The weather is turning colder, and soon our streets will be full of snow and ice.
With the change in temperature, you may soon start to notice that your roof isn’t as sturdy or dry as it once was.
Fall and winter weather can bring winds and inclement weather that can wreak havoc on your roofing system.
A ceiling leak or missing shingles during these months can be especially concerning, and you might have to consider putting in a new roof.But—it is winter. Can you replace a roof in the wintertime?
This is a valid question and one that is asked all the time in the South Jersey area.
The answer is yes, you absolutely can replace your roof in the winter. Of course, it is necessary to adapt to the weather and use the proper practice to install a roof system in the cold. This will ensure that your roof functions in top shape and lasts for a long time.
Roofing contractors from South Jersey know that when the cold weather arrives, it is time to modify and adjust to winter roofing conditions.Roof issues don’t stop just because it is cold outside, so read on to see how you can replace your roof in the winter and what you should know about the process.
How A Roof Is Installed During Winter
One of the biggest problems that can occur in roofing when it is colder is that asphalt shingles can break if hammered into place when the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideally, asphalt shingles should be installed when the outside temperature is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, your professional roofers must keep the shingles relatively warm prior to their use in the winter.
The roofers must know how to appropriately seal shingles in the winter. You most likely will have asphalt shingles installed, and asphalt shingles have sealants that are designed to be thermally activated. This means that the heat of the sun helps to bond the shingles to the roof, a process that can take a couple of weeks to completely cure.
The shingles should be sealed with asphalt roofing cement that is applied in 1-inch applications close to the shingle edge.
Your roof’s eave is also vulnerable to wind, and a good roofing team will make sure that this area is given extra care so that each shingle has the correct amount of sealant to ensure that it holds fast.
What Potential Issues Can Roofing In Winter Present?
Aside from brittle and broken shingles, colder temperatures mean that snow, ice, and frost can form on your roof, which represents a safety issue for your roofing professionals.
When you hire a professional roofing company with knowledgeable and skilled employees, they will understand that wearing proper footwear and using the proper harnesses are essential to their own safety.
When the temperature dips below 40 degrees, your roofers may run into an issue with the self-adhesive shingles which have a difficult time sticking when below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the weather has warmed a little, the self-adhesive works optimally.
Other roofing materials are also temperature sensitive, like fiberglass shingles which tend to freeze and break in extremely cold temperatures, and wooden shakes that can also break apart.
As the homeowner, you must recognize that inclement weather can mean that the job will take a little longer than it may have in the warmer months, but if you have hired a team of professional roofers, you can rest easy knowing that they will work diligently to complete the job.
Winter Maintenance
It is a good idea to maintain your roof to detect and prevent damage while possibly lengthening the life of your roof.
You might not need to replace your entire roof at this time, but your roof will likely need some maintenance in the meantime.
This means that you will need to clear any gathered snow or ice, remove debris or limbs that are hazardous, and check to ensure that your gutters are clean.
If you must go on your roof, be careful when you walk on it.
Snow and ice make for a treacherous terrain, particularly on slanted roofs.
You also could break the sealant on your shingles if you aren’t careful.
If you’re not confident that you can safely repair your roof during winter, don’t hesitate to call a professional roof repair company for your maintenance needs so that your roofs don’t fall into disrepair.
What You Need To Know Hiring A Roof Replacement In Colder Temperatures
When your roof springs a leak, you don’t have time to wait until ideal weather conditions return.
No matter the weather, you need your roof repaired or replaced.
When you start to call around to roofing contractors, some may tell you that your roof will need to wait until the spring or they may even insist that it is impossible to replace a roof when the temperature dips below freezing.
Other roofing companies may also claim that it is not possible for adhesives or caulk to seal in the cold, or that their employees will not work when it is cold outside.
You may even get quotes that are higher than normal to compensate for their slow season.
Unlike these other roofers, a professional roofing company will be busy year-round because they are experienced and knowledgeable in their craft. They will be confident in handling roof repairs or roof replacements even during colder temps.
A roofing contractor that hires and trains conscientious workers will know when a roof needs to be sealed by hand and to be mindful of the temperature rating of the materials. A reputable roofing company is busy for good reason—their job is first-rate and their craftsmanship will last for a long time. If you are at all concerned about your roof’s lifespan, choose only very experienced roofing contractors that guarantee their work.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that your roof can be replaced or repaired in the winter, with careful consideration from your roofing contractors.
The contractors will need to understand how winter roofing works and adhere to temperature restrictions and material needs.