Alaska’s roofs face heavy snow, deep cold, freeze-thaw cycles, and high winds — conditions that punish the wrong material fast. Here are the roofing systems that hold up best in Alaska, why they work, and the brands Impac Co supplies and ships north.
The best roofing materials for Alaska’s climate are: (1) standing-seam metal for shedding snow and longevity; (2) architectural (laminated) asphalt shingles for value and wind resistance; (3) impact- and cold-rated asphalt for hail and freeze-thaw durability. Metal leads for heavy-snow regions; architectural asphalt is the best all-round value.
What matters for an Alaska roof
- Snow shedding & load — smooth, steep-friendly surfaces clear snow and reduce ice dams.
- Cold-weather flexibility — shingles must resist cracking through freeze-thaw cycles.
- Wind resistance — high wind-rating for exposed and coastal sites.
- Longevity & warranty — fewer replacements in hard-to-reach, high-cost-to-ship regions.
1. Standing-seam metal roofing
Best for: Heavy-snow areas, longevity, and low maintenance.
Metal roofing sheds snow efficiently, resists wind, and can last for decades — ideal where re-roofing is expensive and disruptive. Standing-seam panels have concealed fasteners that hold up to expansion and contraction in extreme cold.
Brands Impac Co carries: ASC Building Products, Champion Metal
Consider: Higher upfront cost than asphalt; best installed by experienced crews.
2. Architectural (laminated) asphalt shingles
Best for: Best overall value and wide availability.
Architectural shingles offer strong wind ratings, a thicker multi-layer profile, and good cold-weather performance at a lower cost than metal — the most popular choice for Alaska homes balancing durability and budget.
Brands Impac Co carries: Malarkey Roofing Products, PABCO Roofing, Owens Corning
Consider: Choose high-wind and impact-rated lines for exposed sites.
3. Impact-resistant / cold-rated asphalt
Best for: Hail, debris, and severe freeze-thaw exposure.
Impact-rated (Class 4) shingles add a tougher mat and modified asphalt that resists cracking in cold and impact from hail or debris — worth the premium in harsh micro-climates.
Brands Impac Co carries: Malarkey (polymer-modified lines), Owens Corning
Consider: Confirm the specific impact/wind rating you need for the site.
| Material | Best for | Lifespan | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing-seam metal | Heavy snow, longevity | 40-70 yrs | $$$ |
| Architectural asphalt | All-round value | 25-30 yrs | $$ |
| Impact-rated asphalt | Hail / freeze-thaw | 25-30 yrs | $$ |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best roofing material for heavy snow in Alaska?
Standing-seam metal is generally best for heavy-snow regions because it sheds snow, resists wind, and lasts for decades. Architectural asphalt is the best-value alternative.
Does Impac Co ship roofing to Alaska?
Yes. Impac Co supplies these roofing brands and ships them to Alaska by container, LTL, or air cargo, protected for ocean transit.
Are metal roofs worth the extra cost in Alaska?
Often, yes — their longevity and snow-shedding reduce maintenance and re-roofing, which is especially valuable where labor and shipping are costly.