Metal Roofing Is Great For Cold, Snowy Climates
Posted on: 26 May 2022
When you live in a cold, snowy climate, you get used to taking the weather into account in everything you do. Choosing a roof replacement material is no exception. It's important to pick a material that not only fares well in cold temperatures, but that also performs well with substantial snowfall. In most cases, metal is that material. Here's why.
There are fewer places where leaks can develop.
Most metal roofs are standing seam metal roofs. At least in a cold climate, this is one of the best kinds of metal roofs you can choose. These roofs consist of just a few large panels that are knit together with raised seams. This layout means that the roof is less prone to leaks when the snow starts flying. There are simply fewer places where the roof can come apart and allow for leaks. With something like a shingle roof or a shake roof, there are more pieces, which means more opportunities for leaks.
Snow will slide off the roof.
When snow falls, you have to think about its weight on the roof. Snow can be quite heavy, especially if it freezes and thaws a few times, becoming more compact over time. This weight can be dangerous for some roofs to hold. It makes them more prone to collapse. Luckily, not much snow will build up on a metal roof. As long as the roof has a decent pitch, which is usually required by local building codes, the snow will slide off the roof before it becomes heavy enough to cause a roof collapse. This gives you peace of mind when a big, steady snowstorm rolls in.
You don't have to worry about ice dams.
Ice dams form when snow stays on the roof, melts, trickles to the edge, and refreezes. They can be really damaging, working their way under roof materials and causing gutters to buckle. People with shingles and shake roofs often have to take extensive measures to prevent ice dams. But with metal roofing, they are not a big concern. As mentioned above, snow slides off a metal roof. In the rare case that ice dams do form, though, they are less likely to pry metal off the roof than other materials.
Metal roofing is a great choice for many different homes in snow climates. Talk to a roofing company near you, and see if they have any recommendations for specific brands or styles of metal roofing.
Share