
Metal Roof Care During Colder Months: Holts Summit Edition
By Thomas McCormack, Owner of M5 Contracting
A Personal Note from Thomas McCormack
Hi there, neighbor.
I’m Thomas McCormack, owner of M5 Contracting, proudly serving Holts Summit and the greater Callaway County area. First, thank you for taking a moment to stop by our blog. Whether you’re a longtime resident of mid-Missouri or recently settled into one of our beautiful communities, I’m glad you’re here.
If you’ve invested in a metal roof, you’ve made a smart, long-term decision for your home. Metal roofing is durable, energy-efficient, and handles Missouri’s four-season climate with impressive resilience. But like all great things, it requires care—especially when the temperature drops and winter sets in.
This blog is your complete guide to metal roof maintenance during the colder months in Holts Summit. My goal is to help you understand not just the what, but the why behind proper winter roof care—so your home stays safe, dry, and efficient for many winters to come.
Let’s dive in.
Why Metal Roofing is Popular in Holts Summit
Metal roofing has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners in Holts Summit, Jefferson City, and surrounding towns—and for good reason:
- Extreme durability – It can withstand high winds, hail, and heavy snowfall.
- Energy efficiency – Reflects heat in summer and resists heat loss in winter.
- Longevity – A properly installed metal roof can last 40–70 years.
- Fire resistance – Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs don’t ignite.
In a state like Missouri, where winter can bring heavy snow one day and ice storms the next, these benefits are hard to beat.
But even the best roof needs attention during colder months. Winter is when small problems can turn into big expenses—especially when left unchecked.
1. Understand How Winter Affects Metal Roofs
Though metal roofs perform well under snow and ice, they still face unique winter challenges in Holts Summit:
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Metal expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Over time, this movement can:
- Loosen fasteners or screws
- Widen seams
- Create stress around flashing points
Proper installation and using flexible, high-quality fasteners (which we prioritize at M5 Contracting) can reduce long-term issues—but ongoing inspection is key.
Ice Dams and Snow Buildup
While snow generally slides off metal roofs more easily than shingles, ice dams can still form at the eaves where melting snow refreezes. This leads to:
- Water pooling behind the ice
- Leaks under panels and into your attic
- Gutter damage
Condensation Risks
Poor ventilation can cause warm, moist air from your living space to rise into your attic. On cold metal surfaces, this can condense and drip, damaging insulation and framing.
2. Preventing Ice Dams on Metal Roofs
Ice dams are one of the biggest winter threats to any roofing system—yes, even metal ones. Fortunately, they can be avoided with proper planning.
Steps to Prevent Ice Dams:
- Ensure Proper Insulation: Aim for at least R-49 insulation in your attic. This helps prevent heat from escaping through the roof and melting snow unevenly.
- Improve Ventilation: Install soffit and ridge vents to keep attic temperatures consistent with the outside air.
- Install Snow Guards: These help control how snow sheds from your roof, preventing dangerous “roof avalanches” and sudden ice dam formations at the edge.
- Check Gutter Health: Gutters clogged with fall leaves or debris will cause meltwater to back up and freeze.
At M5 Contracting, we also offer heat cable installations—a smart solution for problematic areas like roof valleys and shaded eaves prone to ice buildup.
3. Regular Inspections: Your Winter Shield
A pre-winter inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make. Here’s what we typically look for:
- Loose or missing fasteners
- Rust spots or corrosion
- Lifted seams or panels
- Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights
- Gutter alignment and debris buildup
We recommend getting your roof checked every 6 to 12 months, especially if your home is surrounded by trees or subject to high winds.
At M5 Contracting, we offer comprehensive roof inspections throughout Holts Summit and surrounding areas like New Bloomfield, Jefferson City, and Fulton.
4. Snow Shedding and Safety Considerations
Unlike shingle roofs, metal roofs often shed snow all at once. This can be both a benefit and a risk.
The Good:
- Snow slides off quickly, preventing long-term stress on the roof.
