Is Metal Roofing Suitable for Cold Climates?

As temperatures continue to dip throughout the Midwest, people who are considering having a metal roof installed on their home often pose the question, “are metal roofs good for cold climates?” The quick answer is that metal roofs do perform well in cold climates from both an insulation and durability standpoint, despite what many myths about the material say.

Perception vs. Reality With Metal Roofs

Thinking about the effects high and low temperature have on metal often evokes painful memories. We remember touching a metal surface in the summer and burning our hands; we also remember touching the same surface in freezing temperatures, resulting in a similarly unpleasant experience, but just because metal becomes hot and cold to the touch when exposed to extreme temperatures doesn’t mean the material doesn’t do an adequate job of insulating your home.

Metal is really good at insulating your home because of the way the material reacts to heat. Metal is a very good thermal conductor, meaning it easily transfers heat to cooler objects and absorbs heat from warmer objects. When sunlight hits your home (even in the winter), it is absorbed by the materials that make up your roof. That heat is stored when the sun goes down and fights against the colder temperatures at night. Metal stores this heat better than asphalt shingles and wood, a property that helps keep your house warmer at night. During the summer, your metal roof can also keep your house cool by absorbing the heat stored in your attic while reflecting the lights that beats down on your roof.

Durability and Longevity

Harsh weather (snow and ice, hail, heavy wind, freezing temperatures, etc.) eat away at any material used in your roof, but nothing stands up to these conditions better than metal. While roofs made from asphalt shingles and wooden shakes can generally last 15-20 years on average, metal roofs have an average lifespan of 50 years or more. This lifespan and durability greatly offset the increased cost of metal roofing installation. If you are planning on staying in your home for a long time, or are looking to build and new forever home, a metal roof is one of the best exterior investments you can make.

Need Help Choosing a Material?

Metal is only one of the materials we work with at Schmidt Roofing, and while we will definitely sing its praises, we never force it on anyone. We are interested in what is best for your home and your budget. If you even slightly confused about which material you should use for your home, contact us today for a free, honest opinion and quote!

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