Are you building a new home or interested in upgrading your old, outdated roof? If so, you’re probably wondering about your options for roofing materials. New York is known for its frigid, snowy winters, which means you need a roof that can stand up to the fiercest blizzards that come your way.
Below, learn about the best types of roofs in New York to help you choose the perfect roofing material for your home in the Empire State.
Synthetic Composite Roofing Tiles

Synthetic composite roofing is one of the best roof types for New York weather. These tiles are available in an endless array of colors, which means you’re not stuck with the same old boring grays and browns like every other home on the block.
Brava Roof Tile can craft synthetic roof materials to look just like slate, cedar shake, or Spanish barrel tile without the need for maintenance! If you’ve always wanted a gorgeous clay tile or slate roof, our synthetic composite roofing can be an excellent alternative.
Synthetic composite roofing is incredibly durable as well. All of our products are Class 4 impact-rated, which is the highest rating available. That means they’re tough enough to resist high winds and hail without damage.
Perks of Brava synthetic composite roofing include the following:
We can craft your roof tiles in any color imaginable thanks to our patented multi-coloring process.
Our synthetic tiles are lightweight enough to install on any roof without the need for expensive modifications.
If you care about the environment, Brava tiles are the perfect pick. We turn plastic destined for the landfill into beautiful tiles for New York roofing.
Brava products undergo comprehensive testing and are backed by a 50-year warranty.
Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in New York. They fit any style of home, and they’re inexpensive, making this a good option for homeowners on a budget. They’re also easy to install and replace.
However, asphalt shingles do have plenty of downsides to consider. They’re very light, which means they’re prone to wind uplift and cracking. They also don’t last as long as other more durable options. You’re lucky if your asphalt roof lasts for 30 years.
Another drawback is that you can’t install asphalt shingles in cold weather, such as the frosty temperatures New York is known for.
Lastly, there’s nothing unique about asphalt shingles, and you can find them on nine houses out of 10. If you want customizable roofing materials, synthetic composite tiles are a better choice.
Metal Roofing

Metal roofs have a unique appearance that can boost your home’s curb appeal. Metal is also one of the most durable materials on the market. If you want a “set it and forget it” option, you can’t go wrong with metal.
One of the biggest downsides of metal roofing is the potential of rust. This is particularly a problem for coastal areas of New York. Another possible drawback is the noise. Rain and hail falling on a metal roof can be rather noisy. Some people find this calming, others annoying.
Flat Roofing
Flat roofs have risen in popularity lately, and it’s easy to see why. These roofs cost less to install than other options, are cheaper to repair, and do a superb job at helping your home retain warmth.
They’re also very versatile. You could turn your roof into an urban garden, install a small workshop for your hobbies, or add extra storage space.
However, flat roofs don’t do well in cold and rainy climates. Water can pool on the roof, risking water intrusion and dangerous levels of ice buildup. If you’re looking for climate-resistant roofs, synthetic composite is a better choice.
Slate Roofing

There’s no question that slate roofs are gorgeous. Pull up to a house with a slate roof, and those stately tiles are likely one of the first things you’ll notice.
When it comes to durable roofing options, slate roofs beat many other materials hands-down. A properly installed slate roof can stand strong for decades.
Slate roofs are very heavy, though, and not every home can withstand the weight. These tiles, despite their heft, are also quite fragile. It’s easy to accidentally break a few during installation or while you’re cleaning the roof.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. On average, slate roofing choices cost four times as much as traditional asphalt roofs. Slate is also a natural material, not a man-made one, so it doesn’t come with a warranty.
If you like the look of slate but don’t love the price, consider synthetic composite roofing. We can design tiles to look just like slate for way less than you'd pay for the real deal.
Rubberized Roofing
You may not have considered rubber roofing, but this is one of the best types of roofs in New York. Also called EPDM (ethyl propylene diene terpolymer) roofing, rubber roofing is long-lasting, leak-resistant, and easy to install. This material is also fire-resistant and excels at keeping your home warm in the winter.
The biggest downside is that not every roofer knows how to install rubber roofs. If you hire an inexperienced roofer, they could install your roof the wrong way, leading to leaks.
Beautify Your Home With Brava's Synthetic Composite Roofing

Out of all your options, synthetic composite roofing is one of the best types of roofs in New York. Brava Roof Tile offers beautiful, durable slate, cedar, and Spanish barrel tile roofs that look just like the real thing.
To learn more about our roofing options, request a quote or free sample now.