It’s that time of year when adverse weather conditions begin to set in. Unfortunately, this can lead to roof problems.
The first question homeowners ask in case of freezing temperatures is, “Can you replace your roof during winter?” While your first instinct may be to wait until spring to start a project like this, you can replace your roof in winter.
What’s the Best Temperature for a Winter Re-Roof?
Ideally, you should undertake a roofing installation in temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is because asphalt shingles contain petroleum-based products that are brittle in extreme heat or cold. A scorching day can cause them to dry out and crack, while too-cold temperatures can freeze them in place and make roof installation impossible.
However, several factors can affect the best temperature for a winter roof installation, including:
- Temperature range of your region
- Type of shingle or roofing material you’re installing
- Type of adhesive you use to hold down the shingle
What Issues Can Occur When Installing a Roof During Winter?
Installing a roof during winter comes with certain risks that every home or business owner should consider.
Cold Temperatures
Cold temperatures are a major factor when installing a roof during winter.
If the temperature is too cold, it can cause ice dams to form and make it difficult for workers to do their jobs. It can also cause the shingles to crack or not adhere well.
High Winds
Wind is another primary concern when installing a roof during the winter.
Extremely high winds can cause damage to equipment and workers, while moderate winds can cause delays in the installation process. In addition, if the wind is blowing at an upwards angle when installing trusses, they may not install correctly.
Excessive Snow
Many issues can occur when installing a roof during the winter months. One of these is the accumulation of snow on your roof and siding.
When the snow melts and freezes, it expands, and this expansion can cause damage to your siding. The other concern is that when there is a lot of snow on top of your roof, it can be challenging to access covered areas or even get up there safely.
How Do Roofing Professionals Mitigate Adverse Weather During Winter Installations?
Despite the challenges of a winter re-roof, you can still replace your roof during winter.
Roofing companies employ several preventative measures to ensure that cold weather doesn’t impact the installation.
They Keep Roof Shingles Warm
When it’s cold out, the last thing you want is to worry about your roof. Roofing professionals know this, so they take special precautions to keep shingles warm during winter installations.
How do they do it?
One of the easiest ways is to use hot asphalt roof cement. Hot asphalt melts snow and ice before it sticks to your roof, so you don’t have to worry about chunks of frozen precipitation falling from your roof and damaging your home.
They Properly Seal Roof Shingles
Shingle installation requires an adhesive that dries at room temperature. If you’re working in cold weather, roofing contractors apply a high-quality sealant that won’t freeze when applied to shingles.
They Use Ice and Water Shields Beneath Roofing Materials
Roofing professionals often use ice and water shields beneath roofing materials to mitigate the effects of adverse weather when replacing a roof during winter.
Ice and water shields are lightweight sheets that cover the vulnerable areas of your roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, and wall junctions. They contain a material that prevents water from seeping into these areas and damaging your home’s structure.
Ice and water shields also help protect against ice dams, which occur when the snow melts on your roof and then refreezes. This can lead to water damage inside the house if water gets past the ice shield.
Need a Roof Replacement? Contact the Experts for a Free Estimate!
We’re lucky to have milder winters in Florida compared to northern climates. However, any roof replacement, especially during winter, is best left to the professionals.
If you need a new roof or roof maintenance in Metro Orlando, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna, and the surrounding areas, AWS Roofing can help.
Our experienced team has over 30 years of experience in roofing. We commit to providing unparalleled workmanship and using high-quality materials from leading brands like GAF, Atlas, NEOGARD, and Boral.
We also offer free assessments and estimates for replacing your roof during winter so you know exactly what to expect.
Don’t hesitate to contact us or call (386) 210-9673 for your free estimate.
