Choosing the Best Roofing Material for Snow & Ice Buildup on Your Roof

While a snow-covered roof makes for a nice picture or postcard, it can spell trouble for roof maintenance. Heavy winter snow, ice dams, freezing temperatures, and thawing cycles can take a substantial toll on your roof. 

The “Snowball” Effect of Snow on Your Roof

Snow can add a substantial amount of weight to a roof, weighing as much as 20 pounds per cubic foot. All the weight from heavy snow accumulation can cause warping and buckling, or even worse - ice dams.

When heat from the attic rises and melts the snow on the roof, ice dams begin to form. The meltwater flows down to the overhang where it refreezes. This ongoing process causes ice to build up, resulting in a dam that prevents proper water drainage from the roof.

If water can’t drain from the roof, the pooled water can get under the roof causing cracks, leaks and other water damage. Worse, freezing temperatures exacerbate the problem because when water freezes, it expands, which can put extreme pressure on porous roofing materials.

Roofing Solutions for Winter Weather

A lightweight and non-porous roofing material, such as metal roofing, adds reinforcing without adding additional weight. With a metal roof, snow, ice, and water will typically slide right off the roof before it can accumulate. 

Snow and ice can seep or absorb through porous roofing materials and penetrate the underlying roof deck. As winter temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, expansion and contraction stresses kick in.

Avoid Asphalt Shingles For Winter Weather

Avoid asphalt shingles (in addition to clay tiles) because they are especially prone to weight issues and possess a porous quality. These shingles are also nailed directly to the roof deck and don’t provide any space for airflow. Last, asphalt shingles become hard and brittle at colder temperatures and as a result might shatter. 

Additionally, asphalt shingles aren’t the best choice if you’re looking to have your roof replaced in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, some asphalt shingle warranties can actually be voided if the roof is installed at temperatures below 40.

The Importance of Roof Ventilation

Preventing water from seeping into the roof is crucial, yet letting cold air in is just as important. 

Ventilation under the roof keeps cold outside air circulating throughout the attic and prevents the air from warming above the freezing point. The roof temperature must be consistent from the highest ridge to the lowest eave so snow and ice can’t pile up to form ice dams.

Proper ventilation under the roof requires air space, so the ideal roofing material that can be installed on battens or directly to the roof deck and has built-in airspace of at least ¾”.

Get Roofing Solutions from Tarheel Roofing and Construction

If you have any further questions or need more clarity about how to choose the right roofing for excessive snow and ice, consult a qualified roofing company. Tarheel Roofing and Construction performs roofing installation within 50 miles of Akron, Ohio, and offers free estimates tailored to your circumstances!

Call us at (330)-678-9000 or send an email to tarheelinc.ford@gmail.com to get your roof professionally and correctly installed the first time!