Let’s be honest—choosing a new roof isn’t exactly something most people look forward to. It’s a big investment, there are way too many options, and let’s not even start with the horror stories you’ve probably heard about bad contractors. But if you’re reading this, you’re likely asking a smart question: What’s the best roofing for New York homes?
Whether your shingles are curling at the edges or you’re building from the ground up, the right roof matters. A lot. It impacts everything from how warm your house stays in winter to how much your property is worth. And around here—where we see snow, wind, sun, salt, and just about every weather curveball—your roof needs to be more than just a pretty topper.
That’s why we put together this guide. At Rebuild America: Roofing, Windows, and Remodeling, we’ve helped thousands of New York homeowners figure out what works and what doesn’t. We’re sharing everything we know about how to pick the right roof, what roofing materials perform best in this region, and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
What Most Homeowners Worry About When Choosing a Roof
It’s totally normal to have questions when you start this process. In fact, if you’re not asking these, you probably should be:
- Will this roof handle the brutal New York winters?
- How long is it going to last before I’m doing this all over again?
- Is this roof going to look good and protect my home?
- Who can I trust to actually do it right the first time?
These concerns are valid. We’ve seen what happens when a roof is chosen based on looks alone or installed by someone cutting corners. It doesn’t end well. Fortunately, if you choose smart and choose right, you won’t have to worry about that.
How to Pick the Right Roof for Your Home
Before diving into styles and materials, let’s back up a bit. The best roof type for your home is going to depend on a few factors:
- The shape and slope of your roof
- Your budget—upfront and long term
- The look you’re going for
- How much maintenance you want to deal with
- What kind of weather your house gets hit with
We’re not here to toss a catalog at you and say, “Good luck.” We walk through all of this with you so you’re making a decision with confidence—not confusion.
Roofing Materials for New York Weather
Not all roofing materials are built to deal with what New York throws down. Rain, snow, wind, and even heat—we get it all here. So you want materials that are up for the challenge.
Asphalt Shingles
These are the go-to for a reason. Affordable, reliable, and backed by solid warranties. We install GAF Timberline HDZ, Ultra, and other top performers.
Great for most suburban homes, they offer 25+ years of protection when installed right. And as a GAF Master Elite contractor, we’re certified to install them the way the manufacturer expects—no shortcuts.
Architectural Shingles
Think of these as the beefed-up version of standard asphalt shingles. They’ve got more dimension, better wind resistance, and just a sharper look.
They’re great for homeowners who want that upgraded curb appeal without going full luxury.
Metal Roofing
If you’re thinking long-term and low-maintenance, metal might be your move. We’re talking aluminum, steel, and even copper if you want to go high-end.
It lasts 40 to 70 years, shrugs off snow, rain, fire—you name it—and looks sleek doing it. Not cheap upfront, but a strong investment.
Slate and Synthetic Slate
Classic. Elegant. And built to last.
Real slate (like Vermont Slate) gives you a look that’s hard to beat, but it’s heavy and requires a strong structure. If that’s too much, we install synthetic options like EcoStar and DaVinci that mimic the look without the weight.
Cedar Roofing
For that warm, natural look—cedar is a standout. We do cedar shake, cedar shingles, and even synthetic cedar if you want the look without the regular upkeep.
Looks beautiful, but it does require more care over time. If you’re in a historic district or older home, it might be a perfect fit.
Flat and Low Slope Roofing
If your home has porticos, dormers, or additions, you might need a flat or low-slope solution. We install the GAF Liberty Low Slope Roofing System—great for waterproofing and durability.
It’s not glamorous, but it works. And it keeps your home dry, which is kind of the whole point.
Residential Roofing Options in NYC
Roofing in the city comes with its own playbook.
If you’re in NYC, you need to consider things like:
- Tight access for materials and crews
- Building and fire codes that vary by borough
- Possible historical building restrictions
- Flat roofing systems for brownstones and multi-family homes
We’ve done work on all kinds of city homes—from townhouses in Queens to walk-ups in Brooklyn. We know the ropes, and we handle it all—so you don’t have to guess your way through it.
Roofing Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve seen the aftermath of bad decisions. A few common ones:
- Choosing a roof based on looks alone
- Hiring someone who’s not certified or insured
- Ignoring manufacturer warranty details
- Going with the cheapest bid—and getting exactly what you paid for
Remember, your roof is protecting everything under it. Don’t roll the dice. At Rebuild America, our crews are factory-trained, and every install comes with a full warranty that covers materials and workmanship.
What Sets Rebuild America Apart
Here’s the thing—we’re not just roofers. We’re problem-solvers. You want a roof that looks great, lasts a long time, and doesn’t give you headaches. That’s what we deliver.
- We show up when we say we will
- We use only products we believe in
- We clean up after ourselves (no nails in your driveway)
- We communicate clearly—no runaround
We’ve been in this business for generations. This is our craft, and we take it seriously. Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, we treat your project like it’s our own.
Financing Options Available
Roofing is a major investment—but it doesn’t have to wreck your finances. We offer low monthly payment options through Service Finance, making it easier to get what you need now, without stress.
Plenty of homeowners are surprised to learn just how affordable a high-quality roof can be when financing is involved. If you’re interested, just ask. We’ll walk you through it with no pressure.
Let’s Find the Right Roof for Your Home
Ready to stop guessing and start planning? Whether you’re still exploring residential roofing options in NYC or already leaning toward something specific, we’re here to help you figure out exactly what makes sense.
Give us a call at 516-535-9293 or shoot us an email at [email protected] to schedule your appointment. No gimmicks. No pushy sales pitch. Just honest answers and expert guidance.
Rebuild America – One Home at a Time.
