What is a Cold Roof System?

In the cold, snowy mountain climate of Colorado one of the main challenges of roof design is to prevent ice from forming on the roof deck, where it can cause ice dams and water damage to the roof and underlying structure. To prevent snow from melting and refreezing the roof must be kept cold. The main way to control the roof temperature is through attic or roof ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, the warm, moist air that rises into the attic during the winter can cause the snow on the roof to melt and refreeze. Structural or standard ridge vents along the top of the roof allow the warm attic air to escape.

By creating a constant flow of cold air above the insulation but below the roofing material cold air is allowed to circulate, a cold roof system prevents snow on the roof from melting when the outside temperature is 22 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. When it is warmer than 22 Fahrenheit outside; melted water that is on the roof typically will not freeze on the eaves.

Have questions about cold roofs for your residential or commercial roof? Call The Roofing Company, we can help answer all your roof questions.