey over the past decade. While it costs 2–3 times more than asphalt shingles upfront, it lasts 2–3 times longer and requires almost no maintenance. For homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term, metal often wins on total cost of ownership.
Standing seam metal is the most durable option, with concealed fasteners that eliminate leak points. Metal shingle panels offer a more traditional appearance at a slightly lower cost. Both handle NJ snow, wind, and rain exceptionally well.
NJ Pros
- 40–70 year lifespan (outlasts 2–3 asphalt roofs)
- Sheds snow effectively — great for NJ winters
- Wind resistance up to 140+ mph
- Reflects solar heat — reduces cooling bills 10–25%
- Fireproof (Class A fire rating)
- 100% recyclable at end of life
NJ Cons
- Higher upfront cost ($15,000–$35,000)
- Requires snow guards to prevent sliding snow
- Can dent from large hail (rare in NJ)
- Louder during heavy rain (mitigated with insulation)
- Fewer contractors experienced with installation
Explore metal roofing options for your home, or read our metal roof installation guide for Essex County.
Natural Slate: Century-Long Beauty
Natural slate is the pinnacle of roofing materials. It is fireproof, virtually maintenance-free, and can last well over 100 years. Essex County has a rich tradition of slate roofing, with many homes in Montclair, South Orange, Glen Ridge, and Millburn still wearing their original slate installed in the early 1900s.
The primary barrier to slate is cost: $30,000–$75,000+ for a typical home. Installation requires specialized skills that few contractors possess. However, for the right home, nothing matches the beauty, prestige, and longevity of a natural slate roof.
NJ Pros
- 75–100+ year lifespan
- Unmatched aesthetic elegance
- Fireproof and weatherproof
- Significantly increases home value
- Natural, eco-friendly material
- Historic preservation appropriate
NJ Cons
- Highest cost of any roofing material
- Very heavy — may need structural reinforcement
- Requires specialist installation
- Individual tiles can crack from impact (walking on roof)
- Repairs require matching the specific slate variety
See our slate roofing services or read the slate roof installation guide for Essex County.
Tile Roofing: Mediterranean Durability
Clay and concrete tiles are less common in New Jersey than in warmer climates, but they perform well here and offer a distinctive Mediterranean or Spanish aesthetic. Tile roofs last 50–75 years and are virtually fireproof.
The main concern with tile in NJ is freeze-thaw: lower-quality concrete tiles can absorb water that freezes and causes cracking. High-quality tiles with low water absorption rates (<3%) perform well in our climate. Clay tiles are naturally better at resisting water absorption than concrete.
NJ Pros
- 50–75 year lifespan
- Distinctive, high-end appearance
- Fireproof and wind resistant
- Energy efficient due to thermal mass
- Very low maintenance
NJ Cons
- Heavy — structural assessment needed
- Lower-quality tiles vulnerable to freeze-thaw
- Higher cost ($18,000–$45,000)
- Individual tiles can crack if walked on
- Fewer experienced installers in NJ
Learn about tile roofing options for your NJ home.
Flat Roofing (TPO/EPDM/PVC): Commercial and Low-Slope
Flat and low-slope roofing is essential for many Essex County properties. Multi-family homes in Newark and East Orange, commercial buildings along Bloomfield Avenue, and modern homes with architectural flat roof sections all require specialized membrane roofing.
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) has become the most popular flat roofing choice due to its energy efficiency, weldable seams, and competitive pricing. EPDM rubber remains a solid, proven option at a lower cost. PVC offers the best chemical resistance for commercial applications.
NJ Pros
- Only option for true flat/low-slope roofs
- TPO reflects heat, reducing cooling costs
- EPDM is extremely cost-effective ($5–$8/sq ft)
- 20–30 year lifespan with proper maintenance
- Heat-welded seams (TPO/PVC) resist NJ weather
NJ Cons
- Requires proper drainage to avoid ponding
- EPDM seams can fail in NJ freeze-thaw cycles
- Needs regular inspection and maintenance
- Puncture vulnerable (foot traffic, debris)
- Snow load management important
Explore our flat roofing services or read about flat roof replacement in Essex County.
Cedar Shake: Natural Rustic Character
Cedar shake roofing provides a warm, natural aesthetic that complements Craftsman bungalows, Tudor homes, and rustic-style properties common in Maplewood, South Orange, and parts of Montclair. When properly maintained, cedar shake lasts 30–50 years and develops a beautiful silver-grey patina over time.
The trade-off is maintenance. Cedar requires periodic treatment with preservatives, and NJ's humidity can promote moss and mildew growth that accelerates decay if not addressed. Cedar shake also has fire restrictions in some NJ municipalities unless treated with fire retardant.
