The Best Roofing for Cold Climates

Cement Tiles

• Concrete roofing tiles are extremely strong and capable of withstanding the most brutal weather conditions. They are even fireproof. The tiles consist of a cured product made of cement, sand and pigments. Place them over the underlayment from bottom to top. Overlap cement tiles, and cap them at the ridges as you would other roof tiles. The weight is equivalent to three layers of asphalt shingles, so check the strength of your roofing system.

Metal Roofs

• Metal roofs have become popular in colder climates, such as Upstate New York. An extremely durable option, metal roofs allow snow and ice to slide right off. This capacity prevents the formation of heavy icicles. Heating cables and snow guards prevent sheets of snow from sliding off at one time. You can install metal roofs during the winter; when properly insulated, they will help keep your house warm.

Solar Paneled Roofing

• Solar paneled roofing can be passive or active. Passive tiles are made of curved glass that captures rising hot air and guides it to the building's heating system. Because the tiles become hot, snow and ice melts off. They are UV resistant and extremely strong. Active, or photovoltaic, solar panels actually convert sunlight (photons) into electricity. The roofs work more efficiently in northern climates because too much heat degrades the system's performance.

Insulation

• Insulate and seal the attic floor so the warm air stays in your home and does not rise to the roof. The roof should be about the same temperature as the outside air. Snow melts and then freezes on an overheated roof, potentially creating damaging ice dams and icicles. Intake vents at the soffits and an outflow vent at the ridge allows airflow under the roof, keeps it cool and reduces moisture.