Skip to content 
Keeping a solid roof over your head is important for any homeowner, but it’s particularly critical in Michigan’s harsh winter climate. With an annual average snowfall of 62 inches, families need a durable roof to withstand the brutal winters. But which roofing material is best?
The Schoenherr Roofing professionals outline what Michigan families should look for in a roofing system and what roofing materials may best suit the local climate so homeowners can make the most informed decision for their roof replacement or installation.
What To Look for in a Roof
Before we get into the best roofs for Michigan homes, it helps to understand what qualities to look for in each material. The most important characteristics include:
Durability
Michigan is in a humid subtropical climate zone, with only three to five months out of the year being frost-free.
This means heavy snow and ice during the winter and summers that can be equally detrimental to your roofing system, with heavy rains and high humidity potentially weakening your roof. Finding an extremely durable roofing material is critical for avoiding the kind of damage storms can cause.
Energy Efficiency
Another important aspect of any roofing system is its energy efficiency. Roofing materials with higher efficiency ratings will prevent unwanted thermal transfer from impacting indoor comfort and raising monthly utility expenses.
Style
Families should also consider how the style of their selected roofing material will impact the overall aesthetic appeal of their properties. They should choose a color and texture that complements the architectural style of their home and the surrounding neighborhood.
The Best Roofing Materials for Michigan Homes
Now that you understand what to look for in a roof, it’s time to compare the different roofing materials available. Three common roofing materials in Southeast and Southwest Michigan include:
Asphalt Roofing
- Durability: Most asphalt shingles are designed to last 15–30 years, depending on the local climate and upkeep. The type of asphalt shingle you choose can also influence its durability. For instance, three-tab shingles typically last 15–20 years, while architectural shingles last 20–30.
- Energy efficiency: It may surprise you that asphalt roofs offer great energy efficiency. This is because when a roofer installs asphalt shingles, they add an underlayment feature that can help make your home more energy-efficient.
- Style: Another benefit of asphalt roofing is that they’re incredibly versatile in terms of design. They come in many different colors and styles, some even designed to mimic the appearance of other roofing materials, such as slate or cedar shakes.
Metal Roofing
- Durability: Metal roofs are inarguably the longest-lasting roofing material on the market. Typically lasting between 40 and 70 years, a metal roof can easily withstand the harsh Michigan climate.
- Energy efficiency: One special quality of a metal roof is that it reflects the sun’s UV and infrared light, helping reduce summer energy costs by up to 40%.
- Style: Metal roofs come in various colors and styles, surpassing those available in asphalt shingles. From copper and zinc to galvanized steel and aluminum, there’s a wide variety of metal roofing styles to choose from.
Rolled Roofing
- Durability: When properly installed, rolled roofing — or rubber roofing — can protect your property for over 40 years, depending on upkeep and local climate.
- Energy efficiency: Rolled rubber roofing protects against unwanted thermal transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Style: With the high concentration of prairie and ranch-style homes in southern Michigan, rolled roofs are perfect for flat and low-pitched roofing systems, easily complementing the local architectural aesthetic.
Did you know that Schoenherr Roofing also provides insulation, siding, and gutter installation services?
Trust Schoenherr Roofing To Upgrade the Roof on Your Michigan Home
Want to upgrade the roof on your home in Centerline, Lathrup Village, Novi, or anywhere else in Southeast Michigan? Schoenherr Roofing offers a wide array of roofing materials and styles to suit virtually any need.
From asphalt shingles and metal roofing to rolled rubber roofs, our award-winning roofing contractors are here to help protect your home from the harsh local climate.
Get a free roof repair or installation estimate for your Michigan home or commercial property by contacting our team today.
