Top Three Shingles for Winter Roof Replacement (2025 Guide)

Can a shingle roof be installed during winter? Which shingles are best for a cold-weather roof replacement? If you live in Central PA or the Michiana region, you’ve probably asked both questions. Roof replacements don’t stop for winter, but can be risky if you choose the wrong materials.

To help answer these questions, we’ve ranked the top three shingles for winter roof replacements. After installing hundreds of roofs in frigid conditions as Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors, we’ve seen which products consistently succeed—and which don’t.

While we proudly stand by Owens Corning, this article aims to remain objective. We rank each shingle based on its durability and installation, not on brand name. 

In this guide, you’ll discover which three shingles we’ve found to outperform the rest during cold-weather installs based on pliability, impact resistance, and real-world installation success. You'll also see side-by-side comparisons and learn when premium shingles are truly worth the upgrade.

Clickable Table of Contents

• Why is Winter Hard on Roofing Shingles?
• What are Polymer-Modified (SBS) Shingles?
• Which Shingles are Best For Winter Roof Replacements? 
• How Do The Best Winter Shingles Compare? 
• Should I Upgrade to Premium Shingles for My Winter Roof?
• Will Choosing a Premium Shingle Limit my Color Options?
• How Much Will a Roof Replacement Cost? 

Why is Winter Hard on Roofing Shingles?

Standard asphalt shingles become brittle when cold, creating installation challenges most homeowners never see. The biggest problem contractors face is nail placement. When shingles lose their elasticity, installers must constantly adjust their equipment as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

Common Cold-Weather Issues:

• Underdriven nails work their way back up through warming shingles, creating leak points
• Overdriven nails crack brittle material immediately
• Curved shingles result from bundles left draped over ridges in freezing temperatures
• An extended settling time means new roofs take longer to lay completely flat

Professional contractors prevent these problems by laying bundles flat across the roof before installation and adjusting their techniques as conditions change. The margin for error shrinks dramatically in cold weather. We discuss cold-weather roof replacements in detail in our winter roofing guide.

What are Polymer-Modified (SBS) Shingles?

SBS shingles use a polymer base rather than standard fiberglass, maintaining pliability even at near-zero temperatures. Think of dropping a dinner plate versus a rubber ball; the bendable material absorbs impact instead of cracking.

You could actually roll an SBS shingle like a scroll even when frozen, while a fiberglass shingle would snap. This technology provides:

• Impact resistance from hail and debris
• Forgiving installation in cold weather
• Extended lifespan in harsh climates
• Better performance during freeze-thaw cycles

When considering a shingle for cold-weather installations, always make sure that it’s made of the correct material to handle the challenges low temperatures bring. 

Which Shingles are Best For Winter Roof Replacements? 

1. Owens Corning Duration Flex (Top Pick)

Ok, hear us out—yes, this may come across as brand preference, but as roofing experts, we truly and objectively believe that Duration Flex shingles are the superior choice for roofs installed in winter. 

These shingles combine SBS-modified asphalt with the SureNail strip, a Kevlar-reinforced nailing zone that gives installers more margin for error. This feature becomes crucial when precision is hardest to achieve. The combination addresses both brittleness and nail placement, making it ideal for challenging winter installations.

We cover these shingles in depth in our latest review. 

2. Atlas StormMaster Shake

Atlas has long been respected for its SBS technology. StormMaster delivers Class 4 impact resistance with excellent cold-weather performance. It's particularly suited for areas prone to hail and severe storms.

3. CertainTeed NorthGate

Engineered specifically for northern climates, NorthGate maintains elasticity in extreme cold. Homeowners who prefer CertainTeed systems or need maximum freeze-thaw resistance often choose this option.

How Do The Best Winter Shingles Compare? 

Compare the top three shingles for winter roofing side-by-side: 

Premium Shingles Comparison Chart

As the chart shows, these three shingles are fairly comparable in terms of durability and flexibility!

Should I Upgrade to Premium Shingles for My Winter Roof?

Standard shingles are by no means poor quality and can still provide years of protection for your home. Upgrading to a premium shingle isn’t always necessary, but it may be the better investment depending on your unique situation.

When Premium Makes Sense:

• You want metal roof protection with shingle aesthetics
• Your area experiences severe weather
• Installation must happen during winter
• You're investing in long-term durability

When Standard Works Fine:

• Mild winter conditions in your area
• Budget is the primary concern
• Installation can wait for warmer weather
• Your contractor follows proper cold-weather procedures

About 90% of roofs in our service area perform well with standard shingles when installed correctly. 

How Can a Roof Be Successfully Installed in Winter? 

A successful winter roof replacement depends more on conditions over several days than on a single installation day. 

Ideal scenarios include:

• Clear skies with direct sunlight
• Consistent weather patterns
• No extended periods of extreme cold or wind

Direct sunlight matters more than air temperature, and proper installation technique becomes increasingly critical as temperatures drop.

What’s the difference between Duration Flex, StormMaster, and NorthGate?

Duration Flex is the only shingle to offer a reinforced nailing zone—crucial when installers struggle with equipment adjustments in changing temperatures.

StormMaster excels where hail is a primary concern, offering proven impact resistance with cold-weather performance.

NorthGate serves homeowners in the coldest regions who need maximum protection against temperature extremes.

All three cost roughly 10-15% more than standard options, a modest increase considering the benefits:

• Reduced weather-related damage risk
• Better installation success rates
• Potential insurance benefits from Class 4 ratings
• Years of additional service life

For homeowners who prefer the look of shingles but want the durability of a metal roof, these are wonderful options. 

Will Choosing a Premium Shingle Limit my Color Options?

These specialized shingles offer fewer color choices than standard lines, but each brand provides enough variety for most architectural styles. The trade-off between performance and palette is worth it for homes needing extra protection.

Duration Flex Shingle Colors

Color options include: Black Sable, Brownwood, Driftwood, Estate Grey, Onyx Black, Sand Dune, Storm Cloud, Summer Harvest, Teak

Atlas StormMaster Shake Colors

Color options include: Moonlight Beach, Midnight Lake, Grand Teton, Aspen Grove, Black Shadow, Peqter, Chestnut, Weathered Wood, Copper Canyon, Morning Harvest

CertainTeed NorthGate Colors

Color options include: Burnt Sienna, Driftwood, Espresso, Georgetown Gray, Granite Gray, Heather Blend, Hunter Green, Moire Black, Pewter, Resawn Shake, Weathered Wood, Silver Birch

How Much Will a Roof Replacement Cost? 

Facing a roof replacement during winter is stressful, especially as temperatures drop and snow starts to accumulate. Now that you know which shingles offer the best cold-weather performance, you’re better equipped to make a smart, confident decision about your roof.

Remember: the real challenge isn’t the weather, it’s choosing the right material and an experienced contractor. While premium shingles aren’t always necessary, they can be the difference between a roof that lasts and one that leaks by spring.

If you’re wondering what a winter roof replacement might cost in your area, your next step is to explore costs for your region. We’ve covered roof replacement costs for both of our service areas in Central PA, as well as Indiana and Michigan. 

At Equity Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners through cold-weather installations, and we’re here to help you do the same with no pressure and full transparency.