Top 5 Roofing Materials for Cold Climates
The UK already experiences some of the harshest weather conditions in the whole of Europe.
Cold climate can be very harsh and the roof of your house is the protective shield against that weather. Your roof should be strong enough to withstand wind, snow, ice, freezing rain, etc. There are a variety of roofing materials available in the market but not all of them can work well in colder climates.
List of Roofing Materials for Cold Climates
To ensure your roof tiles and associated products and systems are suitable for the UK climate and will remain weathertight and durable in the long term, always consider using products from RTA members.
A roof is the basic component that helps to slow down the heat transfer process thus maintaining a more comfortable temperature indoors. Some roofing materials are manufactured to be more effective in certain climates.
Some of the best roofing materials for cold climates according to roofing experts are listed below:
- Slate Tile
Most roofers suggest slate tile roofs for colder climates. Slate roofs are much denser and this quality helps to absorb more heat. In this way, indoor temperature can be easily stabilised and energy bills could be reduced. Slate is a very durable material that can last from 50 to 200 years.
The slate roof is also known as shale roofing because it is made of actual stone. Therefore, it can withstand extreme temperature variations, extreme winds, hail, etc. It is mostly found in luxury houses but is regarded as one of the best roofing materials for cold climates.
Pros:
- Made of Strong Material
- Prolonged Life
- Low-Maintenance
- Suitable for All Weather
- Fire Resistant
- Eco-Friendly
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Need Additional Structural Support
- Difficult Installation
- Metal
Metal is a very reflective material thus known to lower the cooling costs drastically. Metal is an insulator that creates a space between the roofing material and the decking of the roof. This space helps to improve air circulation which results in increased energy efficiency in both hot and cold climates.
Metal roofs are preferred by roofing experts worldwide due to their countless benefits. They have a slick surface that does not allow the snow or water to accumulate thus preventing ice dams and pooling. They are also available in various colors, styles, and prices. Aluminium, zinc, galvanised steel, and tin are the types of metals that are not only long-lasting but cost-effective as well.
Pros:
- Strong and Longer-lasting
- Lightweight
- High Energy Efficiency
- Easy Maintenance
- Recyclable
- Fire Resistant
- Mold and rot-resistant
Cons:
- Noisy and needs Soundproofing
- Warp over time
- Technical Installation Requirements
- Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a very popular choice for roofing in colder climates. They are made of fibreglass, cellulose mat, asphalt, and mineral granules. They are a choice of many Norwich roofers due to their numerous benefits. They can work well in all types of climates but are prone to cracking in extremely cold weather. This will lead to the need for roof repairs thus leading to additional costs.
Asphalt shingle roofs are also prone to ice dams and require ice shields to be installed which adds an extra cost. However, they are waterproof when installed properly.
Pros:
- Easily available
- Affordable Price
- Different color options
- Easy Maintenance
Cons:
- Short Lifespan. Mostly damaged and worn out over time.
- Prone to Wind Damage
- Energy Efficiency is low
- Overused
- Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles are made of sand, cement, and pigment that helps to form them in any shape. They are mostly the same as clay tiles except for the price. They are much less expensive compared to clay tiles. They have a seamless design that helps to prevent leaks and water damage. They are manufactured to withstand heavy snow, and also able to resist hail and heavy rainfall.
Most concrete tiles are made in a wave-like pattern that helps the airflow between the roof’s surface and its decking. The airflow helps to reduce the heat transfer indoors thus resulting in increased energy efficiency. They are available in a variety of colors, styles, and patterns.
Pros:
- Durable
- Long Lasting
- Less expensive
- Best for Cold climates
- High Energy Efficiency
- High Curb Appeal
- Fire Resistant
Cons:
- Heavy
- Requires additional support to withstand the weight
- Clay Tile
Clay tiles are also known as terracotta tiles. They are one of the oldest roofing materials used till now. Their history dates back to nearly 5000 years ago. They are highly recommended by roofers for moist and cold climates due to their long life span. They can easily last for more than 100 years.
They can easily withstand strong winds and prolonged salt exposure. The tile resembles the letter S which helps the airflow below the tiles thus reducing the chances of moisture buildup and improving the energy efficiency.
They are less durable than clay and thus not able to withstand extreme hail storms. However, they still serve well in cold climates.
Pros:
- Less Maintenance Requirements
- High Energy Efficiency
- High Curb Appeal
- Salt Tolerant
- Made of Natural material
- Long life span
Cons:
- Heavy
- Needs structural support
- Expensive
Conclusion
Any roofing material that can maintain its temperature is considered to be the best roofing material for cold climates. The best material according to roofing experts is the one that keeps the indoors comfortable and does not release excess heat. Roofers recommend that the best roof for cold climates should be able to withstand factors like extreme temperature drops, hailstorms, snow, freezing rain, and ice.