Pittsburgh winters are no joke. Between freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and constant freeze–thaw cycles, your home works overtime just to stay warm. While many homeowners focus on furnaces and insulation, one of the biggest factors affecting winter heating costs is often overlooked: your roof.

At C.L. Frey Construction, we help Pittsburgh homeowners protect their homes year-round — and that includes understanding how your roof plays a major role in keeping heating bills under control during winter.

 Your Roof Is Part of Your Home’s Thermal Envelope**

Your roof isn’t just there to keep rain and snow out. It’s a critical part of your home’s thermal envelope — the barrier that keeps warm air inside during winter and cold air outside.

If your roof is old, damaged, or improperly installed, heat escapes easily. That forces your heating system to run longer and harder, driving up energy bills.

Common Roofing Issues That Increase Heating Costs

Poor Insulation Beneath the Roof

Even the best roof materials won’t help if the attic insulation below is inadequate or compressed.

• Warm air rises and escapes through the roof

• Heating systems compensate by running constantly

• Energy loss leads to higher monthly bills

Proper attic insulation paired with a quality roof can significantly reduce heat loss

Air Leaks and Gaps

Cracked flashing, aging shingles, or improper sealing allow cold air in and warm air out.

Common problem areas include:

• Chimney flashing

• Roof vents

• Skylights

• Valleys and roof edges

These small leaks add up fast during a Pittsburgh winter.

Ice Dams Caused by Heat Loss

Ice dams are a major winter roofing issue in Western PA.

Here’s how they affect heating costs:

• Heat escaping through the roof melts snow

• Water refreezes at the eaves, forming ice dams

• Trapped water can damage insulation and decking

• Wet insulation loses efficiency, increasing heat loss

A properly ventilated and sealed roof helps prevent ice dams — and the expensive energy loss that comes with them.

Old or Deteriorating Roofing Materials

Many Pittsburgh homes still have roofs that are 20+ years old. As roofing materials age, they lose effectiveness.

Signs your roof may be hurting your heating efficiency:

• Curling or missing shingles

• Soft spots or sagging areas

• Drafts or cold ceilings upstairs

• Uneven indoor temperatures

• Replacing an aging roof can dramatically improve comfort and energy efficiency.

The Role of Proper Roof Ventilation in Winter

Ventilation isn’t just for summer. In winter, proper airflow helps:

• Regulate attic temperature

• Prevent moisture buildup

• Reduce ice dam formation

• Protect insulation performance

Balanced intake and exhaust ventilation keeps your roof system working efficiently — even in freezing Pittsburgh conditions.

Can a New Roof Lower Heating Bills?

Yes — especially when paired with insulation and ventilation improvements.

A professionally installed roof can:

• Reduce heat loss

• Improve indoor comfort

• Lower monthly heating costs

• Protect insulation from moisture damage

While a new roof isn’t just an energy upgrade, many homeowners notice real savings during winter after replacing an inefficient roof.

Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Trust C.L. Frey Construction

At C.L. Frey Construction, we understand the unique demands Pittsburgh winters place on your roof. Our roofing team evaluates the entire roofing system — not just the shingles — to ensure your home stays warm, efficient, and protected.

Local Pittsburgh expertise

Roofing systems built for Western PA weather

Quality materials and expert installation

Honest assessments and clear recommendations

If your heating bills spike every winter, your roof could be part of the problem. From insulation gaps to aging materials, roofing issues can quietly drain energy and money during Pittsburgh’s coldest months.

** thermal envelope

A thermal envelope in roofing refers to the entire roof system (deck, insulation, air/vapor barriers, membranes) acting as a continuous barrier to control heat flow, air leakage, and moisture, separating conditioned indoor spaces from the  outside for maximum energy efficiency, comfort, and durability outside for maximum energy efficiency, comfort, and durability