If snow and ice shed from metal roofs so easily, what prevents large and potentially dangerous chunks from falling onto nearby walkways and traffic areas?
Metal roofing systems are not only designed to shed snow and ice, but can also be installed with snow guards or heating cables. Both of these help to break up large snow and ice chunks to avoid the “avalanche” effect that might otherwise occur outside your home during the winter. As strange as it sounds, the prevalence of heat sources within the attic or under the roof cause ice on metal and asphalt roofs by melting snow in one area and allowing the runoff to re-freeze in another. Frank Farmer, owner of American Metal Roofs in Michigan, recommends you consult with your local metal roofing contractor to locate these heat sources within your home. Once these heat sources are found, you’ll be able to tailor the installation of your new metal roof so that snow and ice shed easily and safely.
