Roofing With Asphalt Shingles in New Hampshire

Insights written from Queen City Roofing’s direct field experience, a New Hampshire Roofing Contractor

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofing in New Hampshire:

An Overview

Asphalt shingles are the most widely installed residential roofing material in New Hampshire. Based on decades of combined field experience, NH homeowners choose asphalt shingles because they deliver a reliable balance of durability, affordability, and climate-adapted performance. This makes them a practical choice for homes exposed to snow, wind, and temperature extremes. When properly installed, asphalt shingles remain one of the most dependable residential roofing options that provide NH with dependable long-term protection.

2. How New Hampshire’s Climate Affects Asphalt Shingle Roofing Systems

Freeze–Thaw Cycles in NH Roofing

New Hampshire experiences aggressive freeze–thaw cycles, which are one of the leading causes of roof deterioration we see. Moisture enters small gaps, freezes, expands, and stresses shingles. High-quality Asphalt shingles used in this region must remain flexible in cold-weather. Today’s Asphalt shingles are engineered to prevent cracking and flex, reducing long-term damage. 

Snow Load and Ice Pressure on Roof Systems

Heavy snow accumulation is routine across New Hampshire. From our experience replacing roofs after winter failures, Uneven melting and refreezing, with prolonged snow loads increase stress at the valleys, eaves, chimney and other penetration points. 

3. Why Asphalt Shingles Are the Preferred Choice for NH Homes

Asphalt shingles remain the most installed roofing material in New Hampshire. They meet regional and local wind ratings, fire and building code requirements, while offering a balance between durability and cost efficiency for homeowners. Their proven performance across thousands of New England homes reinforces their dominance. 

4. Asphalt Shingle Types Commonly Installed in New Hampshire 

Luxury and Designer Shingles

Luxury and Designer shingles replicate slate or cedar and offer superior thickness. They are chosen for high-end properties. For homeowners seeking visual impact and longevity, where visual and extended lifespan justify the higher upfront investment.

Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles

Architectural shingles dominate the NH market. Their laminated construction, multi-layered design improves wind resistance, adds depth, and better snow-load performance that makes them ideal for New Hampshire conditions.

Three-Tab Shingles

Not commonly used regularly in New Hampshire. These shingles provide a flat, uniform appearance and remain an economical option. However, their thinner profile can limit longevity in harsher climates, often in many cases, may be a special order, costing more than Architectural shingles.

 

5. Asphalt Shingle Materials and Modern Engineering

Today’s asphalt shingles are engineered roofing systems, not basic materials. Modern asphalt shingles are engineered composites. Fiberglass reinforced mats, polymer-modified asphalt coatings, and mineral granules work together to provide tensile strength, water resistance, and UV protection. Advances in polymer-modified asphalt have significantly improved cold-weather flexibility for cold climates, reducing winter-related failures.

6. Wind Resistance in Coastal New Hampshire

Wind uplift is a major concern, especially in coastal and southeastern New Hampshire. Shingles rated for higher wind speeds, combined with enhanced nailing patterns, significantly reduce blow-off risk during nor’easters and severe coastal storms.

7. Snow and Ice Dam Formation: What Homeowners Need to Know

From decades of winter leak repairs, we can confirm that ice dams are a system failure - not a shingle failure. Ice dams form when heat escapes from the attic, melting snow that refreezes at roof edges. Poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, missing underlayment and ice barriers allow water to back up beneath the shingles, leading to leaks and interior damage.

8. Roof Pitch and Asphalt Shingle Performance

Steeper roof slopes shed snow and water more effectively, minimizing prolonged moisture exposure. Low-slope roofs require specialized underlayment systems to compensate for slower

9. Underlayment Systems for Cold-Climate Roofing

Ice and Water Shield in New Hampshire Roofing

Self-adhering ice and water shield barriers are critical along eaves, valleys, and any roof penetrations. These membranes act as a secondary layer of defense and is essential when ice dams force water beneath the shingle layer. 

Synthetic vs. Felt Underlayment

Synthetic underlayment outperforms felt by offering superior tear resistance, moisture stability, and cold-weather flexibility—making them ideal for New Hampshire roofing conditions.

10. Proper Roof Ventilation for NH Homes

Ridge Venting

Systems

Continuous ridge ventilation allows warm, moist attic air to escape evenly, reducing condensation, preventing uneven roof temperatures and thermal imbalance.

Soffit and Intake Ventilation

Balanced intake ventilation is essential. Without sufficient soffit airflow, ridge vents cannot function properly, leading to heat buildup and increased ice dam risk. Many ice dam issues stem from blocked or insufficient soffit airflow.