With the winter rolling in, you might be wondering about the weight of snow on your roof. As strong winds hit the corners of your roofing, the ridges and asphalt shingles may tear off. Many homeowners are now shifting to other options like a metal roof. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about metal roofs during cold, chilly months.
Asphalt Shingles During Wintertime
If your asphalt shingles have been in place for a very long time, there are high chances that it’s not as reliable as before. With an average lifespan of 15 to 30 years, asphalt roofs become brittle due to exposure to moisture. Rainwater and snow get trapped around the edges, which causes them to deteriorate. It is also likely that asphalt shingle roofs can’t tolerate strong gusts of wind and extreme weather conditions.
Unlike asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofs are known for their durability and wind resistance. In addition, there’s no need to worry about ice dams because snow will literally slide off metal roofs. Read on to learn about the benefits of having metal roofs in the winter season:
Why You Should Have Metal Roof for Winter
Steel is one of the best roofing materials for the colder months. Metal sheets do not break or crack easily, compared to asphalt shingles and other materials. We have listed some of the reasons why metal roofs are considered winter-friendly:
No More Ice Dams
Featuring a unique smooth surface, metal roof systems create the perfect waterslide. When temperatures rise above freezing, heavy snow won’t weigh down the roof. The snow and ice slide right off the metal surface. This means there will be no ice dams forming at the eaves.
In addition, metal roofing is compatible with snow guards and gutter heating cables. These roof accessories allow snow and ice to melt completely before drifting off your metal roof. By installing snow guards on your metal roof, you can have an excellent snow retention solution while avoiding a leaky roof.
Resistance to Snow Load
The standard roof or even your entire home can collapse if the snow load exceeds the weight the structure can handle. Snow load is the downward force that presses down on your building’s roof. On average, snow can weigh 30 pounds per cubic foot or more. The piling of snow is very common during the winter.
Choosing metal roofing means you are after durability and quality. Steel roofs are guaranteed to exceed snow loads, which makes them ideal for the coldest climates. It can last up to 100 years with only minimal upkeep. With metal roofing, you can have a trouble-free winter season.
Attic Insulation and Heat Preservation
A properly installed metal roof system will keep you warm during the winter. It helps you have an energy-efficient and comfortable home. As the metal sheets allow snow to slide off easily, this provides better attic insulation in your home. Your metal roof system prevents fluctuations in temperature between the attic and the outdoor air. The metal acts as an insulator that allows the warm air to circulate. Moreover, it lowers the condensation build-up in the attic.
The excellent insulating capabilities of your metal roof will help you get through the coldest winter. If you have a warm cozy home all winter long, you can save a lot of money on heating bills.
Is It Safe to Install Metal Roofs During Winter?
No matter the season, metal roof installation is tricky and dangerous. However, the risks are higher during winter. The roof surface is very slippery due to the snow build-up and ice dams. The project will take longer to complete because the roofers need to be extra careful. They need to wear the best roofing boots to avoid slip-and-fall accidents. For this reason, you must hire professional contractors for winter metal roof installation.
If you want to achieve optimum safety, you may schedule your roof installation in the fall. This season allows contractors to install your metal roof under the best weather conditions.
Schedule a Metal Roofing Consultation
Whether it’s sunny or snowy, Pittsburgh Metal Roofing is dedicated to addressing your roof installation needs. Talk with one of our highly trained metal roofing experts and see what sets us apart. Feel free to contact us today for superior and fast service!