Insulating Metal Roof In Cold Climates

Avoid roof geometry that causes shading which can lead to ice damming.

Insulating metal roof in cold climates. We recommend always having a roof deck installed so there can be an underlayment applied for ice dam protection. Ask me how i know. 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. Some metal roofing can also withstand strong winds making it ideal for blizzard climates.

Ventilating the underside of the roof insulating the attic floor and plugging air leaks are usually the answer. You can purchase 14 in. Don t forget to make sure it s plugged in. Stainless steel tends to be soft.

Metal roofs are a good long term investment for those in colder areas of the country. That s a ton of insulation but you need it in these cold climates. In very cold climate zones this minimum r value should be increased to r 50. Fiberglass is also one of the preferred materials for metal and steel buildings and homes.

You want a cool roof a cool roof is essential when installing one in the cold climate of minnesota or wisconsin. In the northern parts of the country zones 5 8 energystar recommends insulating your attic to somewhere between r49 60. You want your entire metal roof including the eaves as ventilated as possible and are very well insulated. Zones 5 6 7 and 8 in that the manufacturers of these materials assume that roof deck may require ventilation to assist drying.

Some roof assemblies use very impermeable materials such as peel and stick membranes on the exterior. Use designs with a cold roof such as those featuring a vented attic. In order to control ice damming heat flow form the interior to the roof cladding must be minimized. Ventilation rafter the 2x4 standing proud is connected through the roof rigid insulation with a metal bracket and a long roofing screw.

Stay away from stainless steel screws because the heads twist off. Add underlayment upgrades such as peel and stick modified bituminous sheets. Keep the entire roof as cold as the eaves. Otherwise homeowners will find their heating system has to work harder to keep the home warm.

In cold climate zones the minimum total r value for the entire unvented roof assembly should be r 40. Pros and cons of metal roofs in cold climates. Care should be taken with these assemblies particularly in cold climate zone locations i e. 356 mm long epoxy coated steel screws.

Consider a roof color with a high solar absorption value that will help thaw snow and ice. Colors such as bronze brown or dark gray versus white or light earth tones will help do the trick.