Installing a Metal Roof in a Cold Climate Considerations
With the cold temperatures here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, there are some additional steps that should be taken when installing a metal roof to make sure it lasts as long as possible. If you’ve ever had traditional asphalt roofing, following the below metal roof considerations and recommendations to not only ensure fewer problems during adverse conditions but will also save you time and money in the long run.
Pick the Best Metal Roofing Color for Design & Functionality
Color not only has an aesthetic value but it also plays an important factor in solar absorption, which helps the snow and ice thaw and melt. Choosing a darker color rather than a lighter one will help with this dramatically. View our metal roofing color guide.
Your Design Should Account for Topography
Consider your surroundings and take into account any large trees that will provide shade for the metal roof. Such foliage causes extra snow accumulation and in some cases, ice damming.
Snow Bars or Guards
Snow bars or guards are devices that will allow the snow and ice on your metal roof to fall off in small amounts or even melt completely before falling to the ground. Their main purpose is to prevent the sudden release of snow and ice from your roof known as a roof avalanche. This is a very serious issue and could cause damage to anything below your roof in its path such as your LeafGuard® seamless gutters, plumbing vents, cars, pets or even a person if they were standing in the right spot when it happens. The areas you want to be most vigilant and consider installing snow bars or guards are high traffic pedestrian areas such as doorways and parking areas.
Roof Decking & Underlayment
If you are installing a metal roof on your home or garage you will already have a roof deck, but if you are installing on a post-frame building you may not. We recommend always having a roof deck installed so there can be an underlayment applied for ice dam protection.
You Want a Cool Roof in Cold Climate
A “cool roof” is essential when installing one in the cold climate of Minnesota or Wisconsin. You want your entire metal roof, including the eaves, as ventilated as possible and very well insulated. Be sure to check there are no leaks that could occur.
Learn More Metal Roofing Tips:
Watch our on-site metal roofing fabrication process to learn about the techniques used to ensure durability and maximum life expectancy.
