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Best Roofing Material for Cold Climates
Not all roofs are equal for homes in regions with harsh winter climates. If you need to upgrade your roof this year, you must compare the pros and cons of different materials.
This guide breaks down the best roofing material for colder climates and all the benefits of equipping your home with a durable roof built for wintertime.
Factors for Roofing Materials Used in Cold Climates
Before introducing you to the best roof for winter, here are some vital roofing considerations for colder climates.
- Insulation: Proper insulation is a critical part of an effective roofing system. Insulation helps combat heat loss from your house, which can contribute to higher energy bills and impact your space’s comfort. If you live in an especially cold region, insulation is a must.
- Strength: The roofing material you choose should be highly durable to withstand the weight of snow and ice. You’ll also want to consider how the roof will handle strong winds and hail.
- Thermal contraction: As the temperatures change, roofing materials expand and contract. Be sure to choose an experienced installer who understands these fluctuations and designs your roof to accommodate them.
- Maintenance requirements: Consider different materials’ maintenance needs throughout the year. Choose a low-maintenance option that is easy to clean and supports snow-shedding if you want minimal upkeep requirements.
- Aesthetics and design: Regardless of the climate, the roofing materials you choose will influence your home’s value and curb appeal. Design is a factor to remember, especially if you plan to put your house on the market soon.
What Is the Best Roof for Cold Climates?
Various roofing materials are well-suited for homes in cold climates. Asphalt shingles and slate roofing can deliver good performance throughout the wintertime. However, metal is the leading choice for many reasons.
Metal roofs are sleek, add curb appeal to your home and deliver plenty of advantages for homeowners, from lower utility bills to improved indoor comfort. If you want to upgrade your roof for winter, metal options are the top choice for chilly weather. Some of the most popular metals for roofing projects include steel and aluminum.
You can get metal roofing in various types and styles, including:
- Metal shake roof panels
- Metal tile roof panels
- Metal shingle roof panels
- Standing seam metal roofing systems
Why Metal Is the Best Roof Material for Winter
You can enjoy many advantages by selecting a metal roof for your home. Explore why metal is the best roofing material for houses in cold regions.
Energy Efficiency
Do metal roofs save energy? Yes! According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, installing metal roofing materials can help you save up to 40% of your home’s overall energy expenses.
Metal is one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials because of its emissivity and reflectivity. It reflects the sun’s powerful rays and releases absorbed heat, allowing for better indoor temperature control and comfort.
Snow-Shedding
A metal roof may be the best option for your home if you live in an area with significant annual snowfall. If there is too much snow accumulation on a roof, it can lead to a myriad of problems, including water leaks, ice dams and collapse.
A metal roof and snow shedding go hand in hand. Snow and ice slide off the slick, smooth surface onto the ground. However, you can install snow guards to protect people and property from the sliding snow.
Durability
A significant advantage of installing a metal roof is the material’s incredible durability. Metal roofs can last over 50 years with proper installation and maintenance practices. They are wind- and hail-resistant, making them an excellent choice for blustery winter conditions.
Since metal is an extremely long-lasting material, choosing this roofing type can help boost your home’s property value. Metal roofs are also low maintenance and require much less upkeep than alternative materials.
Fire Resistance
Fire-resistant properties are another reason metal is the best roofing material for cold climates. Metal roofing is significantly better suited to combat high temperatures than other materials. It has a Class A fire rating, making it ideal for a safer home.
Most house fires occur during the winter when temperatures are low, so take precautions and choose materials that offer fire-resistant properties.
Can You Install a Metal Roof in the Winter?
Unlike asphalt shingles that require a temperature of over 40 degrees Fahrenheit for installation, you can upgrade to a metal roof anytime throughout the year. However, the wintertime is not always the most conducive for a fast and easy installation process, especially in regions with extreme cold or heavy snowfalls.
However, getting a new roof during the colder months has a few perks. Winter is often a slow season for roofers, and you may find an installer with more availability than in the summer or spring, when installations are more popular.
Ultimately, autumn is typically ideal if you are looking for the best time to install your metal roof. The temperatures are milder and waitlists tend to be shorter.
3 Must-Know Winter Metal Roof Maintenance Tips
Metal is well-known for being a low-maintenance roofing material, but these three metal roof maintenance tips can help you prolong its life and keep your home safe.
- Perform visual inspections: Inspect your roof periodically throughout the winter, especially after major storms. Check inside and outside for abnormalities. Look for signs of damage like sagging or cracking and immediately address any potential issues.
- Remove snow promptly: The sooner you can remove snow and ice accumulation from your metal roof, the better. You may need to call a professional for this task. Never get on your roof alone or without the proper safety precautions. Thankfully, metal roofs have snow-shedding capabilities, so you probably don’t need to worry too much.
- Clear debris and cut back trees: Another helpful tip for keeping your metal roof in the best condition during winter is to remove any debris, like leaves and twigs. Cut back nearby trees at a safe distance from your roof and ensure your gutters are clear before freezing temperatures set in.
Get a Free Estimate on a New Metal Roof From Cornett Roofing Systems
Are you looking to upgrade your roof? Turn to Cornett Roofing Systems. We have more than 30 years of industry experience in the Midwest. In addition to highly durable metal roofs, we have various other beautiful materials available, including copper, wood shake, slate and tile. Our customer service team is here to help you get the last roof you will ever need. We’ll ensure you get the perfect material, color and style for your unique home.
Are you ready to get started? Get your free roofing estimate from Cornett Roofing Systems online today!