Best Roofing Materials for Winter
Choosing the right type of shingles for your roof depends largely on where you live. If you live in an area prone to high winds, you’ll need a strong roofing material. If you live in a cold and snowy climate, there are extra considerations when choosing your roofing materials.
Areas that experience much cold and snow need roofing materials that are suitable for cold climates. This type of roofing is better designed to protect your home and your family.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the best roofing materials for snow, roof designs for cold climates, and roofing in cold weather.
Who Needs the Best Roofing Materials for Cold Climates?
Temperatures are constantly changing, and it seems like weather conditions become more unpredictable each year. There are very few states that don’t experience some type of extreme cold weather. However, nothing compares to the cold temperatures of Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Minnesota.
These states are known for their heavy snowfall, with levels sometimes reaching 170 inches! All of the while, temperatures can dip well below 0 degrees. For that reason, it is important to pick the best roof design for snow.
Why Excessively Cold Temperatures are Not Good for Roofing
Many roofing companies will not work if it is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit because it could void any warranty on the roofing materials – not to mention the potentially brutal weather conditions. If the temperature gets too cold – like below freezing – it becomes too cold to complete a roofing project.
If temperatures are too low, certain roofing materials can become brittle, crack, or lose their ability to properly adhere to surfaces. However, metal, slate tiles, and wood shingles are not sensitive to temperature. They are easy to put in place, and there are no additional installation steps to include during cold weather.
What’s Different About a Cold Climate Roof?
Many roofs are designed to change with the climate, but not all roofs adapt the same. One quality to look for in a roof for colder climates is the ability to keep an even room temperature.
When excess heat escapes through a damaged portion of the roof, it causes ice to build up on the roof. This buildup increases the risk for more damage to the roof and even your home.
An ideal roof made for cold weather will not allow excess heat to escape through the roof but will keep a good roof temperature with all of the warm air inside.
Benefits of a Cold Climate Roof
A roof replacement can cost a significant amount of money. But when you invest in a roof made with the best roofing materials for winter, you also attain many benefits that will save you money in the future.
Benefits of investing in a cold climate roof include:
- More energy efficiency and decreased utility bills
- Prevention of ice build-up
- Prevention of roof leakage
- Longer roof lifespan
Because your roof is more durable and will last longer, you will spend less money on repairs.
Cold Climate Roofing
During the winter, some states experience drastic drops in temperature, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. A roof in these states needs to be durable enough to support the physical stress these conditions bring but also needs to provide warmth and insulation.
The best roofing materials for cold climates are made from extremely durable materials that easily withstand these harsh conditions. Beyond that, snow and ice will easily slide off without damaging any part of the roof.
When these materials are properly installed, you will have a snow-proof roof that brings additional insulation and warmth to your home.
Metal Roof vs. Shingles in Cold Climate
Metal roofing is a durable material that makes a great roof in colder climates. It can withstand thunderstorms, windstorms, and snowstorms. Metal roofs are easy to clean after a heavy snow by shoveling away the piles. Furthermore, a metal roof can last up to 50 years.
An asphalt shingle roof isn’t as tough. The shingles become soaked after heavy snow, which could lead to a leaky roof. It could leave you with an expensive repair, and you’ll need to find a contractor willing to work in the middle of winter.
Metal roofing expands and contracts with temperature changes, so it must be properly installed. Because it’s winter, experts are easier to find. If the roof is installed incorrectly, the metal roof is more likely to leak.
Overall, metal roofing will be the best pick for areas with heavy snowfall. It is a strong and low-maintenance choice.
Metal Roofing Materials
The better your roof is insulated, the lower your heating bill will be. Metal roofs are lighter weight than other materials and are more accessible, making the price a little lower than, for example, tile.
Metal roofing is usually made from:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Aluminum
- Titanium
These metals are chosen because they are durable and completely recyclable.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most popular choices for roofing is asphalt shingles. They are cost-effective and will fit into most budgets. For homes prone to harsh weather, fiberglass asphalt is typically installed.
Asphalt shingles are still a good choice for roofing in cold climates because they are:
- Resistant to wind
- Effective in wet weather
- Snow resistant
Shingle durability increases if you choose laminated shingles.
Best Roof Pitch for Snow
If your area experiences heavy snow, the roof pitch – or slope – is just as important as the material used during construction. Snow can accumulate quickly, which creates extra weight on your roof. The slope of your roof can help alleviate some of the weight as the snow begins to melt.
A low slope will retain more snow and add more weight to your roof. It makes sense that the steeper the slope of the roof, the easier it is for the snow to fall off. So if you live in a state with heavy snowfall, you might notice that most of the homes have steep roofs.
The ideal roof pitch is 30 degrees or more to keep snow from building up. A roof with an extremely steep pitch can be dangerous, though. Most snow should easily fall off, but you might need to give it a little nudge with a broom or a shovel.
Hire a Professional to Complete Your Winter Roofing Project
While you might be quite capable of placing your new roof on your home, leaving it to an expert is the best way to go, especially during the winter months. They’ll have the proper gear to keep themselves safe and warm while working outside in the cold temperatures.
Call Four Seasons Kanga Roof!
Even in the winter, we’ll hop to it the right way! Roofing is an essential part of your home, and it needs to be installed the right way to prevent any additional wintery leaks.
Whether you need a small repair or want to find the best metal roof for snow, you’ll get top-quality products from our team of experts. Our technicians have a high level of skills and expertise, and they are equipped to tackle the most daunting of roofing and repairs contracts.
If you’re ready for your winter wonderland roof repair or installation, contact Four Seasons Kanga Roof today to schedule an appointment.