Homes in colder climates experience major snowfall for at least 3-5 months out of the year. Residential roofs protect homes from harsh weather conditions and keep the home warm. Choosing the right roofing material can make a difference in how a home will handle snow. Homes in colder climates have fewer options because the roof needs to be able to withstand wind, freezing and thaw cycles, and heavy snow. Here are some of the best materials to handle snow or other conditions in Idaho.
1- Metal
Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing options available. Not only is it a great option for homes in colder climates, it works well for homes and businesses in all climates.
Snow and ice slide right off a metal roof making roof collapse less of a risk. They also prevent ice dams from forming because they block high winds and stop large snow piles from building up. A roof can handle snow better when ice dams don’t block gutters.
Metal roofs are one of the longest-lasting materials for roofing (up to 40 years). Homeowners will need to have insulation to prevent air leakage through a metal roof.
2- Asphalt Shingles
The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles because they are affordable and provide durability against most weather conditions. Asphalt is lightweight and can withstand winds up to 60 miles per hour. Asphalt shingles will need frequent repairs and replacement as they wear down over time. Especially in a place with extreme weather, they may only last for 10-15 years.
3- Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
A more affordable option for homes that doesn’t compromise durability is fiberglass asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are durable on their own, but adding fiberglass will help extend the life of your roof.
Additionally, fiberglass asphalt shingles are great for roofs with solar panels and are easy to install. These shingles help to insulate your house and retain heat, which is important to handle snow.
In extreme temperatures, fiberglass asphalt shingles can crack because of the expansion and contracting of materials. This is why annual roof inspections are important to protect your home from leaks.
4- Synthetic Shingles
Synthetic shingles are lightweight and resistant to the effects of cold climates. Synthetic materials help provide your home with great installation and still look appealing when placed on your home. They are often crafted to look like wood or stone shingles but hold up to the snow better than those materials.
5- Clay Tiles
Another excellent insulator is clay tiles. This material is good for cold temperatures, but not for wind and intense hail. Clay fits well in Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes. Although clay tiles can be broken in extreme weather, they are actually fairly heavy and could require extra retrofitting to be applied to your roof. While this roofing material does hold up well in the snow, it can be a hassle to maintain it in a state like Idaho, which also receives a lot of wind and hail.
6- Slate Roofing
Slate tiles have the longest lifespan of any roofing material with up to 100 years. With the ability to withstand heavy snow, these are the top choices for colder climates. Although they come with a higher price tag than asphalt shingles, slate roofing will insulate your building, protect you from high winds (up to 160 miles per hour), and reduce the risk of roof damage from snow.
Similar to clay, you will also need to reinforce the roof to hold up the weight of the tiles. With all the other benefits, it is worth the higher cost for many homeowners.
Roofing Options From Premier Roofing And Restoration
When you want your roof to handle snow with ease, you need to have quality roofing materials installed by a qualified roofer. Premier Roofing And Restoration offers roof replacement, roof repairs, and new construction roofing for residents of Idaho. We know that the weather in Idaho can be unpredictable, which is why we offer the most durable roofing materials on the market.
Homeowners should be able to have peace of mind about the current state of their roofs during the winter. Stressing about roof problems, leaks, and heat loss are the last things that should be on your mind. Work with Premier Roofing to take the worry out of roof projects. Reach out to us to improve your roofing today!