- No ice stays long enough to cause long-term roof damage.
The Bad:
- Sudden snow releases can damage:
- Gutters
- Landscaping
- Cars or walkways
- Even people!
To prevent this, snow guards are essential. These small, strategically placed devices allow snow to melt and fall off in small, manageable amounts.
Pro Tip for Holts Summit Homes:
If your metal roof faces a driveway, porch, or heavily used walkway, install snow guards
before the first snowfall to protect family, pets, and guests.
5. Cleaning Your Metal Roof Safely in Winter
It’s tempting to climb up and sweep snow off yourself—but please don’t. Metal roofs are incredibly slippery in winter. If cleaning is needed, always call a professional.
What you can do safely from the ground:
- Use a roof rake with a telescopic handle (rubber-edged) to remove snow buildup within reach.
- Keep downspouts and gutters clear of ice and leaves.
- Watch for signs of ice dams: icicles, water stains inside, or uneven snow melting.
If snow or ice is becoming excessive, we’re just a phone call away for safe, insured removal.
6. Dealing with Winter Storm Damage
Holts Summit winters are unpredictable. A single storm can cause more damage than an entire year’s worth of weather.
If you suspect storm damage:
- Inspect your attic for moisture, mold, or water stains.
- Walk your home’s perimeter and check for displaced flashing or visible panel damage.
- Take photos of any issues for documentation.
M5 Contracting specializes in storm damage restoration, including insurance claim assistance. We’ll work with your provider to ensure fair, fast coverage, and we’ll never push a replacement unless it’s truly needed.
7. Winter Roofing Myths: Let’s Clear Them Up
Let’s take a moment to debunk a few common myths we hear around Holts Summit:
❌ “Metal roofs don’t need any maintenance.”
Reality: While they need less maintenance than shingles, no roof is 100% maintenance-free—especially in the winter months.
❌ “Metal roofs attract lightning.”
Reality: Metal roofs don’t increase your chance of being struck by lightning. In fact, they’re safer because they’re non-combustible.
❌ “You can’t repair or inspect roofs in winter.”
Reality: With the right materials and experience, we can perform many types of roof repairs year-round—though some larger jobs may need to wait for spring temperatures.
8. Boosting Winter Efficiency with Metal Roofing
Metal roofing already has great insulation properties when combined with the right underlayment and attic ventilation. Here’s how you can maximize your winter energy efficiency:
- Upgrade attic insulation if needed.
- Use radiant barrier underlayment, which reflects heat back into the home.
- Seal around all roof penetrations to eliminate drafts and warm air leaks.
- Install solar-powered attic fans to regulate attic temperature.
These enhancements lower utility bills and reduce the strain on your HVAC system—all while increasing roof longevity.
9. A Local’s Checklist for Metal Roof Winter Care
To keep things simple, here’s your Holts Summit Metal Roof Winter Prep Checklist:
✅ Schedule a professional inspection in early fall
✅ Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
✅ Install or inspect snow guards
✅ Check attic insulation and ventilation
✅ Add heat cables if prone to ice dams
✅ Watch for ice dam signs during the winter
✅ Avoid walking on the roof—call a pro
✅ Keep emergency contact info handy
M5 Contracting: Your Local Roofing Partner in Holts Summit
Winter in Holts Summit, MO can be beautiful—but harsh. Your metal roof is your home’s first line of defense against the snow, ice, and wind we know all too well in mid-Missouri.
At M5 Contracting, we’re proud to help our neighbors across Holts Summit, Jefferson City, and beyond stay safe, warm, and dry throughout the winter season. Whether you need an inspection, ice dam prevention, gutter repair, or emergency roofing help, we’re just a phone call away—and we always answer with honesty, experience, and care.
Need help preparing your metal roof for winter?
Call us today at
+1 833-424-5767 for a
free winter roofing consultation or to schedule your seasonal inspection.
Stay warm and well,
Thomas McCormack
Owner, M5 Contracting
Proudly serving Holts Summit, MO
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