Are you building a home in a cold climate? The design choices you make are critically important in determining your home’s longevity, especially when it comes to your roof. Taking some time to research the best options is critical for building a home that can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. As you get the building process underway, remember these key design tips:
Avoid Openings at the Top Center of Your Roof if Possible.
While a chimney or skylight right in the middle of your roof may aesthetically look nice, sometimes these structural features can cause potential leaks and ice accumulation. If you choose to add a feature like this to your home, plan to take some extra precautions every winter to ensure your roof isn’t experiencing any water damage or corroding. If you encounter any problems, a contractor will be needed to make any necessary repairs.
Put Your Chimney Near the Roof Ridge.
When it comes to the placement of your chimney, typically the highest point of your roof is the best place for it to go. Because precipitation (rain, sleet and ice) always runs down the roof and collects along the edges, having your chimney on the upper-most part of your roof will reduce the likelihood of any water or ice accumulating near your chimney or causing any leakage.
Consider a Metal Roof.
Over the years, metal roofs have gained a reputation for being one of the most durable roofing options, especially for homes in severe winter climates. Metal roofs are designed to easily shed ice and snow, so that precipitation quickly falls off and does not weigh down the roof’s core structure. A metal roof can also help to prevent ice from damming in the edges of your roof so that water doesn’t back up and potentially leak into your home.
The placement of your roof on your home – as well as the type of roofing material you choose – are both major factors to consider when building in a cold, wintery climate. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to designing a home that can effectively maintain its structural integrity, even in the worst of weather conditions.
AVA Can Handle Your Roofing Options
Want to learn more about your roofing options? Have all your questions answered by getting in touch with AVA Roofing’s team today!