Why Metal Roofs Are Amazing In Winter

Construction & Contractors Blog

If you live in an area where the winters are harsh, cold, and snowy, then you need a roof that's going to protect you and your home. There are a lot of materials that do a pretty good job, but only one that really stands out from the crowd: metal. Put simply, metal roofs are amazing in winter. Here's why.

1. Snow slides right off of the roof.

Snow building up on a roof can be an issue. The weight of the snow can cause the roofing trusses to crack and lose integrity. Shingles and many other roofing materials have a bit of a rough texture, which is nice when you want to walk on the roof but not such a good thing once the snow starts flying. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are smooth. The snow tends to slide right off. You might get a couple of inches of snow built up, but then the snow will cumulatively get heavy enough to slide downward. As a result, you don't have to worry about roof collapses, damage to your underlayment, or damage to your trusses.

2. Ice dams are not an issue.

Ice dams are those big formations of ice that you often see along the edges of shingle and tile roofs. They often look pretty — like big icicles — but in fact, they are very damaging. The ice can wedge its way under the shingles and pry them away from the roof's surface. Some homeowners spend lots of money and hours trying to prevent ice dams and the damage they cause. If you just install a metal roof, though, you won't have to worry about ice dams ever again. They won't usually form since the snow slides off before it's able to melt, and even if you do get small ice dams, they won't work their way under metal panels as they do shingles.

3. You don't have to worry about water damage.

Snow melts easily, so if you get snow on your roof, you get water on your roof. The consistent exposure to water can be damaging to shingles, shakes, and most other roof materials. Metal roofing, however, is made to withstand extended water exposure. It's either made from aluminum, which does not rust, or from galvanized steel, which is coated with zinc to prevent rust.

When the snow starts flying, you don't have to worry if you have a metal roof. It will protect you, and it will protect your home.

To learn more, contact a residential metal roofing contractor.

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30 September 2020

Build It Better

Construction contractors have a very important job. They literally build the structures we live in, work in, and entertain ourselves in. They have control over how these spaces look, and also over how safe these spaces are. Some contractors lay flooring. Others install flooring. Some are generalists and do a bit of everything, from roofing to painting. When you start to understand the nature of a contractor's job, you start to really appreciate all of the buildings around you. It's that appreciation that we really hope shines through as we write this blog to share with you all, our loyal readers.