Roofing In Winter Weather

Preventing roof damage during winter.

Roofing in winter weather.

From broken shingles to leakage issues you may find yourself facing a variety of roofing challenges depending on the type of damage that ensued from this year s winter weather conditions. Having a new roof installed in the winter can be done. Often the treacherous winter months can wreak havoc on your roof resulting in the need for both minor and major repairs. For contractors in northern areas it means it s time to adapt to the winter roofing season.

Roofs that can be installed during cold weather get pushed off until later unless a roof is leaking badly and needs immediate replacement. Yes asphalt shingles can still be installed successfully in cold weather providing a few important changes are made to the usual practices. Follow these tips to help you to keep your roof in good shape this winter. Although tools and materials do have sub optimal performance the right crew can do it in weather that is above freezing and not snowing or raining.

If you re installing roofing shingles in cold weather below these temperatures your shingles may become brittle and more prone to breakage. Some roofs naturally get pushed into the winter months because while it is still warm we need to do those jobs that require warm ambient temperatures. When choosing materials to install it is important to remember most roofing materials are not designed to be installed in cold weather situations especially when ambient temperatures dip below 40 f. Wearing a winter jacket pants boots hat etc can add another 15 pounds to your body weight.

According to roofing construction estimating by daniel benn atcheson the best temperatures to install asphalt shingles is between 40 and 85 degrees f 4 and 26 degrees c. If you do need a roof replacement in the winter it s always good to ask. If the temperature dips below freezing frost ice and snow become a serious safety factor on the roof. Because of the need to use your fingers precisely and bend your toes a contractor can only wear small gloves and boots.

For most roofers it is uncomfortable below freezing and impossible below 20 f. 2 busy spring season. If you don t want to have to handle roof repairs during the winter you can prevent most of them. Harsh winter weather cold snaps blizzards and other severe weather can hinder or delay roofing work during the winter.

Membranes adhesives equipment and contractors will perform differently in colder temperatures so planning ahead and considering how the cold weather will impact material selection installation time and quality is critical. In the winter time a professional roofing contractor may choose to hand seal the shingles with an approved asphalt roofing cement or other adhesive that s provided by the manufacturer. Every tab should be sealed with one or two dabs roughly 1 inch in diameter of asphalt roofing cement.