Although, Huntsville Alabama is known for its warm climate temperatures typically decline during the winter months. The average temperature in AL in January and February ranges between 30-40 degrees. While snowfall varies each year in Huntsville the winter often brings rainy condition. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home’s roof is in optimal condition. Therefore you’ll want to invest in quality roofing materials that can accommodate the weather.

Metal and shingle are the most common roofing materials that are presented to homeowners. These days metal isn’t only reserved for warehouses and industrial properties. A lot of our residential clients have some form of metal roofing. However, shingle roofs are traditional and you can find them on thousands of houses throughout Huntsville. Which material is able to best withstand the colder climate?

 

How Metal Roof Systems Perform In The Winter

The cold climate and its harsh elements can wear down on your roof decreasing its lifespan and performance. Fortunately, metal is a material that is ultra durable and is effective at withstanding the elements. Here are some of the benefits of installing a metal roof shingles in winter:

Reduces Heating Costs

It’s no secret that residential home owners in the U.S spend so much more money heating than cooling during the summer months. Metal functions as an insulator preventing both cold or warm air from escaping. Thus results in significantly lowered energy bills. In fact, the surface temperature of a metal roof tends to stay warmer than the outside temperature while an asphalt shingle roof can be a few degrees cooler.

Less Susceptible to Snow and Ice Damage

Yea, snow, and ice can cause major structural damage to a roof which is why it’s considered to be an enemy to most type of roofing materials. However, a metal roof can provide much more protection. Snow m and doesn’t accumulate on a metal roof. Instead, it literally slides off preventing ice dams and damage to the gutters.

Less Likely to Leak

Did you know that metal roof materials have a watertight assembly especially when compared to shingles? By applying a sealant to the exterior surface and its underlayment it reduces the chances of leaking even more. You can rest assured that the snow or rain will never penetrate.

Year Round Installation

Need your roof repaired this winter?  A big misconception about metal roofing is that it can’t be installed during winter months as well. Compared to other roofing options, metal roofs can be installed in colder climates without compromising quality. Metal panels don’t bend or crack and they don’t require curing or sealing during installation.

Metal roofing is generally more expensive than traditional options but it’s well worth the money.

 

Are Shingle Roofs Good for the Cold Climate?

Shingle roofs are the most affordable roofing material for the winter climate. While there are several types of shingles, asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing materials used on homes across the United States.  Yes, asphalt shingles have been designed to protect homes through all kinds of weather with very minimal upkeep. Depending upon the quality this type of roofing material can be durable in wet and climates as they shed ice and snow well.

Cedarwood shingles are an expensive alternative to asphalt shingle roofing. Cedarwood shingles are durable enough to handle heavy snow and to insulate your home during the coldest temperatures. Some advantages of installing a cedar wood or asphalt shingle roof in winter include:

Reduced Energy Consumption

Depending on the manufacturer, asphalt or cedar wood roofing materials can aid in reducing your home’s energy consumption. Some manufacturers have formulated these materials with sunlight deflection and solar heating properties.

Increased Lifespan

Traditional asphalt shingle products can wear faster in regular harsh weather conditions. However, these days shingle roofs can last an average of twenty to thirty year depending upon how well they are maintained. It is important to note that while shingle roofs can be durable they don’t last as long as metal roofs.

Impact Resistant

Of course, if you are considering investing in asphalt or cedarwood shingle roofing materials it’s best to choose a product with a high impact rating. The highest attainable impact rating a shingle roofing material can have is a class four rating.

Inexpensive

Shingle roofing materials are worth exploring if your working with a relatively small budget. Compared to other types of roofing materials shingle are generally inexpensive.

 

Shingle or A Metal Roof For Your Huntsville AL Home

So what it be? Determining whether you should select a shingle or metal roof panels can be a difficult decision to make. Although Alabama is prone to cold weather, typically harsh winter conditions pass by this southwestern state. Therefore, a metal or shingle roof can both be ideal options for your home.

If you opt for a traditional shingle roofing material it’s essential that the roof is installed before winter hits. Shingle roofing materials can be installed in the winter but it at great risk. Roofers have to exercise caution and discernment when applying an asphalt and cedarwood shingles in cold climates because the material can easily bend and crack. In addition, there also the risk of getting trapped during installation. Such mistakes can increase how much homeowners pay for materials and the likelihood of problems in the near future is high with with repairs or replacement.

A metal paneled roof is much more expensive to install than a shingle roof.  In fact, a metal roof can cost twice as much in its the first year than an asphalt shingle roof over the course of forty years.  That’s why according to experts, most homeowners select what type of roofing material they want to install over there house based on how long they plan on living in they’re home. Consumers that don’t plan on living in they’re home long term may opt for the cheaper alternative; a shingle roof.  While metal roofs are known for being extremely durable and resistant to the harshest of weather conditions,  shingles are still a viable option.