Winter Advantages of Metal Roofs In Buffalo
Dec 02, 2021When it comes to installing a new roof, there are numerous options to consider. You’ll want to think about the materials, longevity, cost, energy efficiency, and other items that could push you toward one material over another. Weather can be one of the crucial factors. Depending on your location, weather can test the integrity of your roof. No season tests a roof more than winter, which comes with high winds, heavy snow, and ice. You’ll want to find a roofing material that can handle these potentially extreme weather conditions. One popular option for homeowners is metal roofing because it has numerous winter advantages that other roofing material simply does not have.
Why Choose Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing has several advantages for all seasons, especially in the long, cold winter months in Buffalo. Advantages include:
- Longevity—Metal roofing can handle any season’s weather conditions. Metal roofs have a warranty of at least 50 years, and when properly maintained, can even last 100 years. Metal roofing truly is a lifetime commitment. Not only does metal roofing last a lifetime, but it is also easy to maintain. Metal roofing costs more up front, but due to its guaranteed durability, it proves itself worth the investment within just a few seasons.
- Sustainability—When it comes to caring for your environment and the impact your material choices have, metal is the most sustainable way to go. Metal is often made of recycled material, and once it is time to replace your roof, it will be recyclable again.
- Options—Metal roofing comes in numerous color and style options. This material can be one of the most adaptable materials for your taste and style. Metal roofing can even mimic the look of other popular roofing materials.
- Durability—The winter can bring extreme conditions such as heavy wind, snow, sleet, and hail. Mother Nature can deal quite the amount of damage to your roof throughout the seasons. Metal roofing, while lightweight, is also highly durable. It can withstand more damage than other materials. Metal roofs can withstand high winds. When faced with an impact such as a tree branch, metal is more likely to dent versus cracking or breaking like other roofing materials. This provides greater peace of mind when a severe storm hits. Metal roofing is also able to handle a large amount of weight without the fear of buckling. When dealing with mass accumulations of snow, you want a roof that you are sure will handle the pressure.
- Ease of installation—Metal roofing can be installed any time of year, including winter. No one wants to repair their roof in the cold weather, but it can be unavoidable in some circumstances. Other roofing materials require specific temperatures to be successfully installed. Metal does not become brittle under extreme cold, unlike other materials. No matter what the temperature outside, metal roofing can still be properly installed.
- It’s lightweight—Metal roofing is lighter, eliminating the need to reinforce the roof deck when transitioning to this material. If you are under time or resource constraints when replacing your roof, metal can be one of the easiest transitions. While the material may be lightweight, it can still withstand a heavy layer of snow without any fear of buckling.
- Energy efficiency—When it comes to your New York home, energy efficiency is critical. It helps cut back on expensive costs, especially in the winter. When a metal roof is properly designed and installed, it creates an effective barrier between the outside elements and your home. As a result, metal roofing can help reduce heat loss and maximize energy efficiency. In addition, it makes for a terrific insulator that can help protect against ice dams by maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the roof.
- It sheds snow—Metal roofing is excellent in the winter because it can withstand snow accumulation and shed snow more successfully than other roofing materials. When snow accumulates, it can weigh a roof down, which in turn threatens structural integrity. As soon as the temperature rises above freezing, the snow will simply slide off of the metal roofing.
Other Accessories
While a metal roof alone is a perfect roofing option, some accessories can be added to further the success of your roof throughout the winter months. These accessories include:
- Snow guards—Also known as snow stoppers, these bars help contain snow. This means that when the temperatures do rise, your snow won’t necessarily come down in large sheets. The stoppers help break up these potential sheets. This is an excellent accessory for safety, as well as to help protect your gutters. When the snow starts to melt, your gutters have a lot of work to do redirecting water flow. Snow guards help ensure that your gutters won’t overfill.
- Heating cables—Heating cables can be installed across the surface of your roof. This helps further prevent the excessive buildup of snow on the surface of your roof.
- Heating tape works the same as heating cables to prevent too much snow from accumulating on your roof. The tape is often considered a more mobile option than cables but ultimately comes down to personal choice.
Investing in a Metal Roof
Winter is right around the corner in Buffalo. First, you need to make sure that your roof is ready. Roof damage can lead to interior damage or a waste of energy, and all that can end up being quite costly. Metal roofing is a great investment because it will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. It is also sustainable, giving you the peace of mind that the material won’t be sitting another lifetime in a landfill once you replace your roof. Metal roofing is lightweight, but it can also withstand heavy winds and potential damage caused by snow, sleet, and ice. In addition, metal roofing is energy efficient. In the winter, it helps keep the warmth inside your home while keeping the cold air out. Metal roofing continues to be a popular option for many homeowners, and its popularity shows no sign of stopping.