The Best Roofing Options for Cold Weather

The average homeowner doesn’t pay much attention to the roof, at least not until there’s a problem to be dealt with. So long as the building inspector approves the roofing before the paperwork is signed to buy the house, you might only get up there once a year to clean the gutters and make sure no shingles are missing (if you even go topside that often). Unless there is a leak or some kind of rodent infestation, you likely have little reason to climb a ladder and check out your roof. And yet, whether you’re looking to buy a new home or you simply want to ensure that the one you have is in ship shape, it behooves you to spare at least a little concern not only for the state of the roof, but also the type of roof on your home, especially if you live in a cold climate. Both the shape of the roof and the materials used could be impacted by freezing temperatures, tons of snow, and other inclement weather. So here are some of the best options for cold-weather roofing.

Let’s start with the shape of a roof. As you are probably aware, there are two main options here: slanted or flat. But there is some amount of variation. When it comes to colder climates, one is not necessarily preferable to the other, but associated weather conditions could definitely play a role. For example, many cold climes also suffer from rain, sleet, snow, and hail. In such cases a slanted roof is definitely going to serve you better than flat options. The reason, of course, is that slanted roofs funnel water and snow away in order to minimize the chance of buildup that could lead to leaks or even collapse. If you opt for a flat roof under such weather conditions you’ll find yourself out in the elements every day shoveling your roof right along with your driveway. This is why A-frame houses tend to be popular in areas prone to heavy snowfall. Even in desert climes, which can also get rather cold at night or during certain times of the year, a slanted roof may be better since it doesn’t tend to collect as much daytime heat as a flat roof.

As for materials, there are several options to consider. And since you certainly want your roof to hold up under extreme weather conditions, durable materials are a must. Slate is a great way to go if you can afford it, and there are several reasons why. For one thing, it offers the best longevity. There are companies that provide a 100-year warranty with slate roofing – you’ll be lucky to get a 20-year warranty to go with asphalt shingles. So it costs more up front, but it could save you in the long run on repair and replacement. In addition, slate rarely needs maintenance (unlike other materials) and it can stand up to severe storm conditions. Plus, it’s considered eco-friendly, especially if you can find it reclaimed.

However, if you’re looking for a less expensive option, most Minneapolis, Detroit, or Cincinnati Roofing Contractors will probably recommend concrete shingles, which stand up to cold weather and even blizzard conditions without sustaining the damage of other products. The only problem is their weight, which few structures can support unless they are specifically designed to do so. Still, you have options for both the shape of your roof and materials. You just need to choose the ones that will offer your home the best protection from winter weather while conforming to your budget.