While winter roof installations are not ideal, sometimes they are necessary. The right contractor has the experience and expertise to streamline the process and minimize the risk of mishaps. Read on to learn the potential problems with cold-weather roofing, along with some tips for avoiding difficulties.
Because asphalt shingles can become relatively delicate in the cold, they can be harder to bend and cut. Installers must also take extra care to make sure nails are not overdriven.
Another potential issue with winter roofing is “cold curl”, which occurs when the shingle’s edges curl up because of cold temperatures. To combat these issues, it may be necessary to hand seal shingles. Hand sealing means the contractor applies roofing cement beneath each shingle to keep it down until the weather warms and the roof warms up enough for the asphalt shingles to self-seal.
With all this in mind, it’s clear why hiring a reputable roofer is so important. If roofers cut corners during a winter installation, it can create a very dangerous situation. The crew will need to clear away any snow or ice from the roof before they can start working. If the surface is especially slippery, they’ll have to work slowly for safety’s sake.
Unfortunately, roofers usually can’t wear heavy, inflexible gloves or boots because they won’t be able to effectively handle nails or bend their toes to keep their footing. This makes working in cold temperatures uncomfortable and hazardous. It also creates a lot of incentive to cut corners and do the job as quickly as possible.
Roofing is already a physically demanding job, and heavy winter clothing only adds more weight which can make it harder to climb up and down ladders and move around the roof. It’s very important to hire a contractor who will carefully evaluate the weather conditions and make a reasonable determination of whether it’s safe to work that day. This protects the roofing crew and your home while ensuring that the job is done right.
Established more than two decades ago, National Home Improvement has helped countless Colorado homeowners with flawless roofing repairs and replacements.
Committed to consistency, integrity and quality, our skilled team works with homeowners every step of the way to bring their vision into the real world. Whether you need help with a new roof installation, insurance claim or other kind of home repair project, we can provide unrivaled service and expert recommendations.
To learn more about roof care during the winter, check out our blog: Caring for Your Roof During Colorado Winter.
Why it Can Be an Issue
In a perfect world, asphalt shingles should be installed in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees and 85 degrees F. Even the highest quality asphalt shingles can break under the force of a hammer. This risk increases when temperatures are too hot or too cold. Aside from shingles becoming too brittle in the winter, there’s also the matter of bonding. When the mercury drops under 40 degrees, some types of self-adhesive shingles have difficulty sticking. While the sealing strips usually have no trouble bonding in the summer and spring; they can falter if the temperature is too low. Even if you select another shingle type, you’re not necessarily in the clear. Fiberglass shingles, for instance, can easily fracture in the winter, and wooden shakes can also split apart as temperatures near the freezing point.Can You Re-roof in Winter?
If you’re replacing or repairing your roof in the winter, it’s probably because there’s a potentially serious problem that is either causing your roof to leak now or leaving it susceptible to leaks once winter snow begins falling. In either case, the longer you wait, the worse the damage will be. With this in mind, it makes sense to act during the winter, even if temperatures are less than ideal. To ensure that the job is done right, it’s important to work with a reputable roofer.Can I Get a New Roof in Winter?
Make no mistake; winter roofing requires experience and expertise. A contractor must understand potential issues, so they can take steps to prevent their occurrence. During the winter, for instance, compressors and nail guns can develop ice inside. This can reduce airflow and prevent the nails from penetrating to the correct depth. As a result, your roofing contractor will have to consistently monitor and adjust the depth of the nail gun, slowing down the installation process.Because asphalt shingles can become relatively delicate in the cold, they can be harder to bend and cut. Installers must also take extra care to make sure nails are not overdriven.
Another potential issue with winter roofing is “cold curl”, which occurs when the shingle’s edges curl up because of cold temperatures. To combat these issues, it may be necessary to hand seal shingles. Hand sealing means the contractor applies roofing cement beneath each shingle to keep it down until the weather warms and the roof warms up enough for the asphalt shingles to self-seal.
With all this in mind, it’s clear why hiring a reputable roofer is so important. If roofers cut corners during a winter installation, it can create a very dangerous situation. The crew will need to clear away any snow or ice from the roof before they can start working. If the surface is especially slippery, they’ll have to work slowly for safety’s sake.
Unfortunately, roofers usually can’t wear heavy, inflexible gloves or boots because they won’t be able to effectively handle nails or bend their toes to keep their footing. This makes working in cold temperatures uncomfortable and hazardous. It also creates a lot of incentive to cut corners and do the job as quickly as possible.
Roofing is already a physically demanding job, and heavy winter clothing only adds more weight which can make it harder to climb up and down ladders and move around the roof. It’s very important to hire a contractor who will carefully evaluate the weather conditions and make a reasonable determination of whether it’s safe to work that day. This protects the roofing crew and your home while ensuring that the job is done right.
Established more than two decades ago, National Home Improvement has helped countless Colorado homeowners with flawless roofing repairs and replacements.
Committed to consistency, integrity and quality, our skilled team works with homeowners every step of the way to bring their vision into the real world. Whether you need help with a new roof installation, insurance claim or other kind of home repair project, we can provide unrivaled service and expert recommendations.
To learn more about roof care during the winter, check out our blog: Caring for Your Roof During Colorado Winter. 
