Are Asphalt Shingles Suitable for Winter Conditions?
Asphalt shingles are certainly one of the most popular roofing materials in America. They’re quite cost-effective, easy to install, and have quite a few different color options to choose from. However, some homeowners living in harsh climates may want to read this blog post regarding their roofing material, especially if their area tends to drop below freezing temperatures and encounter several inches of snowfall consistently throughout the winter season.
Characteristics of Asphalt Shingles
The characteristics of asphalt shingles consist of a fiberglass mat coated asphalt and ceramic granules. These granules will add color to the shingles and reflect some of the sun’s UV rays, while the asphalt material provides waterproofing characteristics. There are three main variations of asphalt roofing. Let’s explore those below:
- 3-Tab Shingles: This is the most affordable of all the asphalt shingles, yet it’s also the least durable
- Dimensional Shingles: These shingles are also known as the “architectural shingles” and they are thicker, while offering more durability and different aesthetic options.
- Luxury Shingles: The highest quality of asphalt shingles, offering superior aesthetics, durability, and impact resistance. These shingles are the highest quality and will offer superior designs, durability, and impact resistance from debris and tree branches.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingles in Winter
- Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Asphalt shingles have moderate insulating properties that help keep homes warmer in the winter, contributing to overall energy efficiency.
- Wind Resistance: Higher quality asphalt shingles can be designed to have built in wind resistance, thus making them less vulnerable to wind damage.
- Ice Dam Resistance: When asphalt shingles are properly installed with the right level of underlayment, they can help prevent water seeping into the roof from ice dams.
Challenges Faced by Asphalt Shingles in Winter
- Brittleness in Cold Weather: In extremely cold temperatures, asphalt shingles can become brittle and more susceptible to damage during installation. Therefore, it is recommended to install them in temperatures above freezing.
- Susceptibility to Thermal Shock: If there’s a warmer day during the winter months, and then the temperature drops by a substantial amount during the evening, your shingles could experience what is known as thermal shock. This thermal shock causes expansion and contraction of the shingle to occur.
- Weight of Snow and Ice: The sheer weight of snow and ice can place a significant amount of extra weight on your roof, including your shingles. Asphalt shingles are generally very much capable of supporting this extra weight, they may be prone to vulnerabilities and problem areas improper installation took place.
Installation & Maintenance Tips
- Proper Installation: Proper installation of asphalt shingles is key when it comes to protection in areas which receive harsh winter weather. Ideally, six nails per shingle should be used along with a waterproof underlayment designed for ice and water protection.
- Adequate Attic Insulation and Ventilation: This is essential to prevent heat from escaping through the roof, which minimizes the risk of ice dams forming.
- Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance, where you aim to keep your roof free of debris, replace any damaged or missing shingles, and clear out any clogs or blockage from the gutters will help with preventing further damage from occurring.
Comparing with Alternative Materials
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is often considered the superior choice for wintry conditions due to its strong durability and rapid ability to melt and shed snow and ice accumulation.
- Composite Shingles: Composite shingles will often offer greater levels of resistance to freezing temperatures and hail, freezing rain, or ice impact.
- Slate & Tile: Slate and tile roofing may certainly be more expensive, but it also has excellent durability and a lengthy lifespan when compared to asphalt roofing.
Choose American Remodeling for All of Your Asphalt Roofing Needs!
Asphalt shingles can be a very suitable choice for wintry conditions. The asphalt shingles we use here at American Remodeling are of the highest quality and our attention to details alongside our excellent levels of craftsmanship will allow you to be reassured you’re receiving the best of the best roofing installation and services. Feel free to contact us if you’re considering asphalt shingles for your home and you’d like us to visit your home to start the quoting process. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
