Ice dams can cause significant home destruction, not limited to water damage, and the need for millions of dollars in roof, attic, wall, and ceiling repairs.
What happens here is that the melted snow and the ice damming create a host of issues for your existing roof. As these ice dam problems take place, homeowners may turn to ice melting cables for their asphalt shingles but may still notice that ice damming is present.
They may notice issues with their attic insulation, attic space air temperature, and aspects such as warm air escaping that make it to where ice dams occur or contribute to other problems. With ice dam issues, one might notice a slew of water damage that occurs. From roof leaks to issues with roof eaves, the snow melts and creates water damage in various ways.
The water damage that sits inside your home can also lead to mold and mildew, both of which can contribute to respiratory problems and other health conditions.
For the sake of your health and your home, managing ice dams effectively is essential. Metal roofs offer an effective way to prevent ice dams and the damage they ensue. The benefits of relying on a metal roof to prevent ice storms are immense, explaining why this roofing solution has become so popular today.
If you are looking for holistic solutions to deal with snow slides, ice build-up, and other matters, reach out to Hot edge today. Our experts at Hotedge bring about engineered solutions that provide entire roof solutions that
Read on to learn more about metal roofs and their role in ice dam prevention.
Why Consider Metal Roofs in Denver Colorado
In modern homes, preventing ice dams and other cold-weather damage comes down to using the right type and amount of insulation and ventilation. When we lean on materials like metal to create our roofs, the roof deck can be made to reduce the conditions that bring down the temperature and cause the snow to melt.
When the roof’s temperature remains cooler, the rooftop is cold enough to keep the snow from melting problematically.
Additionally, cold roofs can prevent issues due to condensation occurring in the home or the attic. When we install roofs elevated above the surface, we can rest assured that the temperature will be enough to prevent the thaw and refreeze problems that create ice dams [1].
How Metal Roofs Prevent Water And Ice Damage
The sun’s heat moves through the snow, warming the metal. The snow then slips off smoothly in clumps rather than dripping slowly into the eaves. When you consider metal roofing, look for options that provide interlocking panels and concealed fasteners. These make it easier for thermal expansion to occur without water seeping into the home when temperatures change drastically.
Thermal expansion is inevitable, but with the proper quality of metal roofing, adverse effects such as leaks are less likely to occur or become a serious issue [2]. Metal roofs are also effective at preventing ice dams, given how well they help shed snow. The snow clears faster than it can create an ice dam, therefore, constantly avoiding the risk of ice dams and their consequences. You also want the temperature of your attic to be the same as the outside temperature.
Keeping a metal roof can help preserve the temperature outside and reduce the effects of any heat that does escape from the attic [2]. The metal panels on metal roofs also interlock, further preventing issues like ice dams from occurring.
Metal roofs are essentially an ice-water shield. Although they do block much of the risk of ice dams, they are not protective against shingle damage. Be constantly aware of the state of your shingles and replace them as needed. You may also benefit from having an expert inspect the state of your roof annually, as some damage is difficult to spot but risks extreme water intrusion [3].
Things To Consider With Metal Roofing
Not every home will benefit equally from installing a metal roof. Some homes are ranch-style, whereby the roof slopes slightly. The metal material can cause snow to slide and compress into the valley, creating an environment for an ice dam. For homes with roofing that slopes into the backyard, metal roofs are great for when the snow cascades down onto the surface. If the slope directs snow onto driveways, front doors, and decks, however, metal roofing can become a problem.
You can also risk damaging your gutters in these cases. Although there are some loopholes to metal roofs, you can use snow guards or snow stoppers to prevent snow from sliding off in problematic surfaces or into the valleys where ice dams form.
You might not want to consider metal roofing if you have difficulty insulating your home and you cannot prevent heat from moving into the attic space, warming the area. These situations can lead to radiational cooling, leaving you with significant raises in heat costs and uncomfortable living space. However, if your attic is well-insulated, metal roofs are a consideration even if your roof is not an ideal shape for metal roofing solutions [4].
