If you’ve been a resident of Ohio for any length of time, you already know that the severity of winters in the state varies from year to year. Tough Ohio winters have freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, high winds, and sleet and hail events. The right roofing choice protects your home, improves every efficiency, and helps reduce expensive and inconvenient repairs. This article will explore why weather-resistant roofing is crucial for Ohio homeowners, focusing on how metal roofing can be a game-changer for enduring the state’s harshest winters.
Ohio Winters Are Tough on Residential Roofs
Severe winters in Ohio pose a range of potential threats to your roof.
Snow Accumulation
Heavy accumulations of snow puts an immense amount of weight on your roof, potentially causing structural damage. Twelve inches of dry snow weighs about two pounds per square foot, while the same depth of wet snow can weigh between five and 10 pounds per square foot.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, causing the snow on top to melt. As the melted snow runs down the roof and reaches the colder edges, it refreezes, creating an ice barrier. This accumulation of ice can trap water, which may back up under the shingles and leak into your home’s interior, potentially causing damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Water expands as it freezes, leading to significant damage when it seeps into small cracks or holes in your roof. As the water freezes and expands, it puts pressure on shingles and other roofing materials, causing them to crack, lift, or even break apart. This repeated freeze-thaw cycle can weaken your roof over time, leading to further damage and the potential for leaks.
Weather-Resistant Roofing
Weather-resistant roofing is designed to endure harsh conditions, offering both durability and protection during extreme weather events. Materials like metal roofing or architectural shingles are the most weather-resistant.
Moisture-resistant features such as underlayment and specialized coatings are also essential to a durable roof. They help repel water, preventing moisture damage and leaks. Proper insulation also plays a role; a well-insulated roof prevents heat loss, which contributes to the formation of ice dams.
Benefits of Metal Roofs for Ohio Winters
Homeowners considering an upgrade to weather-resistant roofing should strongly consider installing a metal roof. Metal roofs are renowned for their strength, longevity, and ability to withstand harsh winters.
Metal roofs perform better than traditional roofing materials when it comes to heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. Their nonporous surface prevents water absorption, which reduces the risk of leaks and moisture damage. Additionally, the smooth surface of metal roofs allows snow to slide off easily, minimizing the potential for heavy snow buildup and the formation of ice dams caused by repeated thawing and refreezing.
Metal roofs offer additional benefits through insulating coatings, which can be applied to the surface to help retain heat within your home during the winter. These coatings reduce heat loss through the roof, preventing warmth from escaping. This type of coating can contribute to improved energy efficiency and lower heating costs while enhancing overall comfort inside the home.
Another advantage of metal roofing is longevity. While traditional asphalt shingles generally need replacement every 15 to 20 years, metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years with proper maintenance, making them a cost-effective and durable choice for long-term protection against Ohio’s winter weather.
A metal roof not only provides your home with protection against Ohio’s winter weather but also adds significant market value. They can be a strong selling point if you decide to relocate. In addition to its weather-resistant qualities, a metal roof is energy-efficient, leading to lower utility bills and making your home more attractive to buyers. According to the 2023 Cost vs. Value report published by Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can expect to recover about 49% of the cost of a new metal roof when selling their home.
Types of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comes in various styles, each offering distinct advantages to homeowners. One popular option in Ohio is standing-seam roofing, which features interlocking vertical panels, providing excellent protection against harsh weather conditions. This style is particularly effective at shedding snow.
A budget-friendly option is corrugated metal roofing. The grooves create additional structural support, allowing the metal to resist bending or denting. This pattern helps the roofing material withstand heavy snow, rain, and high winds. Additionally, the ridges in corrugated metal help direct water flow, preventing standing water and improving drainage, which reduces the risk of leaks and water damage.
For homeowners who prefer the aesthetic of traditional materials like slate, tile, or wood, metal shingles are an excellent choice. These shingles combine the classic look of traditional roofing materials with the strength, longevity, and low-maintenance benefits of metal.
Why Modern Asphalt Shingles Can Be A Good Alternative
While metal roofing offers significant advantages, the initial cost may not be feasible for every Ohio homeowner. Fortunately, high-quality asphalt shingles can still provide solid protection against the state’s harsh winter conditions without the hefty upfront investment.
Manufacturers design modern asphalt shingles to resist issues like cracking and curling, which are common concerns in freezing temperatures. In addition, when paired with moisture-resistant underlayment, freeze and thaw cycles are not an issue.
Asphalt roofing is less expensive than other options while still providing solid performance in winter conditions. By choosing high-performance asphalt shingles and ensuring proper insulation, your roof will be prepared to protect your home through a tough Ohio winter.
Maintaining Your Roof Through Winter
While weather-resistant roofing is designed to withstand the elements, it is not maintenance-free. After a snowfall, clearing your roof of accumulated snow is essential. A roof rake, which you can use safely from the ground, is a great investment for removing snow buildup. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to clear your roof.
Following weather events, inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as missing or loose shingles, sagging, or dents in metal roofing. Identifying and addressing issues promptly will prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Clogged gutters are another issue that should be addressed promptly. They can lead to water backing up onto your roof, increasing the risk of ice dams when temperatures drop below freezing. Keeping gutters clean and free of debris ensures proper drainage of rainwater and melted snow, helping to prevent ice dams from forming and causing leaks.
Finally, an annual inspection by a qualified roofing professional can extend the lifetime of your roof. They can identify potential issues early on, addressing concerns before they become more significant problems.
Contact Your Local Roofers
At The Roof Detective, we have been serving the residents of Columbus and surrounding Ohio communities since 2012. We install, repair, and maintain roofs. You can also count on us for all your siding and gutter needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced roofers.
