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Originally Posted On: https://www.rpsmetalroofing.com/advantages-of-metal-roofs-in-ice-and-snow/
Advantages of Metal Roofs in Ice and Snow
There are plenty of challenges to face during the winter months, but the fact that this is the time of year when you’re more likely to encounter snow, ice, and freezing temperatures definitely makes it a tricky season for homeowners.
One of the biggest issues to be faced is the question of how well their roof will stand up to these harsh conditions – after all, a roof has to provide more than just cover; it has to be durable, energy-efficient, and it needs to withstand anything the weather can throw at it.
Metal roofs have become more and more popular over the years, especially in areas where heavy snowfall and icy conditions are common, and that’s because they offer many benefits during this time of year (and the rest of the year, come to that). With that in mind, let’s take a look at the benefits of metal roofs in snow and ice so you can make the right choice for your home.
It Keeps Your Home Warm
One of the biggest problems people have during the winter is worrying about whether their home is going to be warm enough. The good news is that a well-insulated roof can be all it takes to make sure your home is warm and cozy no matter what the weather might be doing outside, and that’s really down to the fact that this kind of roof – such as a metal roof – doesn’t let heat escape.
When heat does escape from your roof, you’ll end up with higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions, but with a properly installed metal roof with the right underlayment and insulation, you’ll have amazing thermal efficiency.
Metal reflects heat from the sun, which means your home is going to stay warmer during daylight hours, and at night, the fantastic insulation properties of modern metal roofing systems means the heat stays in your home – you can see how this is definitely one of the benefits of metal roofs in snow and other bad conditions.
Winter Is No Barrier For Installation
Another brilliant reason to choose a metal roof to help you keep your home protected against snow and ice is that they can be installed even during the winter months without any problems – you can upgrade your roof at any time that works for you.
Unlike asphalt shingles, which can easily and quickly become brittle and difficult to handle in cold temperatures (another good reason not to use them anyway), materials used to create a metal roof are still easy to work with. One of the best things is that because they adhere to the structure with screws, the metal panels can still be securely attached even when it’s really cold, so you don’t have to wait until the warmer months to have your metal roof (in other words, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of metal roofs in snow for even a second).
The Snow And Ice Will Not Damage Your Roof
You might already know, perhaps through unfortunate experience, that winter weather can wreak havoc on traditional roofing materials, and one of the biggest problems is that snow is heavy, so roofs can really start to sag under their weight – they can even collapse if the structure isn’t strong enough. Then there are ice dams, which form when snow on the roof melts and then refreezes in the eaves, and they’re also a massive issue which can lead to serious damage because of leaks, for example.
However, metal roofs are designed to remove snow and ice much more efficiently than other types of roofing materials because they have a smooth, slippery surface, and it all just slides off easily, so there won’t ever be any kind of accumulation of snow and ice dams won’t get a chance to form. On top of that, you’ll find that metal roofs are also resistant to the problematic ‘freeze-thaw’ cycle that can often cause other roofs to crack and deteriorate – asphalt shingles, for example, can break easily after a few cycles of freezing and thawing to break them down, and then they’ll have to be replaced, which is expensive. That’s not going to happen with a metal roof, which is just one of the many benefits of metal roofs in snow and other bad conditions.
Longevity And Durability
No roof can last forever, but as a homeowner on a budget – and who isn’t on a budget? – picking a metal roof can certainly save you money because they’ll generally last a lot longer than most other types of roofing materials. While traditional roofs might need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years or so, metal roofs can last as long as 50 years without any trouble (as long as they’re maintained properly), so you’ll have to think about replacing it far less, saving both time and money.
The durability of metal roofs is another massive benefit – metal is resistant to cracking, warping, and corrosion, which are common problems with other roofing materials when they’re exposed to harsh weather elements.
Energy Efficiency In Winter
Another of the big benefits of metal roofs in snow and ice is their energy efficiency. As mentioned above, metal roofs reflect heat from the sun, which means your heating costs will usually be lower as a result. However, on top of that, you can also install energy-efficient insulation to make things even better and really help when it comes to saving money, not to mention saving the planet at the same time.
And that’s another thing; the environmental impact of metal roofs (or perhaps we should say the lack of environmental impact). Metal roofs are actually a really environmentally friendly choice, especially if they’re made from recycled materials, and even if they’re not, they can be recycled at the end of their lives, and that’s good news.
The benefits of metal roofs in snow and ice are undeniable, and whether you’re interested in superior durability, energy efficiency, or protecting your home as much as possible, you can have what you want with a metal roof.