The Importance of Roofing Bands in Denver Colorado
The belt that is added around the roof is set to keep ice dams from forming in the eaves. The belt also helps to remove any water that accumulates even if ice dams do form. The band’s placement on a low-friction surface is intended to stop the formation of ice dams before they become problematic [1]. The suggestions for reducing ice and water damage are the same for metal roofs and alternative roofing solutions. You may also consider adding a metal roof if you already plan on making the other changes to prevent damage. To effectively prevent ice dams, you’ll want to seal air leaks, have proper insulation and ventilation, and include underlayment that reaches from the eaves to three feet above the exterior wall. These changes are needed regardless of whether or not you proceed with a metal roof. Know that the balance in internal and external temperature will be maintained with greater ease using a metal roof, and snow will not be an issue if you use snow stoppers on your metal roofing solution [3].
Importance of Snow Guards in Denver Colorado
As long as you are using snow guards or snow stoppers to catch snow that falls onto problematic sections, relying on a metal roof is a wise choice. You can choose where you put these stoppers, therefore, eliminating concerns of falling snow onto your doorstep, driveway, or deck. Just make sure that you place your stoppers about six inches above your gutters when you do install them [5].
You want to maintain this distance so that water does not spill over your gutters during heavy rains and snows. In addition to guards, you want to frame your roof with a water shield membrane that lines the roof’s bottom. This structure will keep water from seeping into your house, as well as any snow that does get pushed off quickly by the metal surface [5]. However, your metal roofing will take care of the snow most of the time before it has time to compile and form ice dams.
Additional Metal Roof Benefits
Metal roofs are also resistant to cracks, bends, and breakage, giving you more reassurance in knowing that your risk of weather-related intrusions is low. The resilience of metal roofs makes it possible to install in cold winter months, which is an impossibility for alternatives. Right when the winter weather hits, you can take active measures to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice from damaging your walls, ceilings, and attic [5].
The durability of metal roofs also makes them a sound choice for environmentally conscious consumers who want to avoid the need for material repairs over time. Damage is not one hundred percent avoidable with metal roofs, but the chances of water and ice damage are significantly reduced by using this roofing solution over alternatives [4].
You will most likely save money by installing a metal roof in the long run. Over time, even though ice can still accumulate on your roof, the metal will prevent water from entering your home, keeping your insulation and living areas protected.
Reach Out To Hotedge Today For Ice Damming Solutions
It is undeniable that metal is the smartest material to go with when deciding on a roofing system that handles snow effectively.
Even if you do not have the ideal roofing shape to prevent snow from cascading onto surfaces you need to clear, you can still benefit from a metal roof with the right guarding in place. To keep your property free of the hazards and damages that ice dams create, reach out to a metal roofing company and learn how you can make the switch to a more innovative and safer roofing solution.
We know that homeowners and property managers loathe dealing with ice dam removal processes and we do our part to help homeowners and property managers minimize stress in this matter. These aspects are tricky and create a whole host of issues. Indeed, working by yourself to prevent them can cause a whole host of injuries and issues as dealing with roof ventilation, ridge vent aspects, attic floor, and new roof jobs require quite a bit of work, time, and labor.
Most people do not want to have to deal with their attic floor, air leaks, roof edge points, attic ventilation, or gable vents.
We understand that and make sure to offer an assessment of your property to see how we can help with our engineered solutions. Whether you need a new roof, specifically a new metal roof, adequate insulation, or other solutions in preventing ice damming, reach out to Hot edge today.
We seek to help out in every way possible to prevent ice damming and seek to minimize further damage that property owners would have to deal with in the short term and long term. Our teams are pleased to discuss cold overhangs, heat loss, inadequate ventilation, and solutions to ice builds.
[1]. WrightwaySocial. (2019, March 4). Ice Dam Prevention with Metal Roofs. Wrightway Home Improvements. https://www.wrightwaybuilt.com/homeowner-tips-and-tricks/ice-dam-prevention-with-metal-roofs/.
[2]. How to Prevent Ice Dams on Metal Roofs • Rare Manufacturing. Rare Manufacturing. (2019, April 25). https://www.raremanufacturing.com/2019/04/25/how-to-prevent-ice-dams-on-metal-roofs/.
[3]. Will a Metal Roof Avoid Ice Dams and Their Damage? Todd Miller. (2020, September 22). https://www.asktoddmiller.com/will-a-metal-roof-avoid-ice-dams/.
