Shingle vs. Metal Roofing in Harsh Winters: Which Performs Better?
Harsh winters in the northeast can be tough on your home’s exterior, especially when it comes to your roof. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and fluctuating temperatures make it so that you need to have the right roofing system in place in order to avoid costly damage when the winter months are at their harshest. So, what’s the best roof to invest in for your home? Asphalt shingle roofing and metal roofing are among the most popular choices for most homeowners, but one is a significantly better choice over the other in terms of performance in harsh winters. Let the professionals at Kanga Roof explain.
How Can Harsh Winters Affect Your Roof?
Understanding how the winter months can affect your roofing system is a good place to start when you’re trying to decide on the right roof for your home. For one, snow and ice accumulation on your roof’s surface can add significant weight that can put a strain on your roof. That’s especially the case when that snow melts and then refreezes, creating ice dams that can be destructive. Not to mention, strong winds, subzero temperatures, and freeze-thaw cycles are also known to weaken roofs over time. So, when you’re in the process of investing in a roof replacement at your home in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you’ll need to take into account the fact that your new system should be durable, well insulated, and resistant to moisture, as that can protect you from dealing with major issues down the road.
How Do Asphalt Shingles Perform in the Winter?
Asphalt shingle roofing is a widely popular choice among many homeowners because of its cost-effectiveness, availability, and easy installation. But are asphalt shingles a good pick to protect your home during the winter? On one hand, they do offer decent insulation and can help your home retain its warmth. Plus, modern shingle roofing systems are designed with strong adhesive seals and can be great with wind resistance. Not to mention, if your roof does suffer damage, this is a roofing type known for being easy to repair and replace.
On the flip side, it’s true that shingles are more vulnerable to winter-related damage. With their textured surfaces, they tend to trap snow and ice, which can mean the forming of ice dams that can crack and curl your shingles. Once that happens, moisture can infiltrate your roof and cause leaks and potentially structural damage.
How Does Metal Roofing Perform in the Winter?
A lot of homeowners have begun to gravitate toward metal roofing due to the long-term value and performance it provides, especially in regions that are cold and snowy. With how smooth and slick their surfaces are, metal roofs are often resistant to ice dams, as snow and ice easily slides off and falls harmlessly to the ground. These roofs are also great when it comes to handling temperature fluctuations, as metal will expand and contract without cracking and warping. Plus, metal roofing is known for providing outstanding longevity, as it can last for 40 to 50 years or more with minimal maintenance required.
In terms of performance, there really isn’t much of a downside to these metal roofs in the winter months. They do require proper insulation to ensure that heat doesn’t escape your home, but modern systems are made with strong insulative properties. The cost of metal roofing is higher than asphalt shingle roofing, too, but given the long-term performance and strength metal is known for, it’s often a smart investment for homeowners in the northeast.
Partner With Us When the Time Comes for a New Roof to Protect Your Home From the Harsh Winter Months
When the time comes for a new roof at your home in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, there’s no better team to work with than ours at Kanga Roof. Whether you’re opting for asphalt shingles or you’re ready to make an investment in metal roofing, we have you covered with premium products and first-class installation expertise. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your roof before the harsh winter weather comes around, contact us today.