Lake-effect Snow
Lake-effect Snow | Metal Roofing | Roofing | Washburn
When Lake Superior churns up a fresh band of snow squalls over Washburn, your roof is the first line of defense. HEP engineers every panel to shed drifts fast, resist ice dams, and shrug off 70-mph gusts, all while adding a crisp, modern style to your home or cabin. Our crews know the local weather’s tricks—from sideways sleet to freeze-thaw cycles—and we’ve tailored fasteners, underlayment, and ridge venting specifically for lake-effect performance.
Choose our metal roofing and forget the annual scramble onto a ladder with a shovel. A high-temperature snow-guard system keeps pathways clear, a baked-on finish guards against salt-spray corrosion, and Energy-Star coatings bounce summer heat to cut cooling costs. HEP backs every install with a transferable, non-prorated lifetime warranty, plus the kind of neighborly service you only find in the Northwoods. Ready to trade worry for peace of mind? Let’s schedule your free rooftop assessment today.
FAQs
How does lake-effect snow in Washburn impact roofing, and why is metal a smart choice?
Cold air sweeping across Lake Superior can drop several feet of dense, moisture-laden snow in a single storm. Traditional asphalt shingles absorb moisture and add weight, while their coarse surface traps snow. A metal roof’s smooth, non-porous panels let snow shed quickly, drastically reducing load, moisture absorption, and the chance of leaks. Metal also resists freeze-thaw cycling, so panels stay flat and watertight instead of curling or cracking.
Can a metal roof handle the heavy snow loads we get off Lake Superior?
Yes. The standing-seam and exposed-fastener systems we install are engineered for ground snow loads of 70–90 psf—well above Washburn’s building code minimums. We use 24- or 26-gauge steel, high-strength purlins, and ice-shield underlayment to create a structurally sound assembly. Even if snow temporarily accumulates before sliding off, the roof frame and sheathing are sized to carry the weight safely.
Will snow slide off my new metal roof too quickly and create hazards?
Uncontrolled snow release can be dangerous around doorways, decks, and driveways. That’s why we design a snow-management plan with each project. We add color-matched snow guards, bar-style snow fences, and diverters in strategic rows to hold snow until sunlight or warmer temperatures allow a gradual melt. This balances the need to reduce weight on the roof while preventing large, sudden avalanches.
Do metal roofs help prevent ice dams and water infiltration during freeze-thaw cycles?
Absolutely. Ice dams form when heat escapes through the attic, melts rooftop snow, and refreezes at the eaves. Smooth metal sheds snow so quickly that less meltwater is available to refreeze. In addition, we install a continuous ventilation system (ridge vent plus soffit intake) to keep the underside of the roof cold, and we run a self-adhering ice-and-water membrane from the edge to at least 24 inches past the warm wall line. These steps virtually eliminate ice-dam leaks.
How is a lake-effect snow metal roof installed differently in Washburn compared to standard installations?
Beyond heavier framing and underlayment, we use longer panel lengths to reduce lap joints where wind-driven snow can penetrate, stainless-steel fasteners to resist corrosion from lake-borne moisture, and high-density closure strips under ridges and hips to block blowing snow. Valleys receive W-style metal valley pans with hemmed edges, creating a watertight channel for fast runoff when the snow melts.
What kind of maintenance should I expect with a metal roof in Washburn's winter climate?
Routine care is minimal. Visually inspect the roof each spring for displaced snow guards or sealant wear around penetrations. Keep gutters clear so meltwater drains freely, and trim overhanging branches that could scrape the paint finish. If an extreme storm drops an unusually deep, wet snowpack that does not slide, hire a professional to perform a controlled rooftop snow removal—never use a sharp shovel that can damage the coating. With these simple steps, a quality metal roof will last 40–70 years in Washburn.