Homes in Northeastern Pennsylvania face some of the toughest winter conditions in the country. One day the temperature is mild, and the next it drops below freezing. Snow melts, refreezes, expands, and contracts. All this shifting might not seem dramatic from inside your home, but your roof feels every bit of it. Freeze thaw cycles are hard on shingles, and if they are not built to handle those stresses, problems like cracking, lifting, and leaking are much more likely to occur.
Choosing the right shingles for this region is one of the best ways to protect your home from winter damage. At Anthracite Roofing Systems LLC, we help homeowners in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the surrounding areas choose roofing materials that stand up to our unpredictable weather. Here are the key things to look for when comparing shingles for a cold climate.
Why Flexibility Should Be a Top Priority
When temperatures fall, shingles naturally become stiffer. In extreme cold, low-quality shingles can turn brittle, and that brittleness makes them more prone to cracking or snapping when the roof shifts or when snow begins to build. A cracked shingle can let water in, which then freezes and causes more damage the next time temperatures drop.
High quality shingles are designed to stay flexible even when the weather changes quickly. Both Owens Corning Duration shingles and IKO Dynasty shingles are engineered with materials that remain pliable through winter, which allows them to move slightly without breaking. This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons premium architectural shingles last longer in Northeastern PA’s climate.
Strong Adhesion is Just as Important
Flexibility is only half the battle. When your roof warms up during the day and cools down at night, each shingle moves slightly. If that shingle is not bonded securely to the one beneath it, gaps can form. Those gaps allow wind to get underneath and lift shingles out of place, especially during winter storms. Once the seal weakens, melting snow can seep in and refreeze under the surface.
This is where reinforced nailing strips and advanced sealant technology make a clear difference.
Owens Corning Duration shingles feature the SureNail strip, which is designed to create a strong, consistent bond.
IKO Dynasty shingles include their ArmourZone reinforcement, giving roofers a wider nailing area and a tighter seal.
Both systems help the shingles stay put through strong winds and repeated freeze thaw cycles, which makes them reliable choices for homes in our region.
Why Premium Shingles Perform Better in Northeastern PA
Some homeowners wonder if lower cost three-tab shingles are enough for their roof. In mild climates, they might be. But here in Northeastern PA, where roofs deal with heavy snow, fast temperature swings, and frequent storms, three-tab shingles simply do not hold up the same way. They lose granules faster, seal less effectively, and are more likely to crack in winter.
Architectural shingles are thicker, stronger, and designed for harsh conditions.
- withstand high winds
- offer better sealing performance
- resist cracking in cold weather
- provide longer manufacturer warranties
As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we can also offer upgraded warranty protection that many other contractors cannot. IKO’s Dynasty line also comes with an impressive non prorated 15-year warranty, which is a big advantage for homeowners who want long lasting value.
Choosing the Right Shingle for Your Home
Every residential roof has its own needs, and the best shingle depends on your home’s design, how much sun the roof gets, the pitch, and even how much snow tends to collect in certain areas. Our team evaluates all these factors during an inspection so we can recommend shingles that will give you the best performance and the longest lifespan.
Freeze thaw cycles are a fact of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but the right roofing materials can make all the difference in how your roof weathers the season. If your shingles are aging or if you are planning a replacement, now is the perfect time to explore options that are built specifically for our conditions. Contact Anthracite Roofing Systems at 570-430-7238 today or visit us online for more information!
Contact Anthracite Roofing Systems LLC today for a roof inspection or to learn more about shingles that are designed to handle our region’s toughest winters. We will help you choose a product that keeps your home protected year after year.
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