The North Star State experiences challenging weather throughout the year. These stressful conditions can impact your roof’s integrity, appearance, and value. Learn how the weather affects your selection of roofing materials in Burnsville, MN.
Heavy Snowfall
Your roof needs to withstand the heavy weight of snowfall. Minnesota receives anywhere from 36 to 70 inches of snow on average every year.
Dry, fluffy snow weighs three to five pounds per cubic foot, while wet, heavy snow weighs up to 20 pounds per cubic foot. That means even a single foot of wet snow can add thousands of pounds to your roof, potentially stressing or damaging materials that aren’t rated for heavy snow loads.
Preventing damage like buckling and holes also calls for the use of lightweight roofing materials for your next roof replacement. Materials that are lightweight yet durable include:
- Synthetic slate
- Metal
- Asphalt
- Fiber cement
- Polycarbonate
Thermoplastic membrane roofing, such as TPO and PVC, is also lightweight and flexible and resists extreme weather conditions. However, it’s typically used for flat or low-slope commercial roofs or modern residential designs rather than traditional pitched roofs.
Ice Dams
The roofing materials you choose for the roof of your home in Burnsville should also resist ice dam formation. When melting snow does not drain properly off your roof, it can form an ice dam as the water refreezes.
This dam can lead to problems like water backing up on the roof and pooling under shingles. Metal roofing, slate tiles, and asphalt shingles—especially those designed for cold climates—are some of the roofing materials that effectively shed water.
Subzero Temperatures
The Twin Cities area experiences an average of 24 days per year at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. These subzero temperatures can damage your gutters, flashing, and shingles with condensation, ice dams, and temperature fluctuations. Materials like concrete, clay, slate, and metal roofing hold up well in subzero temperatures and resist damage from freezing weather better than others. Standard asphalt shingles can become brittle in extreme cold, but many modern asphalt products are now designed to withstand subzero conditions more effectively.
Frequent Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Roofs here often experience numerous freeze-thaw cycles during the winter. A freeze-thaw cycle occurs when water freezes and thaws repeatedly because of temperatures fluctuating above and below freezing.
This cycle can cause damage like cracked or lifted shingles, sagging or detached gutters, sealant degradation, and rotting. High-quality roofing materials built for harsh winters can better resist the damage that freeze-thaw cycles inflict.
High Winds
Minnesota winters often bring with them windy weather. Blizzard conditions in this state have wind speeds over 40 miles per hour.
The high winds can loosen and tear off roofing shingles. Keep the potential for high winter winds in mind as you select the best roofing materials to use for your home. Secure installation and impact-rated shingles or metal roofing systems can offer added protection.
Snow Shedding
Snow shedding should also factor into your choice of roofing materials. You need materials that allow snow to slide off instead of piling on your roof. Metal roofing remains a top choice for many homeowners who want roofs that will shed snow effectively during the long winters in this state. Proper roof pitch and smooth surface materials both play a role in successful snow shedding.
Ice
Ice storms are a part of life during the winter in Minnesota. Ice can damage a roof by tearing holes in shingles. If it thaws, it can also pool under your shingles, causing water damage on your roof and in your home. Find materials that hold up well in ice storms, such as impact-resistant shingles or metal panels.
Brittle Conditions
Cold, dry air and repeated freezing temperatures can make some materials more prone to cracking or splitting over time. There are roofing materials that function well in these conditions. Some of these options include slate and fiberglass, which maintain structural integrity in extreme cold.
Ventilation
You also need a properly ventilated roofing system to allow for airflow under the roof deck. Without proper ventilation, moisture builds up under your shingles and weakens your roof. It also seeps into your attic, causing problems like mildew growth, musty odors, and water stains.
Roofing materials like clay, concrete, metal, and wood shake can work well when paired with an effective ventilation system. Green roofs made from vegetation also have built-in ventilation layers that help manage moisture and airflow. Keep in mind that roof design—such as ridge vents, soffit vents, and attic space—plays the largest role in ventilation.
Cost Effectiveness
When you live in Minnesota, you need to keep your budget in mind when selecting roof materials. What good is it to choose materials that will not survive the winter and need replacing once spring arrives? You can spend far more than your household budget can afford by opting for flimsy shingles and other materials.
Instead, focus on long-term results and choose materials that will offer you a solid investment return. You could keep more money in your pocket and avoid costly repairs and replacements every spring.
UV Protection
Despite the many cloudy, snowy days, the sun manages to shine during the winter season. The sunshine can be particularly intense, which puts your roof at risk of damage from UV rays.
UV light from the sun can cause damage like:
- Surface degradation
- Fading and discoloration
- Shrinkage and warping
- Loss of flexibility
UV damage can also accelerate your roof’s aging process and shorten its lifespan, leading to costly roof repairs or premature replacement.
Energy Efficiency
Heating your home during the long winters can become expensive without an energy-efficient roof over your head. When choosing roofing materials, select those that are energy-efficient to help you save money on your heating costs and avoid spikes in your gas or electric bills.
Clay and concrete tiles, for example, insulate and help keep your home warmer. Likewise, metal roofing with added insulation prevents heat from escaping.
Some of your other energy-efficient materials for winter include slate, asphalt (especially with cool-roof technology), and green roofing. Wood shingles and shakes are also natural insulators and help retain heat.
Rely on Us for Winter-Ready Roofing Materials
At Schmidt Roofing, we have 30 years of experience providing customers in the Burnsville area with roofing materials built for challenging winter weather. Our residential roofers can also inspect your roof and provide advice about what materials to choose. We provide customers with upfront quotes.
Contact Schmidt Roofing to learn about selecting roof materials for Minnesota winters today.
