The Ultimate Guide to Roofing Materials: What’s Best for Your Home in PA?

Replacing your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home—and choosing the right material can mean the difference between a roof that lasts 15 years and one that protects your home for 50.

In Pennsylvania, where roofs face heavy snow, strong winds, summer heat, and the occasional hailstorm, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. Two of the most popular choices—asphalt shingles and metal roofing—each come with unique advantages. Here’s how to decide which is best for your home.

Asphalt Shingles: Reliable and Affordable

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S., and for good reason. They’re cost-effective, come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and perform well in most climates—including here in Central PA.

Pros:

• Affordable upfront cost
• Easy to install and repair
• Available in many styles and colors
• Decent lifespan (15–30 years depending on quality)

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan than metal
• Can be prone to algae or moss in humid areas
• More susceptible to wind uplift and storm damage

For many homeowners, asphalt is a great choice when working within a budget—especially if you're not planning to stay in the home for decades.

Metal Roofing: Built to Last, Built for PA Weather

If you’re looking for a long-term solution with standout performance, metal roofing is worth the investment. It’s increasingly popular in both rural and suburban parts of Pennsylvania thanks to its durability, energy efficiency, and sleek look.

Pros:

• Exceptional lifespan (40–70 years)
• Stands up to snow, wind, and hail
• Energy-efficient and reflective
• Low maintenance
• Sleek, modern aesthetic

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Can be noisy without proper insulation
• Requires skilled installation

In mountain or rural communities where heavy snow and high winds are common, metal roofs offer unmatched performance and peace of mind.

Visual Appeal: Which Roof Looks Best?

Both asphalt and metal roofs come in a wide range of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles can mimic slate or wood shakes, while metal panels can be standing seam, corrugated, or made to resemble traditional shingles or tiles.

Metal roofs often offer a more modern or farmhouse look, while asphalt shingles are ideal for traditional, colonial, or craftsman-style homes. If curb appeal is important to you—or you're part of an HOA—material choice may come down to aesthetics or community guidelines.

What About Weather?

Pennsylvania’s four-season climate brings everything from ice dams to late-summer thunderstorms. Here's how each material holds up:

• Winter: Metal sheds snow quickly, reducing ice dam risks. Asphalt can hold snow longer and may need more maintenance.
• Summer: Metal reflects sunlight and helps with cooling. Asphalt absorbs more heat but performs fine if properly vented.
• Storms: Metal resists high winds and hail better. Premium asphalt shingles can still offer solid wind protection if installed correctly.

Longevity and Value

While asphalt shingles are cheaper up front, metal roofs often provide better long-term value:



• Asphalt shingles: $8K–$14K for a typical home, lasting 20–30 years
• Metal roofs: $15K–$30K upfront, but often last over 50 years with minimal upkeep

That makes metal an ideal choice for your “forever home” or if you want to reduce future maintenance costs.

What’s Right for Your Home?

The best roofing material depends on your goals:

• Budget-conscious and short-term ownership? Asphalt may be the right call.
• Want durability, energy savings, and long-term peace of mind? Go metal.
• Live in an area with frequent storms or heavy snow? Metal may offer better protection.
• Concerned about HOA or neighborhood aesthetics? Asphalt offers more traditional curb appeal.

At Primex Exterior Solutions, we install both asphalt and metal roofing systems—and help you weigh the pros and cons based on your home, your timeline, and your budget.

Get a Roof That’s Built for Pennsylvania

Whether you’re in Hershey or Boalsburg, our roofing team is here to help you choose the best system for your home and install it with precision. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure your investment is built to last.

Need help deciding between metal and asphalt?
Schedule a free consultation today with the experts at Primex Exterior Solutions.