Insulating Metal Roof In Cold Climates

Consider a roof color with a high solar absorption value that will help thaw snow and ice.

Insulating metal roof in cold climates.

356 mm long epoxy coated steel screws. Don t forget to make sure it s plugged in. Metal roofs are a good long term investment for those in colder areas of the country. Some roof assemblies use very impermeable materials such as peel and stick membranes on the exterior.

Zones 5 6 7 and 8 in that the manufacturers of these materials assume that roof deck may require ventilation to assist drying. Avoid roof geometry that causes shading which can lead to ice damming. Pros and cons of metal roofs in cold climates. You want your entire metal roof including the eaves as ventilated as possible and are very well insulated.

That s a ton of insulation but you need it in these cold climates. Ventilation rafter the 2x4 standing proud is connected through the roof rigid insulation with a metal bracket and a long roofing screw. Some metal roofing can also withstand strong winds making it ideal for blizzard climates. Care should be taken with these assemblies particularly in cold climate zone locations i e.

Ask me how i know. In very cold climate zones this minimum r value should be increased to r 50. You want a cool roof a cool roof is essential when installing one in the cold climate of minnesota or wisconsin. Heat rises and without sufficient insulation under your roof you will be loosing all that precious and expensive heat out of the top of the house.

However while metal roofing can act as a repellent for snow it requires additional insulation for colder climates. Insulate the ceiling adequately. Fiberglass is also one of the preferred materials for metal and steel buildings and homes. Stainless steel tends to be soft.

In cold climate zones the minimum total r value for the entire unvented roof assembly should be r 40. Rigid board made from fiberglass would be the best option for roofs and basements as the high insulation rating allows it to insulate the home better than say loose fill or batt and blanket. In the northern parts of the country zones 5 8 energystar recommends insulating your attic to somewhere between r49 60. Stay away from stainless steel screws because the heads twist off.

In order to control ice damming heat flow form the interior to the roof cladding must be minimized. Use designs with a cold roof such as those featuring a vented attic. Keep the entire roof as cold as the eaves. Add underlayment upgrades such as peel and stick modified bituminous sheets.

Colors such as bronze brown or dark gray versus white or light earth tones will help do the trick. You can purchase 14 in.