How to Choose the Best Roofing Materials for Montana’s Climate

April 24, 2025

Montana’s weather is as beautiful as it is brutal — from icy winters and hailstorms to blazing summer sun. That’s why choosing the right roofing material isn’t just about looks — it’s about protecting your home from the unique challenges of the Big Sky Country.

Here’s how to select the best roofing materials for Montana’s unpredictable climate.

1. Understand Montana’s Roofing Challenges

Your roof needs to handle:

Heavy snow loads
Freeze-thaw cycles that cause cracking and shifting
Hail and wind damage
UV exposure at high altitudes
Fire risk in rural or forest-adjacent areas

Choosing the wrong material can lead to premature failure, frequent repairs, and higher energy costs.

2. Top Roofing Materials for Montana Homes

Metal Roofing

Best for: Snowy regions, hail zones, fire-prone areas
Benefits: Extremely durable, sheds snow easily, fire-resistant, long lifespan (40–70 years)
Considerations: Higher upfront cost, but low maintenance and energy-efficient

Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Best for: Homeowners on a budget who want solid protection
Benefits: Affordable, easy to install, comes in many styles, decent hail resistance
Considerations: Shorter lifespan (15–30 years), more vulnerable to wind lift if not installed properly

Impact-Resistant Shingles (Class 4)

Best for: Hail-prone areas
Benefits: Tested to resist impact from 2-inch hailstones, often insurance-preferred
Considerations: Slightly higher cost than standard shingles, but stronger warranty coverage

Synthetic Roofing (Rubber, Composite Slate)

Best for: High-end homes or custom builds
Benefits: Lightweight, highly durable, can mimic slate or wood look
Considerations: Premium pricing, but excellent longevity and weather resistance

3. Don’t Forget Ventilation and Underlayment

A great roofing system is more than just shingles or panels. Montana homes especially need:

Proper attic ventilation to prevent ice dams and condensation
Ice and water shield membranes along valleys and eaves
High-quality underlayment to protect against leaks from snow melt and wind-driven rain

4. Choose Materials Backed by Warranties

In Montana’s harsh conditions, it’s vital to choose roofing products that come with:

Manufacturer warranties (at least 30 years for shingles or 40–50 years for metal)
Workmanship warranties from your contractor
Class 4 hail resistance certifications (can also save you money on insurance)

TekCraft’s Recommendation

At TekCraft, we recommend:

Metal roofing for cabins, ranch homes, or anyone wanting long-term durability
Impact-resistant shingles for homes in hail-prone zones like Bozeman or Billings
Proper ventilation and ice shielding for all roofs — no matter the material