If you’re considering installing a roof in the winter, you may run into some problems. Roofing companies are likely to say no to installing a roof in cold weather for a variety of reasons. These include safety precautions for the team and making sure you get the best installation possible. Can you actually install a roof in winter? Here’s why it’s not the best idea.
Keeping The Crew Safe
Cold weather is not just uncomfortable for roofers, it’s dangerous. A roof can quickly get icy, giving workers a high risk of injuring themselves.
Luckily, there is such a thing as fall protection equipment, and work will be rescheduled if conditions are too slippery.
Keeping You Safe
During the roof replacement process, parts of your home will be exposed to the outside. When weather conditions are extreme, you don’t want them creeping into your home, potentially causing damage.
If you go through with a winter roof installation, things like sealants might not work properly. There are cases where damage that has to do with installation in unideal weather is not covered by your warranty. When you have your roof installed in ideal weather conditions, you’ll save money and have a sturdy roof that will protect you for many years to come.
Installing a Roof in Winter Affects Roof Quality
When the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, adhesives for shingles and other roof components don’t work as well. Most adhesives activate in heat from the sun. When installing a roof in cold weather, there is an option to manually seal each shingle. However, as it sounds, it’s time consuming and hard to do perfectly.
Cold temperatures can also affect shingle quality. The asphalt weakens and is harder to manipulate. When installing a roof in winter, this makes cutting each shingle more difficult. You’re more likely to get some jagged edges. Your roof is more likely to both perform and look better when installed in spring, summer, or fall.
What’s more is that nails in your roof are more likely to be overdriven or under-driven in winter. Cold temperatures affect nail guns, which use compressed air. Fixing each nail’s depth will require extra time and attention from the team.
The roofing team also can’t work as efficiently in winter weather, since their many layers to keep warm will make it more difficult to move around. Uncomfortable temperatures might make workers subconsciously rush to get things done. If you want to ensure a thorough and smooth roof installation, opt to do it in warmer weather.
Can You Install a Roof in Winter?
If your roof is in desperate need of a repair and spring is definitely not around the corner, you may still be able to get a winter roof installation. If you’re prepared and you know the risks of safety and quality, the process will be easier.
It’s possible to have a smooth and successful winter roof installation, and if you find serious damage on your roof in the winter, you will want to get that fixed as soon as you can. That might be during the winter, and that’s okay. Many roofing companies have protocols and precautions that they take to ensure safer winter installations.
Overall, if you can wait until the weather gets nicer, our advice is to wait it out. If it’s fall, get that roof installation ASAP before temperatures drop. That way, you’ll ensure that the roof is as strong as can be, saving you time, money, and energy in the long run.
