Roofing · Updated 2026-04-25
What are the best roofing materials for the Long Island coast?
On Long Island's south shore and East End, the best-performing options are architectural asphalt rated 130 mph (e.g. GAF Timberline HDZ with LayerLock), standing-seam aluminum, and synthetic slate.
ASCE 7-22 places most of Suffolk County in the 120–130 mph ultimate-wind-speed band, with the East End at the upper edge. Coastal homes also face salt aerosol that pits steel fasteners and accelerates corrosion. The materials that hold up best combine high wind ratings with stainless or aluminum hardware: 130 mph architectural asphalt, standing-seam aluminum (not galvanized steel), and synthetic-slate / synthetic-cedar composites.
Common follow-up questions
What wind speed are LI roofs designed to?
ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II ultimate design wind speeds for Suffolk County range from 120 mph (north shore) to 130 mph (south shore + East End). The 2020 RCNYS adopts ASCE 7-16/22 by reference; new construction must use shingles tested to ASTM D7158 Class H (150 mph) or D3161 Class F (110 mph) and installed with the manufacturer's high-wind nailing pattern.
Why aluminum standing-seam, not steel?
Galvanized steel oxidizes quickly within ~½ mile of saltwater (the East End and the south-shore barrier islands). Aluminum forms a passive aluminum-oxide layer that resists salt corrosion and is the dominant standing-seam choice for Hamptons and barrier-island homes. Stainless or aluminum fasteners are required regardless of panel material.
Are synthetic slate and synthetic cedar worth the premium?
For East End homes with HOA aesthetic requirements and homeowners targeting 50+ year roofs, yes. DaVinci, Brava, and similar polymer composites are tested to 110+ mph, weigh ~30% less than natural slate (no structural reinforcement needed), and are immune to salt-aerosol corrosion. Installed cost typically runs 2–3× architectural asphalt.
By the numbers
Related services
Towns we cover
References
Need help with this on Long Island?
NovaLee Solutions is a licensed roofing, solar, and electrical contractor serving Suffolk County and all of Long Island. Our crew is GAF-certified, Tesla-Powerwall-certified, and Suffolk County master-electrician licensed.