Best Roofing Material for Cold Climates: What Works Best?

Cold weather produces harsh environmental conditions that challenge the durability of roofing materials. Roofs must endure snow, ice, wind, and freezing rain, yet not all roofing materials are equally effective in these conditions.

Each material has distinct strengths, which are crucial to consider for optimal performance in cold climates.

What is the Best Roofing Material for Cold Climates?

Considering both cost and benefits, concrete tile roofs emerge as an excellent choice for cold climates. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also offer extreme protection against the cold and snow.

Roofing Material Options for Cold Climates

The roof plays a crucial role in controlling the inside temperature of the house. A strong roof can make the inside cozy no matter what the weather is like. The type of roof you need depends on where you live.

In places where it gets really cold, roofs have to be tough. They need to handle things like strong winds, super cold weather, lots of snow, and times when it freezes and then thaws. So, for these areas, roofs are made with really strong and thick materials.

Some of the best roofing materials for cold climates are described below:

1. Slate Tile Roofs

● Slate roofing is renowned for its exceptional durability and natural energy efficiency, making it a high-end choice for roofing material in cold climates.

Advantages

● Its dense structure is excellent for stabilising room temperatures, reducing heat loss, and subsequently lowering energy costs.

● Slate tile roofs are an environmentally friendly option.

● One of the most striking features of slate roofs is their longevity, often lasting between 60 to 150 years. This durability comes from the use of thin sheets of real stone.

● They are naturally fire-resistant and capable of enduring extreme temperature changes, high winds (up to 160 mph), and hail. 

● Slate roofs are suitable for luxury homes and areas prone to harsh winter conditions.

● Slate is virtually indestructible, capable of bearing heavy snowfalls and layers of ice, surpassing other roofing materials in weight-bearing capacity.

● The material’s natural appearance and performance are optimized for sloped roofs, making it an ideal choice for snowy regions where it can effectively combat winter damage.

Disadvantages

● Slate tile roofing material is very expensive.

● They need additional structure support due to being heavyweight.

● The installation is not easy and requires professionals, which adds to the total cost. 

2. Metal Roofs

Metal roofing, known for its high reflectivity, significantly reduces cooling costs. This is due to its insulative properties, creating a space between the roofing materials and the decking, which enhances air circulation. This improved airflow boosts your home’s energy efficiency in both hot and cold climates.

Advantages

● Metal roofing is a very popular roofing choice because it offers a wide variety of materials, styles, and price ranges. Common metals used include aluminium, zinc, tin, and galvanised steel.

● Metal Roofs are very cost-effective and require minimal maintenance.

● Copper metal roofs are more expensive, but they provide a distinctive look for high-end metal roofs.

● A major advantage of metal roofs is their longevity, lasting 40 to 80 years with minimal maintenance needed.

● They are also lightweight, and their slick surface prevents the accumulation of ice and snow, thus avoiding ice dams and icicles.

● Metal Roofs are made of recyclable material and fire resistant as well.

Disadvantages

● Metal roofs could be very noisy in extreme weather, and soundproofing will add to the total cost.

● Metal could warp with time.

● This roofing material needs technical installation.

To optimize metal roofing performance in cold climates, installing snow guards at the eaves is recommended. These guards allow snow and water to slide off the roof gently, preventing water pooling and hazards on walkways below.

3. Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt roof shingles are a popular and budget-friendly roofing choice, used in about 80% of homes. These shingles consist of a fibreglass or cellulose mat coated with asphalt and covered with mineral granules, available in various colours.

Advantages

● Generally, asphalt roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years. 

● They are less expensive as compared to other roofing options. 

● There are a variety of designs and colours in asphalt shingle roofs.

● Another advantage is that the maintenance cost is very low.

Disadvantages

● Some types can crack in cold weather, leading to higher repair costs, while others may be susceptible to hail damage. 

● It’s essential to select shingles that are suited to your local climate.

● They are not very energy efficient.

● High winds can damage them.

Similar to metal roofs, asphalt shingles can also develop ice dams. To prevent leaks, it’s necessary to install an ice shield at the eaves and valleys of the roof.

4. Concrete Tile Roofs

One notable feature of many concrete roofs is their wave pattern, which enhances airflow between the roof’s decking and surface. This design helps reduce heat transfer and increases your home’s energy efficiency.

Advantages

● Concrete tiles are an affordable and durable roofing option. The cost is about half as much as clay tiles.

● These tiles are strong enough to withstand heavy snow, hail, and ice.

● Concrete tiles are available in a wide range of colours and various designs. Some styles resemble wood shakes and some terracotta tiles.

● Additionally, concrete is a fire-resistant material, and it naturally darkens over time, which helps to enhance the overall appearance of your home.

● The maintenance cost is very low. 

Disadvantages

● They are heavy in weight.

● Additional structural support is required to bear the heavy weight.

5. Clay Tile Roofs

In the UK, clay roof tiles must endure many freeze/thaw cycles during winter, with temperatures fluctuating below and above freezing, often in wet conditions. This rigorous test of durability requires UK tiles to meet the highest standard of freeze/thaw resistance as per EN 1304: passing 150 cycles in the EN 539-2 frost test. In contrast, tiles in colder or warmer European countries face fewer such cycles, requiring them to pass only 90 or 30 cycles, respectively.

Advantages

● Clay tile roofing is known for its durability, often lasting over 100 years, similar to slate roofing.

● It can withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds and constant exposure to salt, and it naturally darkens with age.

● There are four main styles of clay tile, including mission, interlocking, French, and Spanish, offering a variety of design options to suit different architectural aesthetics.

● A key feature of many clay roofing styles is the moulded ‘S’ shape, which promotes airflow beneath the roof’s surface and helps to enhance a home’s energy efficiency. 

Disadvantages

● Clay tiles are more fragile than slate, particularly in extreme hail conditions.

● They remain a viable option for milder cold climates only.

● They are very expensive compared to other roofing materials.

● They are heavy in weight. Thus, they require additional structural support.

Final Words

Selecting appropriate roofing materials for cold climates is vital, consulting a licensed roofer to opt for the suitable roofing material in cold climates helps you make a wise decision.. These materials must withstand harsh winter conditions such as snow, wind, and ice. Moreover, a good roofing choice should offer insulation, crucial for reducing reliance on heating systems and keeping utility bills low.