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Roofing is an essential service that doesn’t take a break, regardless of the season. However, with the arrival of winter and its accompanying chill and unpredictable weather, many homeowners are often hesitant to engage a roofing contractor. This hesitation may stem from financial concerns, particularly during the holiday season, or simply from uncertainty about whether roofing work can be successfully accomplished during the winter months.
This is a question we at Nitro Roofing encounter frequently, especially from homeowners who find themselves in need of a new roof in the middle of winter. We believe in open communication and education, so let’s address this concern head-on.
For over three decades, our team at Nitro Roofing has been committed to educating homeowners about the intricacies of the roofing industry, including the feasibility of winter roofing work. We aim to dispel any doubts and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your roofing needs, no matter the season.
In this article, I will address the following inquiries:
- Is it possible to perform roofing work during the winter season?
- Is it advisable to repair or replace your roof in the winter?
- Are there any temperature specifications for installing shingles in winter?
Despite the challenges that cold weather and winter conditions present, it’s a common misperception that roofing tasks cannot be undertaken during these months but just like cold can be avoided with winter clothes, Nitro Roofing uses their special techniques and tools to do roofing in winter. At Nitro Roofing, we provide our services throughout the year, ensuring that every job is completed with precision and quality, regardless of the season.
Can roofing work be done in the winter?
Absolutely, roofing can be accomplished during the winter. However, the feasibility largely hinges on the specific weather conditions and temperatures during this season.
In Columbus, Ohio, similar to other moderate climate states, we at Nitro Roofing have the capability to replace roofs all year round. There might be a week or two where it’s excessively cold, or there’s a mix of snow, rain, or wintry weather that could temporarily halt operations.
Nonetheless, we typically have the opportunity to repair, replace, or install roofs consistently throughout all 52 weeks of the year, including the winter months. Conversely, if you’re situated in more northern regions, where winters mean extremely cold temperatures coupled with snow and ice, the scenario changes.
Such weather conditions present safety concerns for the roofing contractor and their crew. Adding elements like ice, snow, and rain to an already risky job elevates the danger levels.
While safety is crucial, the quality of the final product is of utmost importance. I can assure you that the quality of roofing work under such severe conditions would not meet our high standards, and attempting to repair or replace your roof in these conditions invariably leads to future issues.
So, in conclusion, yes, roofing can be undertaken in winter. However, it primarily depends on your geographical location and the frequency of extreme winter weather.”
Should I repair or replace my roof in the winter?
Now that you’re aware that roofing can be carried out during the winter, the question arises: is it advisable to pursue repairs or a complete roof replacement during this season?
Let’s break it down.
Should I repair my roof in the winter?
Indeed, it is crucial to address roof repairs promptly if you have an active leak, regardless of the season. Allowing a leak to persist can cause significant damage to your house, even during winter.
As soon as you detect a roof leak, don’t hesitate to contact us at Nitro Roofing, your local roofing contractor in Columbus. It’s important to note, however, that for repairs to be effective, they must be conducted in clear weather conditions.
Be aware that during winter, a prevalent issue known as ice damming can occur, which isn’t something that can be immediately rectified. An ice dam forms when snow or ice freezes at the gutter line (eaves), creating an actual dam of ice.
When the snow above the dam melts, the water is prevented from draining into your gutters due to the ice dam. This results in water stagnating on a surface that isn’t designed to handle standing water.
Eventually, this water seeps into your home until the outside temperature rises enough for the ice dam to completely melt. Unfortunately, when ice damming is already occurring, there’s nothing a roofer can do to fix a leak caused by it.
The only way to prevent ice damming is through incorporating preventative measures during a roof replacement. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to schedule a roof inspection once the snow and ice have cleared to identify any other potential issues.
Should I replace my roof in the winter?
Yes, it is possible to replace your roof during winter, but it’s your decision whether to wait or proceed. It’s crucial to remember that roofs can be replaced all year round under the right conditions.
As mentioned earlier, in Columbus, Ohio, we at Nitro Roofing have the capacity to install roofs throughout the year as we typically only experience a few weeks of heavy snow and ice, or temperatures too cold for roofing. This scenario may not apply to colder climates with extremely low temperatures and significant snow or ice.
However, as long as there’s no rain, snow, or ice, a roof replacement is always an option. The vital thing is to avoid delaying your roof replacement until it becomes urgent, even during the winter months.
Is there a temperature requirement for shingle installation in the winter?
Now you understand that a roof replacement during winter can be feasible under the right conditions. However, the question of temperature requirements for installing asphalt shingles still arises.
These shingles must be installed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure their warranty. Traditionally, shingle manufacturers stated that it needed to be 40 degrees or warmer to install shingles.
This was because shingles would crack or break when bent in cold temperatures. However, advancements in manufacturing technology have led to the creation of shingle mats (the structure that binds all the shingle components together) that are more resistant to cold temperatures.
These mats are now slightly more flexible in the cold, which facilitates the installation of asphalt shingles during the winter. Due to these enhancements, manufacturers have eliminated the previously mandated 40-degree minimum.
Despite this, it’s important to note that shingles can still be brittle in cold temperatures even though the minimum temperature requirements were removed. That’s why it’s crucial to warm up or thaw out the shingles prior to installation at Nitro Roofing in Columbus.
If this isn’t done, even a slight bend in frozen shingles can cause them to break and crack, rendering them entirely ineffective.”
How We Roof in the Winter?
When it comes to roofing in the winter in Columbus, what may appear as challenges aren’t really significant hurdles. For example, if your roof is blanketed in snow, we at Nitro Roofing will simply clear it off before starting our work. While this is necessary to access the actual roof, it doesn’t take much time.
Furthermore, the cold weather, except under extreme conditions, isn’t as troublesome as one might imagine. As seasoned roofers, we dress suitably and keep ourselves warm through diligent work. Some roofers actually prefer the briskness of winter to the scorching heat of summer.”
What Temperature is Too Cold for Roofing?
When it comes to roofing in the winter in Columbus, it’s crucial to closely monitor the temperature. While most materials can be installed in any weather, fiberglass shingles should only be installed when the temperature is 40˚ F or above.
Asphalt shingles can be installed in cold weather, but this demands extra vigilance from roofers. In low temperatures, asphalt shingles can crack when bent, so at Nitro Roofing, we make sure to avoid bending any shingles during installation. These shingles also become harder to cut in colder temperatures. Cold weather also affects the air pressure of pneumatic guns, requiring adjustments to prevent over- or under-driving the nails, or alternatively, the shingles may need to be hand-nailed. Since asphalt shingles require an ideal seal with their overlapping counterparts—a seal greatly facilitated by the heat of the sun—it might take several days or longer for the weather to warm up enough to secure these seals. If the temperature falls below 40˚ F, sealant may need to be manually applied under each shingle to create a quick bond. Otherwise, when the ambient temperature of the sun warms the roof in the spring, it will activate the sealant on the back of the shingles.
Rubber and rolled roofing can also be installed in cold weather, but attention needs to be paid to the temperature of the adhesives to ensure proper bonding.
If possible, the optimal time to replace a house roof is in the spring, as consistently higher temperatures remove the need for additional care and time, enabling the shingle seals to bond quickly. However, if you wish or need to replace your roof during the winter months, it is definitely achievable.”