Homes in colder climates experience major snowfall for at least 3-5 months out of the year. Residential roofs protect homes from harsh weather conditions and keep the home warm. Choosing the right roofing material can make a difference in how a home will handle snow. Homes in colder climates have fewer options because the roof needs to be able to withstand wind, freezing and thaw cycles, and heavy snow. Here are some of the best materials to handle snow or other conditions in Idaho. 

1- Metal

Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing options available. Not only is it a great option for homes in colder climates, it works well for homes and businesses in all climates. 

Snow and ice slide right off a metal roof making roof collapse less of a risk. They also prevent ice dams from forming because they block high winds and stop large snow piles from building up. A roof can handle snow better when ice dams don’t block gutters. 

Metal roofs are one of the longest-lasting materials for roofing (up to 40 years). Homeowners will need to have insulation to prevent air leakage through a metal roof. 

2- Asphalt Shingles

The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles because they are affordable and provide durability against most weather conditions. Asphalt is lightweight and can withstand winds up to 60 miles per hour. Asphalt shingles will need frequent repairs and replacement as they wear down over time. Especially in a place with extreme weather, they may only last for 10-15 years. 

3- Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

A more affordable option for homes that doesn’t compromise durability is fiberglass asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are durable on their own, but adding fiberglass will help extend the life of your roof. 

Additionally, fiberglass asphalt shingles are great for roofs with solar panels and are easy to install. These shingles help to insulate your house and retain heat, which is important to handle snow. 

In extreme temperatures, fiberglass asphalt shingles can crack because of the expansion and contracting of materials. This is why annual roof inspections are important to protect your home from leaks. 

4- Synthetic Shingles

Synthetic shingles are lightweight and resistant to the effects of cold climates. Synthetic materials help provide your home with great installation and still look appealing when placed on your home. They are often crafted to look like wood or stone shingles but hold up to the snow better than those materials.

5- Clay Tiles

Another excellent insulator is clay tiles. This material is good for cold temperatures, but not for wind and intense hail. Clay fits well in Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes. Although clay tiles can be broken in extreme weather, they are actually fairly heavy and could require extra retrofitting to be applied to your roof. While this roofing material does hold up well in the snow, it can be a hassle to maintain it in a state like Idaho, which also receives a lot of wind and hail. 

6- Slate Roofing

Slate tiles have the longest lifespan of any roofing material with up to 100 years. With the ability to withstand heavy snow, these are the top choices for colder climates. Although they come with a higher price tag than asphalt shingles, slate roofing will insulate your building, protect you from high winds (up to 160 miles per hour), and reduce the risk of roof damage from snow. 

Similar to clay, you will also need to reinforce the roof to hold up the weight of the tiles. With all the other benefits, it is worth the higher cost for many homeowners. 

Roofing Options From Premier Roofing And Restoration

When you want your roof to handle snow with ease, you need to have quality roofing materials installed by a qualified roofer. Premier Roofing And Restoration offers roof replacement, roof repairs, and new construction roofing for residents of Idaho. We know that the weather in Idaho can be unpredictable, which is why we offer the most durable roofing materials on the market. 

Homeowners should be able to have peace of mind about the current state of their roofs during the winter. Stressing about roof problems, leaks, and heat loss are the last things that should be on your mind. Work with Premier Roofing to take the worry out of roof projects. Reach out to us to improve your roofing today!

Choosing sustainable and green roofing options can help make your home more energy efficient and limit damage to the environment. Green roofing options help homeowners save money on utility bills that continue to rise. A more sustainable home is not only beneficial for the environment and surrounding landscape but will also take your home to a more functional level. In this blog, we will share some of the top choices for green roofing that can improve the look and functionality of your Idaho home. 

1- Solar Shingles

One option that homeowners might not immediately think of is solar shingles. These sustainable roofing materials help you accomplish two things, protection of your roofing structure and producing energy to use inside your home. Solar roofing options are the top choice for green roofs because they only rely on renewable resources. 

Solar shingles are becoming a more popular option because they are less bulky than solar panels. They look more aesthetically pleasing on your roof and are less expensive to install. This makes them a great option for new homeowners or those trying to stay on a budget. 

2- Metal Roofing

Another popular roofing option is metal roofing. These are growing in popularity because they fit a modern aesthetic and provide energy efficiency to a home. Metal roofing is often made from recycled materials and can be easily reused once it is removed from your roof. 

Properly insulated metal roofs will help reduce HVAC usage and keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Metal roofing is a durable option for homes that experience extreme weather such as snow, rain, and wind. 

3- Recycled Shingles

The more times a material can be reused, the more sustainable it is considered to be. Purchasing recycled shingles for your home means that you are giving that mix of materials a new life. Even if a shingle has been used on a previous home for over 25 years, breaking down the materials and making it into a new shingle that will last for another 25+ years.

4- Solar Panels

The best way to make your home more sustainable is to include solar panels on your roof. Solar panels help you to collect sunlight and convert it into energy to power your lights, HVAC system, electronics, and more. Solar energy is a more renewable resource compared to fossil fuels or coal. Installing solar panels has a fairly high upfront cost, but over the years, homeowners will save money on running electricity in their homes. 

5- Living Roofs

Living roofs are the original green roof because they consist of vegetation and other plants. Living roofs are typically flat or have a low slope so that the greenery can grow easily and absorb rainfall. Green roofs do require maintenance to keep the plants healthy, but they provide a multitude of benefits that make them worth the extra work. 

Examples of benefits of living roofs include:

• Prevent clogging the stormwater system
• Helps purify the air
• Reduces the temperature in your community
• Saves energy
• Fewer roof replacements
• More habitats for birds and animals
• Added beauty and aesthetics

6- Durable Materials

Installing durable roofing materials will lower the need for consistent roof replacement. Avoiding roof replacement will limit material waste and save you money on replacing these expensive materials. Installing metal roofing, asphalt shingles, or tiles is the most durable option that will be able to last through major weather conditions. 

Durable materials also help keep heat or cool air inside your home. Keeping your air inside your home will lower your utility bills and the strain on your HVAC system. Choosing the right roofing materials for your climate and unique needs will help make your investment more worthwhile. 

Roofing Services From Premier Roofing And Restoration

Premier Roofing offers roof replacement, roof repair, and gutter services for homes in Idaho. Our team is licensed, certified, and trained in the most modern techniques to ensure your roof is high-quality. Premier wants to help you have the most durable and sustainable home possible. If you are looking to improve your roofing solutions at an affordable price, reach out to us for a free estimate!