Do Metal Roofs Prevent Ice Dams?

To answer this question, it’s best to first understand what an ice dam is and what causes one to form. First off, an ice dam is a build-up of ice that forms on the sloped roof of heated buildings. Ice dams form when the heat from a home rises up to the attic space and warms up the roof, which in turn causes the snow on the roof to melt. As the snow drips down the side of the roof, it tends to freeze again when it reaches the cooler edges at the eaves of the home. As this process occurs again and again, a wall of ice forms and impedes the drainage of meltwater, which can then cause the water to pool and leak through your roof and into your home.

So, back to the question at hand – Can metal roofs prevent ice dams from forming? Although metal roofs can’t prevent ice dams from forming completely, they can reduce the likelihood of them occurring. Metal roofs have a smooth surface and heat-handling characteristics, which allow them to shed snow more quickly than asphalt roofs. Also, metal roofs often have more insulating power, which means that they will prevent the heat from inside the home from causing any snow that’s on the roof to melt.

Benefits of Metal Roofs

In addition to their ability to prevent ice dams from forming, metal roofs also come with a number of fantastic benefits, including:

• Durability – Metal roofs can last 50 years or more, so when you have one installed, you won’t have to worry about replacing it for a very long time.
• Energy efficiency – Metal roofs don’t absorb heat in the summer or let heat escape in the winter the way other roofing systems do, making them very energy efficient.
• Beauty – Metal roofs are available in a number of different style and color options, so you can choose one that meets your aesthetic preferences.

To learn more about the many features and benefits of metal roofs, contact the roofing experts at Frey Construction today.