We know cold in Montana. With temperatures dipping below freezing in September and snow falling in June, Montanans face icy weather extremes for the majority of the year. Given our beautiful state’s harsh conditions, property owners must make wise decisions about how their buildings are constructed to ensure they withstand the elements. That includes your choice of roofing materials! Your roof needs to withstand strong winds, not buckle under snow, and keep the heat inside of your home. With that in mind, let’s explore the roofing question that’s on every Montana property owner’s mind. Metal roofs vs. shingles in cold climates: which is better?

While asphalt shingles are a common roofing choice, they definitely aren’t the best choice. When thinking about long-term investment, energy savings, and resilience, metal roofing far surpasses asphalt shingles in its effectiveness in cold climates. Our Bozeman metal roofing experts have seen time and time again how metal roofs perform in extreme Montana weather conditions, and they can vouch for the overwhelming positives of installing a metal roof instead of shingles. So you can make informed decisions for your roofing projects, we’ve outlined the advantages of metal roofing in cold climates and how they outperform their asphalt competition across the board.

Metal Roofs vs. Shingles in Cold Climates

As winter’s icy grip tightens its hold on Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley, Montana homeowners often find themselves facing a critical decision: what type of roofing material can withstand the harsh challenges of frigid temperatures, heavy snow, and ice buildup? In the ongoing debate between metal roofs and traditional asphalt shingles, the choice becomes especially important. However, the clear winner is metal roofing panels across the board. From durability to snow and ice shedding to longevity, let’s dig into why metal roofing is the clear winner in comparison to asphalt shingles.

The Advantages of Metal Roofs in Cold Climates

1. Exceptional Durability Against Harsh Winter Conditions

The way that metal roofs hold up to potential weather damage is unrivaled. Metal roofs will keep their structural integrity when faced with intense weather from pounding hail and ice storms, strong winds, and intense snowfall. Metal roofs are incredibly strong, so they need to be replaced far less than shingles and asphalt. In fact, the average lifespan of a well-maintained metal roof is upwards of 50 years. Because of this durability, metal roofs won’t require regular, expensive repair jobs. Year after year, and decade after decade, they retain their integrity and strength, saving you from costly repair bills.

2. Superior Snow-shedding Capabilities

Another compelling advantage of metal roofing is its remarkable ability to shed snow. Metal roofs are designed with a smooth surface and a steep slope, which enables snow to slide off more easily compared to the textured surface of asphalt shingles. This efficient shedding reduces the risk of structural damage caused by heavy snow loads. Just remember: in some circumstances you may need to install a snow break on your metal roof to help protect property or gutters from damage from shedding snow. By effectively managing snow, metal roofs minimize the potential for leaks and water damage inside the home. Check out the amazing benefits of metal roofing in snow and winter conditions here.

3. Not Noisy When the Cold Weather Hits

There’s a misconception that metal roofs are noisy. People assume that when a strong bout of rain, snow, or hail hits, the impact on the roof must cause a lot of noise. This isn’t true. In fact, metal roofs can be quieter than asphalt shingles, as metal roofs are excellent at dampening any noise pollution in the area.

4. Keeps the Warmth in and the Cold Out

One of the standout advantages of metal roofing in cold climates is its exceptional ability to keep you warm and toasty inside, leaving the cold where it should be: outside. Metal roofs excel in retaining heat due to their low thermal conductivity. This means they conduct less heat than traditional asphalt shingles. This quality helps maintain a cozy interior during frigid winters, reducing the demand on heating systems. This can help you save on monthly energy costs, too! Additionally, like we mentioned earlier, metal roofs shed snow and ice efficiently, preventing the buildup of heavy snow loads that can damage shingles and compromise insulation.

The Shortcomings of Shingle Roofs in Cold Climates

1. Vulnerable to the Challenges of Cold Weather

In contrast to the resilience of metal roofing, asphalt shingles can be a hassle in cold climates. Cold weather can make shingles more brittle and prone to cracking. This can lead to leaks and water infiltration when the snow and ice on the roof begins to thaw. Unlike durable metal panel profiles, asphalt shingles can become structurally unsound after exposure to the harsh elements of cold climates.

2. Cannot Effectively Handle Snow Buildup

While metal roofing’s naturally slick surface helps guide snow off the roof, the textured surface of shingles can trap snow and ice. Trapped snow can lead to roof damage and water seeping into your home.

3. Shortened Lifespan & Lengthy Maintenance

The lifespan of asphalt shingles can be short and sweet in cold climates, which is the last thing you need! Extreme temperature fluctuations—like experiencing heavy snowfall in 30-degree weather one day to temperatures dropping below zero the next—can accelerate the aging process of shingles. Especially in winter weather conditions like we experience in Montana, asphalt shingles can quickly turn brittle and crack, which means you need to go through the hassle and cost of replacing them sooner than expected.

Maintaining asphalt shingles in cold climates is no picnic, either. It often involves regular snow and ice removal to prevent ice dams and structural damage. These ongoing maintenance demands not only require time and effort but also add to the long-term cost of owning a shingle roof, making metal roofs a more practical and cost-effective choice in frigid climates.

4. Limited Heat Retention in the Winter

One significant drawback of asphalt shingles is their limited heat retention abilities in cold climates. Asphalt shingles do not possess the same insulating properties as metal roofs, and they can allow heat to escape more easily. As a result, homes with asphalt shingle roofs may experience greater heat loss during winter months, requiring increased heating efforts to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This reduced heat retention not only results in higher energy bills but also contributes to a less energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home. In contrast, metal roofs excel at keeping warmth inside, creating a more comfortable and cost-effective living environment in the coldest of climates.

Cost Comparison: Metal Roofing vs Shingles

When it comes to metal roofs vs. shingles in cold climates, think of it as a long-term investment. Metal roofs might cost more upfront, but they more than make up for that cost in longevity and durability. They last a really long time, often more than 50 years, while asphalt shingles might need replacing every 15 to 20 years in cold weather. So, with a metal roof, you’re not shelling out for repairs and replacements all the time, and you might even save on heating bills thanks to better insulation. Ultimately, choosing a metal roof is like putting your money where it counts, making it a smart and wallet-friendly move for homeowners in cold climates.

Got Questions? Chat with Our Metal Roofing and Siding Pros

If you’re curious as to how metal roofs compare to shingles in hot climates (the other extreme we face in Montana), visit our resource on how the two roofing materials compare here. Or, if you’re just starting to research the benefits of installing metal panels on your next project, check out our comprehensive FAQs here. If you have a specific metal roofing or siding project in mind, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions here or call (406) 624-0435. With over two decades of experience in the roofing industry, our Bozeman metal roofing experts can help guide you through any questions or concerns you may have.

Have a Project in Mind? Get a Quote Today!

If you’re looking to choose metal panels for a commercial metal roofing or residential metal roofing project, look no further than Great Northern Metal Company. We’re your local metal roofing experts and can make informed recommendations to ensure your metal roofing project has the best materials possible. Get a quote for your project today.