NJ Pros
- Beautiful natural appearance
- Good insulation value (R-value of 6+)
- 30–50 year lifespan when maintained
- Handles wind and impact well
- Environmentally sustainable material
NJ Cons
- Highest maintenance requirements of any material
- NJ humidity promotes moss and mildew
- Fire code restrictions in some towns
- Higher cost ($16,000–$35,000)
- Periodic preservative treatment needed (every 3–5 years)
NJ Climate Considerations for Roofing Materials
New Jersey sits in a challenging climate zone for roofing. Here are the specific weather factors that should influence your material choice:
Freeze-Thaw Cycles (40+ per year)
NJ temperatures cross the 32°F threshold frequently throughout winter. Water that penetrates small cracks expands when frozen, widening the damage. This is hardest on lower-quality concrete tiles and aging asphalt shingles. Metal and slate are virtually immune to freeze-thaw damage.
Nor'easters and High Winds
NJ experiences multiple nor'easters per year with wind gusts of 50–80 mph. Your roofing material should be rated for at least 110 mph winds. Standing seam metal (140+ mph) and architectural shingles (130 mph) handle NJ wind events well. Basic 3-tab shingles (60 mph) are under-rated for our area.
Summer Humidity and Algae
NJ summers bring 70–90% humidity, which promotes algae growth (those black streaks on roofs). Choose shingles with algae-resistant granules (most major brands now offer this). Metal and slate are naturally resistant. Cedar shake is most vulnerable and needs preventative treatment.
Snow Load
Essex County receives 25–35 inches of snow annually. Most roofing materials handle NJ snow loads without issue, but flat roofs need proper structural design and drainage. Metal roofing sheds snow naturally, which is beneficial but requires snow guards over walkways and entrances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Materials
What is the best roofing material for New Jersey homes?
Architectural asphalt shingles are the best all-around choice for most NJ homes, offering 25-30 year lifespans, good weather resistance, and the best value. For homeowners seeking longer lifespan, metal roofing (40-70 years) is increasingly popular. For historic or luxury homes, natural slate provides unmatched beauty and 100+ year durability.
What roofing material lasts the longest in NJ?
Natural slate lasts the longest at 75-100+ years, followed by tile (50-75 years) and metal (40-70 years). Even with NJ's harsh freeze-thaw cycles, these premium materials maintain their integrity for decades. Asphalt shingles last 15-30 years depending on quality grade.
Is metal roofing worth it in New Jersey?
Yes, for many homeowners. Metal roofing costs 2-3x more upfront than asphalt shingles but lasts 2-3x longer, requires virtually no maintenance, and provides superior energy efficiency. If you plan to stay in your home 15+ years, metal often has a lower total cost of ownership. It also handles NJ snow loads and high winds exceptionally well.
What roofing material is most energy efficient?
Metal roofing is the most energy-efficient option, reflecting solar heat and potentially reducing cooling costs by 10-25%. Cool-roof coated metal panels perform especially well. Standing seam metal with proper insulation is the gold standard for NJ energy efficiency. Tile and slate also have natural thermal mass benefits.
Can I get a slate roof in New Jersey?
Absolutely. NJ has a long history of slate roofing, especially on Victorian and Colonial homes in towns like Montclair, South Orange, and Glen Ridge. Natural slate costs $30,000-$75,000+ for a typical home but can last over 100 years. Synthetic slate alternatives offer a similar look at 40-60% of the cost.
What roofing material handles NJ snow best?
Metal roofing sheds snow most effectively due to its smooth surface. However, you need snow guards to prevent dangerous snow slides. Asphalt shingles handle snow well with proper ice and water shield underlayment. Flat roofs need proper drainage engineering to handle NJ snow loads without ponding.
How does NJ weather affect roofing material lifespan?
NJ's freeze-thaw cycles (40+ per year), nor'easters, summer humidity, and occasional hurricanes are tough on roofing. These conditions can reduce asphalt shingle lifespan by 3-5 years vs. milder climates. Proper ventilation, quality underlayment, and choosing materials rated for NJ's wind speeds help maximize longevity.
What is the cheapest roofing material that still lasts?
Architectural asphalt shingles offer the best balance of affordability and durability for NJ homes. At $5.50-$8.00 per sq ft installed, they last 25-30 years and resist NJ weather well. Three-tab shingles cost less ($4.50-$6.50/sq ft) but only last 15-20 years, making architectural shingles the better long-term value.
Not Sure Which Material Is Right for Your Home?
Our experienced team will inspect your roof, discuss your goals and budget, and recommend the best material for your specific home and situation. No pressure, just honest expert advice.