When winter hits, your roof does more than shield your home from snow and ice—it plays a major role in thermal insulation, energy efficiency, and overall comfort. The right roofing material can help reduce heat loss, lower energy costs, and keep indoor temperatures steady during harsh weather conditions.

So, which roofing materials actually keep homes warmer in the winter? The answer depends on material type, roof structure, installation quality, and the complete roof system, not just the shingles themselves.

Let’s break down the most common roofing materials and how they perform when temperatures drop.

How a Roof Keeps Heat Inside

Before comparing roofing types, it helps to understand how heat escapes a home. In winter, warmth is lost through:

• The roof deck
• Gaps in underlayment or waterproof membrane
• Poor ventilation or insulation
• Aging or low-quality roofing materials

A warm winter roof relies on a complete roofing system, including insulation, underlayment, ventilation, and proper installation all working together.

Best Roofing Materials for Winter Performance

Asphalt Shingles (the most popular roofing material)

Traditional asphalt shingles remain the most common roofing material in the US—and for good reason.

Why asphalt shingles work well in winter:

• Naturally provides thermal insulation when paired with proper attic insulation
• Architectural shingles are thicker than three-tab shingles, helping reduce heat loss
• Cost-effective roofing option per square foot

Architectural shingles and composite shingles outperform basic three-tab shingles, offering better durability, wind resistance, and life expectancy—up to 30 years.

This makes asphalt shingles a smart, energy-efficient choice for homeowners in cold climates.

Metal Roofing (excellent snow-shedding, efficient with insulation)

Metal roofing often gets a bad reputation for being “cold.” In reality, metal roofing can be very energy efficient when installed correctly.

Cold-weather benefits of metal roofing:

• Reflects heat back into the home when paired with proper insulation
• Quickly sheds snow and ice, reducing ice dams
• Withstands harsh weather conditions, high winds, and falling debris
• Low maintenance and long-lasting

Standing seam metal roofing excels on low-sloped roofs and pitched roofs alike, especially in regions with heavy snowfall.

Roofing Types that Perform Poorly in Winter

Some roofing materials are better suited for hot climates or commercial buildings:

• Rolled roofing
• Built-up roofing
• Membrane roofing and rubber roof systems
• Flat roofs without adequate insulation

These roofing types rely heavily on insulation beneath the roof deck and are less forgiving in extreme winter conditions.

The Most Important Factor: The Full Roof System

No matter which roofing material you choose, installation and system design matter more than material alone.

A high-performing winter roof includes:

• Quality underlayment
• Proper waterproof membrane
• Well-sealed roof deck
• Ventilation balanced to prevent heat loss
• Wind-resistant installation methods

This is where working with a trusted roofing company and experienced installation partners makes a difference.

Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing for Winter Warmth

Feature	Asphalt shingles	Metal roofing
Thermal insulation	Excellent	Excellent (with insulation)
Snow shedding	Moderate	Excellent
Energy efficiency	High	High
Cost per square	Lower	Higher
Durability	20–30 years	40–50 years
Maintenance	Low	Very low

Both are popular roofing materials, and both can keep your home warm when installed correctly.

Choosing the Right Roofing Option for Your Home

For most homeowners, architectural asphalt shingles offer the best balance of:

• Warmth
• Durability
• Energy efficiency
• Cost-effective performance

For homeowners prioritizing longevity and harsh-weather protection, standing seam metal roofing is a premium, energy-efficient solution.

At Erie Home, we help homeowners choose roofing options based on climate, roof structure, energy goals, and long-term value—never one-size-fits-all recommendations.

A Warmer Home Starts at the Top

If your home feels cold in winter or your energy costs keep climbing, your roof system may be part of the problem. A new roof, built with the right materials and installed with precision, can help reduce energy costs and improve comfort year-round.

Thinking about a roof replacement? Schedule a free estimate with Erie Home and discover which roofing material will keep your home warmer, stronger, and protected through every winter ahead.