Should You Have Roofing Work Done in the Winter?
When Old Man Winter comes around, your roof is probably the last thing you want to think about. But now is also the time when your issues with your roof are the most noticeable.
You might finally notice the missing shingles or the leaky ceiling and know you need to replace your roof. However, it’s the middle of winter. That raises an interesting question: What temperature is too cold to put on a roof?
Should I Wait to Get My Leak Fixed?
Any time you have a leaky roof, it is a problem. But it’s even worse in the winter. Once your roof is damaged, it makes it more likely that it won’t withstand the harsh elements of the winter months.
It’s not always easy to know that you have a leak, but there are a few signs to look out for:
- Water staining on your inside walls or ceiling
- Missing shingles near your gutters or by the downspout
- Damaged flashing
- Drooping ceiling
Fixing a leak can be a pretty easy task for an experienced contractor. It could be as simple as replacing a few shingles or as complex as installing an entire roof.
Can You Replace a Roof in the Winter?
Although some contractors will say no, the answer is yes. You absolutely can hire a professional to do roofing in the winter. However, they must use proper techniques from start to finish to ensure that your roof will always be in peak condition for every season.
For replacement shingles, the minimum temperature to install asphalt shingles is between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Even the best quality asphalt shingle can crack when it is being installed if the temperature is too cold. This cracking is the biggest obstacle to having a roof repair done in winter.
How Is an Asphalt Shingle Winter Roof Repair Done?
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of residential roofing due to the various shapes, colors, styles, and prices available. They are easy to install on your leaky roof, meaning it requires less labor for roofers and lower fees for homeowners.
Asphalt shingles are self-sealing, which is a good thing. However, in the winter, this process can create a few problems during their installation. If your contractor follows these simple tips, the problems can be avoided:
Keep the Shingles Warm
One of the first steps to installing shingles in cold weather is to keep them warm. Keep them in a warm garage or storage shed as they wait to be installed or delivered to the homeowner.
Sealing Shingles
Keeping the shingles warm is only one part of replacing shingles in the winter. The second part is to properly seal the shingles being used. Most roofing shingles have a thermally-activated asphalt sealant that bonds the shingles to the roof when the sun shines. However, it can take a few weeks for the shingles to stick fully.
Fixing a leaky roof in the winter is a bit different. There isn’t as much sunlight in the winter, so a professional contractor may hand-seal each shingle with an asphalt roofing cement.
A professional roofer should be able to handle rigid and cold asphalt shingles. However, you can’t prevent cracking or breaking, especially the tiny cracks that can’t be seen. If these shingles are installed with tiny cracks, the damages can easily spread and turn into more leaks and broken shingles.
Commercial Metal Roof Installation in Winter
Metal is a strong and resilient material making it possible for commercial metal roofs to be installed during the winter months. This material won’t crack or break when the temperature changes, so the temperature will not impact the installation.
With shingles, the biggest concern in the winter is the adhesive. Fortunately, metal doesn’t require using adhesives, so winter has no impact on the installation process.
Risks Taken When Installing a Roof in the Winter
Although it is possible to install roofing in the winter, you’ll face more risks than during any other season. If it is important to complete the project in the cold because of leaks or damage, you can take several factors into account:
Cold Temperatures
As temperatures change, you might find contractors not as eager to jump on your roof. Harsh conditions such as ice and snow are not easy to work in.
Working on a roof in cold temperatures becomes more dangerous as contactors carry more weight due to the winter gear they wear. Can you shingle a roof in the winter? Yes, but it’s best to wait until the temperature is above 20 degrees F.
Problems with Winter Tools
Replacing a roof in the winter can cause the required tools to malfunction. Many of these tools are operated by a compressor. Freezing temperatures can negatively affect the compressor and render it useless.
Cold water can freeze in the airlines and cause issues with airflow. One way to avoid this is to allow more time for the project to be completed. This way, contractors can use a hammer to hand-drive nails into the roof.
Expected Delays
Winter roofing projects can take much longer to complete. Contractors must work around bad weather and may move a little slower if they are using hand tools. The men and women working on your roof may need to take frequent breaks to warm up because of the cold.
Also, it is dangerous to work on a roof after dark, so a project that may have taken two days could take up to four when taking limited daylight into account. Additionally, around the holidays may not be the best time to install a roof, but if it is an emergency, it’s likely someone will help you out.
Benefits To Installing a Roof in the Winter
Even though there are numerous risks involved with installing a roof in the winter, there are also many benefits, including:
Cost
Some homeowners will take advantage of the lower costs of winter roofing repairs. Sometimes, the cost of materials decreases during the winter, so it costs the homeowner less to hire a contractor.
Availability
Demand for roofing services declines in the cooler seasons, so contractors aren’t as busy during the winter months. Therefore, it may be easier to find someone who is available to take on a winter roofing installation or repair.
Winter Roofing Safety
Because of the cold temperatures and wet conditions, winter roofing can be dangerous. This danger is why you should hire an experienced and reputable company to get the job done. An expert contractor will know how to safely work on your roof without increasing the risk of an injury or accident.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
Some people think roofing can be a DIY project, but it’s a good idea to have a trusted contractor do it for you. They have the expertise needed to safely install a roof in the winter. It can be dangerous on a roof in the winter, and slipping could result in severe injury or death.
Four Seasons Kanga Roof Is the Expert You Need
The roof on your house is an important part of keeping your family safe and comfortable during the cooler months. When you have a roofing problem, even in the winter, you shouldn’t delay the repair.
Having a professional complete your winter roofing project ensures that it will be done right the first time. Whether it is a repair or full replacement, we’re ready to take on any size job.
Our goal is to exceed our clients’ expectations, so we will work closely with you to meet your needs. Contact Four Seasons Kanga Roof today to schedule your winter roofing repair!